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Wetsuit Questions

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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Wigabee

New Member
Feb 5, 2013
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I have a few wetsuit questions that may not have specific answers, I'm just looking for opinions. First of all, I notice on free diving wetsuit size charts a small is usually recommended for someone who is 5'2 to 5'4 and 130-145lbs. On the other hand, a large is recommended for someone who is 5'10 to 6'0 and 170-190lbs. My predicament is that I am 6'0 and 130lbs. This is the max height for a large and the minimum poundage for a small! I guess I am wondering how flexible and forgiving these suits really are. I know custom sizing may very well be my only option but I don't want to break the bank. As far as sizing, I'm just looking for options. Finally, on to the thickness aspect which is another very opinionated topic. I am considering a 5mm open cell with hood, gloves and boots. I am curious as to how cold the average person could go in such a setup and at what water temperature they might overheat if at all. I noticed that in the gear recommendations for the Seattle PFI course it says that a 5mm will be needed for pool and ocean sessions. If a 5mm could be used in a 55 degree ocean and an 80 degree pool, than I have found my thickness. I'm just wondering if that's possible. Thank you for your time and I hope I didn't overwhelm. I look forward to replies!
 
wigabee, after numerous off the peg wetsuits bought to save money & having them where they dont fit quite right, I would advise you to bite the bullet and pay the extra for a custom wetsuit.Its false economy otherwise, unless you can try the wetsuit on first.Even then there is nothing like a custom suit to rival comfort and warmth.If you do go for an off the peg, be aware(if your not already) that a size 5 in say an Omer is not the same as a size 5 in Beuchat etc.Best to try on first if not going the custom route.
 
Aqualand wetsuits will make you a custom for about the same price of an off-the-peg.

Seems like a no-brainier for someone of your unique proportions.
 
Reactions: Kars
For male divers I highly recommend a custom suit with a pissette installed. Peeing in your suit will compromise its ability to keep you warm. Also, an open cell suit stinks to high heaven after peeing in it all day. At over 6'4" tall and about 205-210 a custom suit is mandatory for me.
If you do get the pissette don't think that it is a catheter. You don't just put your hands behind your head and let it fly. First of all you've got to make sure that you are inside the thing. Second you've got to physically grab it, just as you do when you step up to pee in the terrestrial world. You reach inside your wetsuit top, under the Beaver tail and grab it. You are grabbing a neoprene tube and you are inside it. If you are looking to make the most of a suit in terms of warmth, and if you are a male, then get the pissette.

I was custom measured for my suit (no they do not measure you for the pissette) and had it in about a month. I like my 3.5mm so much that I also bought a 2mm suit.
 
With your dimensions, no off the shelf suit is going to fit decently. Its custom for you, period. I haven't shopped price for a while, but when I did, custom wasn't much more than off the shelf, if you shop around. Look at Elios, be careful of the shipping costs, but they used to be hardly more than name brand off the shelf and are among the worlds best suits.

In a course, you don't move around much, so you need a warmer suit than for spearfishing or other, more active types of diving. Still, 5 mil in an 80 degree pool sounds like heat stoke.

Connor
 
I know this has been dead for a while but I have really come to like the aqualand wetsuits mentioned earlier. There are a lot of options that go into choosing one for them to make. If anyone would be so kind, I am kind of confused on what one or two piece really means, whether I would want wrist and ankle waterseals, and whether a tight or relaxed fit is best. Also what are the benefits of the different materials on inside (lycra or shark cell) and outside (lycra or slickskin) are. Finally, do you think a 5mil or 3mil would best extend my season? I dive in lakes where the temp is 80deg F at best in the summer and freezes in winter. Thanks for the time! I really appreciate it!
 
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