wetsuit decision

[pingshui]

I need some help with a decision. I already own a 6mm Elios for when its cold, but now I am searching for something I can wear in warmer water as well, say in Egypt or pool (static).

Firstly, I could get the Orca Breathe, but I fear it could not be warm enough for static or long time in the water. I start freezing really quickly and warmth is quite important to me. But still, the suit would be fast, convenient and great for no-fins diving.

Secondly, I could get an Elios (some kind of smoothskin, I don't really get the difference between all those types). The most important decision would be if I get 2mm or 3mm. I am extremly floaty, so I would prefer 2mm, but would that be warm enough for, say 2-3 hours in the water? 3mm would be good for the lakes here in Germany during the summer time, but would probably be not flexible enough for no-fin dives. I really prefer no-fin diving. The biggest problem with Elios is though that I do not understand the differences between all their materials and would not know what to choose for proper flexibility, speed and warmth...

Any solutions to my dilemma?

 

[ptoot]

You could ask them for samples. I received a big bag of samples with my last order (they wrote the material name on it) which made it easier for me and members of my club to choose the next suit. Be precise: "2mm and 3mm samples, only smooth skin/open cell" and they'll probably help you with that. Every sample was roughly the size of two credit cards, which allowed us to bend and stretch it to get a good impression.

 

[pingshui]

Sounds like a goof idea, but I would have to order something first, before they send send the samples, or pay 30€ for the shipping.

Is 2mm usually enough for pool static?

 

[martin366]

2mm Elios Heiwa is very warm in pool

 

[pingshui]

Will it be warm enough for Eqypt as well?

 

[Kars]

Pingshui,

In order to give any meaning full suggestions I need to know some water temperatures.

I get cold quickly too, I'm very skinny and tall.

I went to Egypt once, and in the 26c water the full 3mm High density suit was too warm for depth diving. In the competition I wore only the upper piece.

For static if greatly depends on the water temperature. I recall shivering and being very cold in my 3mm. In most pools the water is 26/27c and there I need a 5mm.
At my local pool the small 30c pool and there I'm happy with 3mm vest and 3mm pants.

The Orca sounds like a good choice for your Egypt adventures.

 

[Simos]

I've never tried either a 2mm or 3mm (I dive in 5mm elios) so take this with a pinch of salt but I have a feeling 3mm will prove more useful overall.

It really depends on water temp and how long you want to spend in the water - you will get cold no matter what the thickness of the suit is, it's just a question of how long it will take and whether that's acceptable for you.

When I was in Cyprus last June, I was too hot with the 5mm elios and wore only the top - at first even the top was too hot and I had to keep flushing the hood etc but after quite a few dives and time in the water, I did get eventually cold.

I guess another option if you prefer a 2mm is to go for it and then wear an additional 1mm layer (vest) under when you need some extra warmth.

 

[Fondueset]

Just to thicken the soup.
I've a 3 mil elio - smooth out/open in. 3 mil is plenty flexible for no fins. 5 mil is plenty flexible for no fins.

Based on your application - pool work, hot egyptian water - I'd go 2 mil with nylon on the inside. Have it cut for a mono fin so you are comfy with arms over the head.

The orcas have great reviews. I didn't like mine - but it was too bloody warm for the 84f water last time I was in the bahamas. At that temp I do not need a suit. However - my Orca was thicker than the breathe - its a good choice but won't cover your head.

I say 2 - 1.5m elios - smooth out/nylon in - heiwa or yamamoto.

 

[sross]

Based on your application - pool work, hot egyptian water - I'd go 2 mil with nylon on the inside.

Agreed. With 1.5 or 2 mm thick neoprene the durability is too low if you don't get nylon coating.

The orcas have great reviews. - its a good choice but won't cover your head.

IME this is actually an advantage for warm water. I've been using a 1-piece with a separate hood for warm water (3 mm torso & legs, 2 mm arms, 1 mm hood). I like the 1-piece style for warm water because you don't have 2 layers of neoprene on your midriff like you do with traditional "top with attached hood & pants" freediving suits.

I find having a separate hood is a good way to regulate temperature. If I'm feeling chilly, I put the hood on, and it does seem to make me feel warmer, and taking the hood off helps me cool down if I'm going to be active & generate a bit more heat.

I say 2 - 1.5m elios - smooth out/nylon in - heiwa or yamamoto.

If you're going to go with Elios, I would recommend going with their 1-piece model ( http://www.eliossub.com/assets/images/tritlon.jpg ) and ordering a hood to go with it.

With the really thin suits durability is an issue, and I think choosing a tougher neoprene is the way to go.

 

[Fondueset]

Sross - one issue. I think a nylon lining is needed for durability. There really are no tougher grades of neoprene - near as I can tell.

 

[pingshui]

Thanks for all the great answers! There is only one last thing. I might want to dive in the Mediterranian, and there 2mm would be too cold, even in summer, right?

Enjoy your Holidays! "Christkind" is near

 

[Kars]

Thanks for all the great answers! There is only one last thing. I might want to dive in the Mediterranian, and there 2mm would be too cold, even in summer, right?

Enjoy your Holidays! "Christkind" is near

Depents on the spot, the place you dive in, the depth, the weather etc.

Doing a competition dive, 2mm would ok nice for me.

For recreational use in North East Spain I used 3mm + 3mm vest. 1 - 2 hours of ok recreational diving. It's my 3mm High density Elios Smoothskin, nylon inside. A pretty stiff suit.

 

[Simos]

Thanks for all the great answers! There is only one last thing. I might want to dive in the Mediterranian, and there 2mm would be too cold, even in summer, right?

Enjoy your Holidays! "Christkind" is near

The Mediterranean is a very broad term pingshui In Cyprus for example, you should be fine with a 2mm in the summer but of course it depends on the type of diving (time, depth etc).

I've swam in other Meditteranean countries and there was a significant difference in temperature.. Having said this, if you are doing lots of shallow dives (<15m) and swimming in between you will even be fine with no suit in some countries.

 

[pingshui]

I made up my mind to go for a 3mm Elios smoothskin. The only thing I don't know yet is if I should get nylon inside or not. It will help with durability, but doesn't the nylon make it hard to get into, as lubes probably won't help? Open cell would probably be warmer, wouldn't it?

Kars, you say your suit is stiff? I really don't want a stiff suit anymore, since I already own one (6mm nylon outside) and don't like it too much.

 

[martin366]

3mm without nylon is tooo fragile, but very comfy
With nylon is very easy to get in

 

[pingshui]

alright, I guess it will be with nylon then. Hope it won't make me freeze...

 

[esom]

egypt?

e.g. dahab and sharm can be quite different 2 deg celsius ist not unusual- sharm is the warmer place by the way, and there are other luxurious things you have to pay a lot more for in sharm.
what i want to tell you: i think almost everybody is very happy about at least 3mm in dahab until beginning of june. from january to march its nice to have at least one part 5mm and a hood-it´s often windy in dahab!

...sun kills smooth in 6 month of every day diving

regards

 

[pingshui]

Thanks Esom! If I get cold I will wear an additional neoprene west then.

I don't think the sun will ever get to ruin my smoothskin, since it won't see it on a daily basis. Once a week diving outside would already be great