Thinking about buying a wetsuit for fall/winter hunting. 90% of the time I'm lunging and seldom more than 75'. Mostly dive in Miami and Keys but venture out WC to about Tarpon Springs and EC to about Daytona Bch. I'm thinking an all around suit (that I might be able to use in spring too if such exists), I'm pretty hot-blooded so seldom get the chilly willys (in spring/summer, use lycra tights). Aside from keeping me warm in the cold, I've heard its good to use for bouyancy, increases downtime:rolleyes:, jellyfish protection, and so fourth.

Any advice on type brand, thickness, camo design:rolleyes:, 1 piece or 2 piece, hood no hood, type of material (inside&out), as well as, any personal details-type of stitching and where, pockets - I hear some come with a weight pocket in the upperback - as well as any other details, insight. Would be greatly appreciated:smnotworthy:

Two-piece, 3 mm. You can always choose to wear the top w/o the bottom or substitute a rash guard for a top over the bottoms. As to whether you should go high waist or farmer john, that's totally a function of personal preference. In the summer you can roll sans wetsuit. I tend to get pretty cold really quickly, so I'll usually go top/boardshorts in the summer (and you avoid those freedive sunburns on your back).

That's my .02. And yes, I am from Florida, so I'm not pulling this out of my ass.

I can't stand open cell wetsuits, inside or outside. Open cell being warmer is more of a factor for colder waters.

I love open-cell wetsuits (even in Florida). It's way more comfortable to go commando in an open-cell wetsuit. Drop some lube in there, run in place for about five minutes. Solid pre-dive warm-up. :D

so 3 mm, 2 pc, closed cell if I've understood so far?:scratchhead: any sugg. on camo vs no camo, brands (qualitywise- from actual owners) imp. to me since $$$ can be substantial- want the most for my investment, hey what about if one needs to "drain the dragon", does that mean pulling it down to the knees? :moon:, or do the pants bring a dragon drainer device- as you can tell I'm a wetsuit novice any input appreciated.

hey what about if one needs to "drain the dragon", does that mean pulling it down to the knees? :moon:, or do the pants bring a dragon drainer device- as you can tell I'm a wetsuit novice any input appreciated.[/QUOTE]


JUST GO MAN!(Dumb and Dumber refrence) Just look at it as pre-warmed water so you're actually preserving body heat.. Never mind the yellow water running across the deck:D

Never mind the yellow water running across the deck:D

Actually, you have to be heads up if you're diving with me and happen to be aft of my position when we're getting up on plane. :D


Back to the thread . . . I would still advocate open-cell suits. Yes, they're more fragile and slightly aggravating to put on - not too mention more expensive -, but I really do prefer them.

I would go with the hood. They used to bother the shit out of me, but I've really grown to like them and now vastly prefer suits with hoods.

Weight pockets in the wetsuit? I vote no. Invest in a quality Marseilles-style rubber belt - a number of manufacturers produce solid variants - and roll that way.

As far as nylon or slick-skin outside - I've heard great things about the "Chicle"-style suits, but those are definitely going to be more fragile with regard to abrasion and tearing.

To camo or not to camo? I have both camo suits and flat color suits. I can't say that I notice a difference (except that you feel like hot shit in camo pattern). If you think chicks will dig it, I say get camo.

Hopefully a few other locals will chime in here.


Andrew

Hmmm:slap:feelin' stupid right 'bout now, just thought that piss soaking into the wetsuit after a hole days dive wouldn't go over well with the crew, on the next dive, guess a rinse solves it huh?

I've always used my surfing wetsuit(not open cell) for freediving..but I guess I'm gonna try the closed cell this year after talking with Gamble about it's(closed cell) superior warmth/thickness ratio. He's got me talked into the "Hammerhead" brand wetsuit made in Cali, says they're great quality and a reasonable price.

3/2 mm suit works great for me winter add vest and hood.. we dive year round multi-season use..summer/ hot days longsleve rash guard and board shorts imo

OH and Ima phat bastard

Sp far I have only been in the gulf and board shorts and a .5mm rash guard with a SPF of 50 has been working great!

