What’s preferred a dry or wet suit

Jim in MA

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Apr 21, 2011
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I use a dry suit in cold weather and wet suit in warm weather.
 

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billb

billb

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Jim in MA. Thanks again
 

CASPER-2

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Wet 7mm
when i was younger heard stories of guys drowning with old style waders - personally knew a hunter that
barely made it out because he pushed limits
also heard - when i was younger -of no less than 3 guys drowning with dry suits that got a tear and filled up like a water balloon fast
no way out of them quickly
wet suit - if you use weights on a quick release belt - one flip and it drops off and wet suit will float - specially
the thicker ones
i get tired before i get cold
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OBN

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I hunt year round, water only...waist deep to shoulders mostly.

Have.......2 drysuits and 2 wetsuits...One drysuit is for extreme cold (water 30F to 50F), the other for spring and fall (water 50F to 65F). Both have dryglove systems that fit to the suits. Wetsuits go on june, july and Aug when the water temps are warmer (65F & up). My wetsuits are farmer johns, much easier to deal with as far as getting in & out.

For me the most important thing is being able to hunt any condition and anytime.
 

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billb

billb

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Casper-2 thank you for the great advice
 

DizzyDigger

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I wear waders currently and water always gets in making it very difficult.
Please advise what do most water hunters like

By "waders" do you mean hip boots, or are they chest waders?

If you're wearing hip boots, moving up to a decent pair of chest waders
would be the most cost effective.

These are what I've used for over 10 years, including for winter Steelhead
fishing where I'm in waist deep in 38F. water for an hour or more at a time.
Unless you're cutting weight, they're not recommend for Summer use.. evil.gif

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/2416170374?pid=434370
 

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billb

billb

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Thanks again for your reply
 

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billb

billb

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OBN Thank You for the great advice
 

ctdirtdigger

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I have two wetsuits, 3mm & 5mm, both jumpsuit style suits for easier entry and exit and I use a 14lb. quick release weight belt to hold me down. I use these suits in the warmer months June, July & August but have been able to get away with the 5mm wetsuit until mid-October sometimes. Depends on the weather. I wanted to extend my season longer in the Fall and certainly start earlier in the Spring, so OBN was kind enough to "counsel"' me on drysuits. I also fitted mine with a dryglove system and a P-valve, as recommended. I was also lucky enough to find on Craigslist a DUI fleece undergarment(s) for drysuits, although there are less expensive options for that.

I was in the water last week for several hours, the water temp was 42° and I was very comfortably warm in the drysuit. I'll be in the water again this Monday.
 

OBN

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I have two wetsuits, 3mm & 5mm, both jumpsuit style suits for easier entry and exit and I use a 14lb. quick release weight belt to hold me down. I use these suits in the warmer months June, July & August but have been able to get away with the 5mm wetsuit until mid-October sometimes. Depends on the weather. I wanted to extend my season longer in the Fall and certainly start earlier in the Spring, so OBN was kind enough to "counsel"' me on drysuits. I also fitted mine with a dryglove system and a P-valve, as recommended. I was also lucky enough to find on Craigslist a DUI fleece undergarment(s) for drysuits, although there are less expensive options for that.

I was in the water last week for several hours, the water temp was 42° and I was very comfortably warm in the drysuit. I'll be in the water again this Monday.
Sounds like you got it down...Good!!
 

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billb

billb

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Thanks for your advice ,I being in Rhinebeck NY it’s hard for me to drive to Conn.go hunting and drive back.I think you are in Conn.it would be great to try the ocean over there.is there restrictions on what beaches to go to.
 

NowandThenTreasures

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I have a 7mm farmer john style wet suit, a 3mm standard zip wet suit
IMG_384.jpg IMG_385.jpg
as well very warm "late season" waders along with a rash guard top & bottom which I wear under whatever suit I choose.
20200406_172812.jpg
Where I am detecting and conditions. I have used both in the last week. Waders are much quicker to get in and out of (for me).
As Casper recommends, gloves can be a big asset in recovering items. I have different pair of thick & thinner kevlar gloves too. Not only for fanning powdery sand, but in case you get your hand into some fishing lures, hooks, jelly fish, rusty, sharp pieces of cans, etc.

20200403_165703.jpg 20200406_171209.jpg
A hood can help keep you warm too.
20200406_171017.jpg 20200406_171010.jpg
Some waterproof headphones or earbuds are a must.
a Waterproof lanyard for car keys, cellphone, wallet has proven very handy for me too
20200406_172005.jpg
 

G.I.B.

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The simple answer:

Wet suit when you gotta pee.

Dry suit when you don't.
 

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