which is warmer? 5mm+1mm or 7mm

[junzhang]

Just wondering which way is a better choice for cool water, I have a 1mm neo sport jumpsuite, if I wear this inside a 5mm wetsuit, is it comparable to a 7mm?

[longtailbda]

No its not comparable; however depending on what you believe cool water is 5mm may be enough.

[texdiveguy]

The 7mil will provide superior thermo protection over the layered 5mil+1mil.

[junzhang]

well, i am thinking about 50~55F minimum, don't know if that would be too cold for me, with 5mm wetsuit, 5mm hood and gloves

[mitsuguy]

depends on your overall resiliency to cold and how long the dive(s) will be...

I was comfy in a 7/5 in 55 degree water, but only with thick gloves and hood... at the same time, a shorty is all I need in 72 degree water for a 80 minute dive...

At the same time, I'm ok in a 4/3 in 58 degree water for 10-15 minutes at a time, and I can spend a decent amount of time with a 2 mil shorty under the 4/3 at 58 degrees...

everyone is different, you are better off being warm, so err on the side of caution...

[Athena2c]

I recommend the 7mm for those temps. I'm usually good in mine in Monterey...start noticing the cold at about 48 degrees.

[matt151617]

Get the 7mm. I doubt you'll have problems with being too warm in 55 degree water.

[chris408]

For me, I usually good in the mid-50's in a 7mm full with a 7mm hooded vest.

It really depends on a person's own definition/tolerance of cold.

[bubbletrubble]

At the very least, get a 7mm wetsuit. As others have hinted, you may want to consider layering a hooded vest. If you forego the hooded vest, definitely get a thick hood + gloves. The hood should probably be 7mm, but your 5mm might do the trick. 3mm gloves are a nice compromise between warmth and flexibility.

Our local waters are in the low to mid-50s now. I'm very cozy in my drysuit, but I prefer diving wet when I can. I wouldn't even think to dive wet until the water temp gets into the low 60s. I'm kind of a warm water wimp. I tend to move slowly photographing macro-critters, so I'll get much colder over the course of an hourlong dive than a diver who's constantly kicking.

Have fun and stay warm.

[junzhang]

Originally Posted by chris408

For me, I usually good in the mid-50's in a 7mm full with a 7mm hooded vest.

It really depends on a person's own definition/tolerance of cold.

Does it mean you have 14mm for the core? if so, when you have your 7mm wetsuit on only, will it be a bit too loose?

I have already get a 5mm and a 1mm full wetsuit, I have them together when I go to cooler water. But I think I need some more warmth. So I just wonder, should I buy a 7mm and have it alone (or with my 1mm inside), or buy a vest/core warmer to be added in my 5mm? if I should go for a core warmer, how thick would be reasonable for both warmth/flexibility (my 5mm wetsuit might be too tight if I fit in another 5 or 7 mil..)