Do I need two wetsuits??

[Ron G.]

I've been studying this site to figure out my first set of gear. I thought I had things figured out, but now I'm wondering if I need two wetsuits.

I'm planning to get one of the 2007 Henderson full Thermoprenes. I learned in Cozumel in December, went to the Domincan Republic in March and Bonaire in May. Almost everyone in all three locations was wearing full 3mm suits. (In Bonaire, my rental was a 3mm shorty, which was fine, even though 'most everyone else was wearing a long suit.) I've never felt too warm or too cold.

I'm planning to go back to Cozumel in October and Bonaire in February. I think I definitely want to have the 3mm full, but should I also get a shorty? They're only $50-60, but the packing space and weight may be the over-riding issue.

I expect to do the large majority of my diving in the Caribbean. Do I also need a shorty?

If so, which one?

Thx.

Ron

[CompuDude]

I'd just get the full. Most likely totally fine. It's easier to cool down than warm up (just pull open the neck for a moment).

I know a number of people who prefer 5mm in Coz, especially during the cooler months and when doing lots of dives. So you definitely want the long suit, but it's iffy whether you actually need the shorty. IMO.

[Rainer]

Full suit is fine. I actually prefer the protection aspect of a full suit over a shorty, even in warmer waters. As CD notes, just flush some water through if you get too hot.

[thor]

Originally Posted by Rainer

Full suit is fine. I actually prefer the protection aspect of a full suit over a shorty, even in warmer waters. As CD notes, just flush some water through if you get too hot.

Agreed. Plus I have never been too warm in the water with a 3mm full suit, but I have been too cold with a shorty. Its also nice to have the knee padding when climbing a ladder in rough seas.

[scootermcfly]

I dive a full suit for the extra protection...I really like the knee pads just in case I bump into a rock at the bottom waiting for the rest of the group.

[dive10killer]

I've only been to Coz 3 times. Each time I dove a 3MM shorty and was fine. My wife was chilly in a 3MM full. Everyone is differant.

[comet24]

Young Jedi you will soon find thre, then four, five and even six wetsuits with your gear. They just seem to multiply.

I almost alway dive in a full suit. I like the protection and get cold easy. My short have been used in pools almost exclusively. It's the suit that gets the least use and it was the first one I bought. I currently have 5 wetsuit. I don't know how I ended up with so many.

[buddhasummer]

I too would just get the full suit, for portection against cuts and stings etc more than anything, having said that after multiple dives in any given day you can often get progressively colder so a full suit can be more comfortable. Personally I dive a full 5mm in all tropics but I do feel the cold more than most it seems.

[rumblefish]

I think you should also take into account how many dives you plan on doing per day. I am usually very good at coping with the cold. However, after the 3rd day of diving 4-5 dives per day in Bonaire, I started to feel the cold.

[longtailbda]

If you want to start with just 1 suit I'd go with the full for the protection. I would also look at front zip not rear; that way if you do get warm it will be easier to open up a tad to get a little fresh, cooler H2O circulating.