John or full suit

[James]

Which is a better value:
A 5 mil full with a hood or a 3 mil John and Jacket?

My home is Sarasota, FL but I hear that at least a 5 mil is needed during the winter months. Will the two layers of 3 mil with the John and Jacket give me the same warmth as a full 5mil?

I tried asking at a couple different dive shops in the area and got different opinions based on what they had for sale at the time.

James

[RoadRacer1978]

Amazing, what ever they had was exactly what you needed and what they didn't you have no use for... lol. Typical. I only have a 5/4/3 mm Mares westuit and a seperate 5 mm hood. Live in Oklahoma so not really sure what will be best for you, but there are some others on here from Florida that can probably give you some pros and cons of each so you can make your own mind up.

[subsur]

5 mm one piece suit that fits you the best is better than almost good fit of 3 mm farmer john style (6mm total on torso).
also depends how easily you get cold. if you get cold easily, then get farmer john that fits you the best.

[James]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Let me also add:
I do not tend to get cold easily, but I have never been completely surrounded by water and out of the sun for an extended period of time.

I am looking for something that will be versitlie so I can use in late fall to early spring. I used a full 3 mil suit three weeks ago for my cert. dives and it was okay, but I started to get a little warm and was letting a bit of water in the neck and sleeves to cool myself off.
Will a 3 mil John be too cold during Jan or Feb? Anybody dive around this area during those months (Venice, Sarasota, St. Pete, Tampa, Ft. Meyers)?

James