is there really a difference

[sravin1]

I am a newbie and am looking for wetsuits. I see plenty of comanies and a varied price range. I want to know if it is actually worth the money for an expensive wetsuit when you can get the same kind (3, 5, 7mm) cheaper by buying a different brand.

[rumblefish]

Fit, fit, and fit are the most important factors for wetsuits. A poor fitting wetsuit will not provide good warmth.

Sure, more expensive suits will add nice bells and whistles like zippers on the extremities and reenforced spine pads, but those will not help if the suit doesn't fit right. So, to answer your original question, a cheap wetsuit can provide as good protection as a more expensive wetsuit if it fits right.

[character157]

Best thing to do is try some on and get it to fit perfectly. If the perfect fit costs a bit more its worth the cash especially when you pass the thermocline and the water gets cold(the low 50's up here).

[Defman]

One more vote for buying the suit that fits you, not the one with the label you like on it.

In theory, more expensive suits might be more durable. I can't say one way or another on that since, except for one Parkway, I have always owned Henderson/Neosport suits since they fit me well. ST has/had some swinging deals on the 2007 Henderson Thermoprene suits, very nice suits. Since they are highly elastic there's a good chance one would fit you.

[sravin1]

thanks a lot, I am however surprised the a medium wet suit from differnt companies fit differently. I hve tried a couple and they both fit similar. how much is the variance?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by sravin1

thanks a lot, I am however surprised the a medium wet suit from differnt companies fit differently. I hve tried a couple and they both fit similar. how much is the variance?

Some companies fit is similar, others are vastly different. Also, some body types are easier to fit than others.

You just gotta try them on until you find the one that fits well, and is the right price.

[wmspdi]

I always hated wet suits because my body type never quite fit the manufacturer's patterns. I recently picked up a ScubaPro Form 6.5mm wet suit made of a hyperstretch type material and the fit was great. There are some who will say the stretch suits don't last as long as the regular neoprene suits, but I would rather replace a mid price suit that fits me every two or three years (at $265.00 MSRP) than struggle with a more expensive, an less flexible neoprene suit that I will hate for a few years longer.

[Ryanh1801]

I will say fit is the most important, and you would be amazed at how different companys sizes compare. But, IMO Pinnical makes some of the niceist suits made.

[Vercingetorix]

If the wetsuit don't fit, then you will quit (the dive, that is, because you're cold)

[Sansho]

You can look at the manufacturers web sites to find out the wetsuit sizing. As someone else said, fit, fit, fit is what's important.