Need Help with getting a .5mm or 1mm wetsuit for a woman

[debbieb]

Thanks, Zenagirl, I have heard of them, but don't want to go the custom route yet anyway. Did take a look at their website.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by debbieb

Sparky, I actually know quite a few gals who are "dive goddesses" out there! Hubby said he would not be seen with me in public if I toted one of them, as they are to how shall I say it, vibrant for his liking, though some of them are pretty cool. At this rate, who knows, I may try one of their more calmer ones. I have heard of custom suits, but for a .5mm or 1mm, is it really worth it?

Custom suits will last longer. Off the rack suit much be made of very soft rubber so they will fit many different shapes of divers but a custom can be made of a longer lasting, more sturdy material. I'm finding that off the rack suits only last for 200 dives or so. I think you could get 350 out of a custom suit.

Also the .5mm would not hold up. get at least 1mm.

Next idea is to by a larger wetsuit and then have it costomized. It is not expensive to have the seams cut open, trimmed and re-glued. Maybe expect to pay $50. Send in your old suit an see what they can do. I'd suggest a local shop but it they don't have any loacal wetsuit makers in your area JMJ out here is good. The guys there have been making wetsuits "forever".

[csky]

You might check out Scubapro -- they used to make an 0.5 mm full suit called the Steamer (came in other thicknesses too). They may have moved on to other versions but I think the basic principle is the same.

I have the old version and it is my default suit for warm water. I have the opposite problem with length and have to roll up the arms and legs a lot so I suspect the cut may work well for you. Also, I think Scubapro had a lot of different sizes so I was able to see what worked. I like the 0.5 mm better than a 3 mm shorty -- it's thin so clings better and actually feels warmer (compared to most 3 mm which tend to have more water running through). Though it doesn't seem much thicker it is much warmer than a dive skin which really doesn't seem to insulate me at all. When it gets really cold (for warm water), I just put the 3 mm on over it.

So far it has lasted over 100 dives, so pretty good value for the money!