New to diving, what wetsuit for warm water diving?

[MichaelinDallas]

Going to the BVI's in march and was wondering what mm wetsuit I should buy? Any recommendations of make and model?

Michael

[Gombessa]

Being incredibly wimpy, I want a 5mm suit in waters from 70-80 degrees, and a 3mm full suit in anything above that, especially if you're doing multiple dives a day. I can get away with a 3mm full wetsuit in 70 degrees for two dives, but by the end of the second dive I'm actively trying to conserve heat.

I know others who don't even bother wearing a wetsuit down to 70 degrees.

[snagel]

In Mexico in November I dive either a 2mm or 3mm shorty and am fine. Actually, I have dove Raw and was fine in Mexico also. In cold water I'm a wimp.

S. Nagel

[WV Diver]

A 3mm suit would do most people in those temps. There are the exceptions of course and warm being a relative term it is hard to guess what any individual will need.

Be honest with yourself, if you are prone to cold you may need more but the odds are you will be fine in a 3mm.

And I do like the comfort of my Henderson Hyperstretch.

[whse56]

Like WV Diver love my 3m Henderson Hyperstretch. If you get a too thin of a suit you'll get cold but if your suit is a little thicker you may get warm but you can cool yourself fairly easily by leaving your suit unzipped a little and pulling the neck out and flushing some fresh water over your chest area. That usually cools you down pretty quick. Of course the disadvantage of a thicker suit is the added weight you have to carry and it tends to affect your mobility a little.

[CODMAN]

WV gave you great advice. I use a 3/2mm in the caribean and am fine. I prefer fullsuits to shorties, since you get complete abrasion/ sting protection (damn that fire coral!!). Although, you should never come in contact with animals or the reef itself.

Personally, I am partial to Bare products. I find they are a better deal than the Henderson line (they are considerably less expensive). But the most important would be to try them on and buy the one that fits best both your body and your budget! Fit really is the most important factor once you decide on the thickness you need.

Cheers!

[azdiver]

I have an xcel 2/1.5 that I use when i go to the caribbean in March. I also bring it with me on other trips to the south pacific or if i'm going to be diving somewhere for more than a week. It's a front zip and when i get too warm i just unzip it. I love that it's quite stretchy and if i find that it's not quite warm enough the last day or so, i just layer my lycra under it and keep is zipped all the way up.

[Grin]

I would say a 3/2 should be the correct suit for that. As long as the waters around 80 degrees you should be happy with that. 3/2 is probably good down to around 75 degree water, then you'll want something a little warmer like a hooded 3mm or a 5mm suit. I snorkled around in a 3/2 for a week in the Bahamas in 73-75 degree water and wished I had something just one step warmer that that. It was just doable but I wished I had brought my 3mm suit with a hood attached for that.

[azdiver]

Don't know if these are being made anymore but I also own a aeroskin that is lined with polartec. I wore it when I dove Rarotonga, Cook Islands and the water ranged from 74-76 degrees.

[SarahBella]

Last July when I dove in the Gulf off Tampa Bay I brought my Henderson 3mm and did not need it...I am prone to being cold and found the water to be great...March would be a different story though. Start with a 3-If its a front zip you can vent by unzipping and if its a back zip like mine you can vent by pulling the collar out to let some water in. Most of wetsuit choice is a matter of personal comfort which you will find after you do it.