On my check out dives at Weeki Wachee springs the water temp was 72 and after that first burst of cold water my 3mm 1 piece was more than enough, Add a hood and a pair of gloves and it would have been more than enough.

Im think that at the coldest times of year round here a 5mm would be more than plenty.

THe question your asking is a very broad one, there is not 1 perfect all around suit. that is why they make so many different style and thickness. They all work great in there areas where that they are designed for. I would say a 3mm is good from 60-80 water, 5mm 50-60, and 7mm for colder. get anycolder than 40 and your gonna need a dry suit. It all depends on the person, I have met people who wont dive in 85 degree water without a 3mm suit...

I personally like the 1 piece with a zipper in the back, 3mm is a good suit and will be used alot in this area. when the tempature drops this winter I will prolly invest in a 5mm.

TY all for the advice

will look into a 3mm, 2pc although not perfect under all conditions i think it will do for most of my diving.

Any recommendation on places in and around miami that has "great" prices?

Teh internet is your friend when shopping for spearing gear...

I can tell you how many good deals I have found...

Good place to compare prices is www.leisurepro.com, not many places advertise lower but most will price match!

Thanks again to all that posted and PM'd me will definately go with a 3 mil,2 pc- liking the camo for the "chick thing":smthumbup:

still disputing the open/closed cell seems like open on the inside and closed on the outside might be a happy medium, if it exists:scratchhead:

will tap into those referals provided

:smnotworthy:

After some research I've decided to purchase a picasso 3mm

http://www.picassoamerica.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=2_21

either the Camu or Camu thermo-flex...does anybody have one that can comment on it???

Anyone local (miami) carry it???

Im going to pick up a Spetton suit next in a 5mm deal and the Kelp Camo pattern. www.neptonicsystems.com (http://www.neptonicsystems.com) sells them for $362

Seriously check out the new Hammerhead suit before you buy any of the others,


I have a 3ml farmer john black open cell inside closed cell out side suit by diveskin I will sell if anyone needs a suit.

Thx Gamble & Teh,

Gamble I think Hammer had posted in regards to their suit and it does seem like a well made product, and price right (if my memory doesn't fade me) if someone local carries it that would be great, IMHO I think a wetsuit should be tried on to make sure its a right fit.

Kevin will be at Dema in Orlando tomorrow through Sat and then my house the rest of the time I think. I'm pretty sure he will have suits with him and is planning on hitting a few dive shops to set up distributors up in Florida. I believe Florida Freedivers has them or soon will.

Thx Gamble & Teh,

Gamble I think Hammer had posted in regards to their suit and it does seem like a well made product, and price right (if my memory doesn't fade me) if someone local carries it that would be great, IMHO I think a wetsuit should be tried on to make sure its a right fit.


In my opinion I think you should buy a custom made suit. It will fit you perfect and will keep you warm. Check out diveskin.net

THX again guys:smthumbup:

I have only had one freediving suit but I really like my spetton 3mil.
http://www.spetton-usa.com/home.aspx
It is quality built and warm, and a good deal. I have had many scuba suits, but never one so well made or efficient as this freediving suit.
Pablo is also a cool guy to deal with.

thx lurch, they do make some nice suits, the digi camo is interesting:smthumbup:

Is there a reason(s) FOR or AGAINST scuba divers wearing Freedivers (in Gambles case...freeswimmer :biggrinangelA:) wetsuits???
I think they're ALOT nicer in some ways...
and with my chisled physique' THE CAMMO PATTERNS HAVE A SLIMMING EFFECT...lmao

Is there a reason(s) FOR or AGAINST scuba divers wearing Freedivers (in Gambles case...freeswimmer :biggrinangelA:) wetsuits???
I think they're ALOT nicer in some ways...
and with my chisled physique' THE CAMMO PATTERNS HAVE A SLIMMING EFFECT...lmao

most good freediving suits are made with softer yamamoto neoprene and have a working depth of 50/70ft after that you'll flatten it. Heiwa neopreme is good for 80/100ft. I have a yazbeck and love it but I don't take it on my deeper stuff because it will end up a 1ml :eek: otherwise it's the best suit I've ever had.