Looking for a wet suit, but not sure what to order = advice needed!

[DeepseekerADS]

Back during the Winter I was visiting the coast and hitting thrift stores. At two different locations, I tried on wet suits, both sized as "Average", one I couldn't get completely on, and the other I couldn't even get my legs into it and had a heck of a time peeling it off.

I'm not average, I'm skinny as a rail! 5'-10" and 140 lbs.

I looked at a few websites, and one even gave dimensional data, like waist size. But I don't trust a lot of what I see or read.

Wet suits are not a common sale item in this rural mountain area where I dwell.

Looking for tips, maybe good reliable on-line vendors, or just anything to point me in a better direction.

Thanks for all input

I wanna go Deep!

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Fit is the most important factor when purchasing a wetsuit. You must try on the wetsuit, as every wetsuit manufacturer's size chart is different. Thickness is also important. The thicker the suit, the warmer. 'Smoothie' neoprene, stretches better and is warmer in windy conditions. Seams are also important. The types of seams used in a wetsuit differ greatly.

An "Overlock" seam, is found on inexpensive suits. This type of stitch lasts forever but it is not watertight, and can cause skin irritation or a rash as it protrudes against the skin.

A "Flatlock" seam, is a flat stitch that does not push into your skin like the overlock. It is not watertight, but does not cause as much of a rash or chaffing problem.

The "Blindstitch," is a flat stitch that does not penetrate all the way through the neoprene, so there are no stitch holes. It is watertight which makes a tremendous difference. Blindstich seams are found only on more expensive wetsuits.

Last but not least, wetsuit zippers - or closures, are extremely important. "Back-zip" suits are the most common type. Look for a sturdy metal zipper (rather than plastic), and thick flaps behind the zipper to prevent water flushes. You would look for the same qualities in a "Shoulder-zip" suit.

Good luck!

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Thanks Terry. Looks like I'll need to shop at a dive shop instead of ordering on-line.

You certainly gave me some input here I'd have never thought about.

 

[RustyGold]

Or go to a surf shop and get an O'Neill wetsuit.

 

[The Urban Prospector]

Bring a bottle of "Monkey Butt" or other brand of baby powder when putting on the suits....it really helps getting them on/off. Also don't pull on small portions of the suit as they can tear. Displace the pressure by grabbing large handfuls instead. Only other thing I would add is that it is a fine line between the suit being snug yet not too snug and restrictive.

 

[mnruxpin]

keep it tight, it should be a little tough to get in and out of if it fits right. sucks but they do keep you warm that way

 

[CASPER-2]

you should look for a farmer john - 2 piece
minimum of 5mm - I wear 7mm in Jan. Feb ---7mm boots and gloves
hands, feet, heart and head - most important to keep warm - I try not to get my head wet - I will hunt rough waters in warmer weather
but wont in winters - so I try never to get my head wet in winters
so hands - feet and heart is what I worry about
it took some time in the beginning - no one out there when I started cold water hunting to help me - got hypothermia a few times - almost got frostbite in my feet
but suit I put together now - I get tired before I get cold usually - I can comfortably go 2-3 hrs depending on air temp and if sun is out
you will find article I wrote on winter hunting here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/casper-2/
always here to help if you any questions

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Back during the Winter I was visiting the coast and hitting thrift stores. At two different locations, I tried on wet suits, both sized as "Average", one I couldn't get completely on, and the other I couldn't even get my legs into it and had a heck of a time peeling it off.

I'm not average, I'm skinny as a rail! 5'-10" and 140 lbs.

I looked at a few websites, and one even gave dimensional data, like waist size. But I don't trust a lot of what I see or read.

Wet suits are not a common sale item in this rural mountain area where I dwell.

Looking for tips, maybe good reliable on-line vendors, or just anything to point me in a better direction.

Thanks for all input

I wanna go Deep!

I think you said in a PM your going to be in Orlando, if you don't need it before then then wait and pm me when your in Orlando. I have 4-6 pairs and may have one you might like.... They are all used but in good shape. Sizes run small. I am 5'11, 220 and I wear XXXL in wetsuits, I wear L-XL in polo shirts and 38" jeans....

If I am at a garage sale and see a wet suit and it is cheap I buy it...... I bought 2 of them one day, both were XL and paid $1.00 each as it was a Sunday and they were still there. I sold them on EBay for $40 each......

 

[DeepseekerADS]

TH

When I head South, my initial visit will be in Sarasota. And then I'm going to swing up towards Kellyco, wanna see that place

I do plan on hitting some beach time in Sarasota, and maybe when I head up your way. I'm certainly willing to meet TNet members along the way.

I need to go ahead and look at a schedule for the trip. I'll do that in the next couple of days and let you know. I'll be bringing my Excal and Stealth

 

[OBN]

When I first started hunting I got a wetsuit.........I hated it, a real pain to get off when wet......... Since that first summer I've always wore drysuits or waders but this summer I made a change in my hunting style and went farmer johns, Easy to put on and take off and You can go with a heavy top if needed. Once the water hits 60 I'll be back in the drysuit...like Casper said, feet, hands get cold fast.. and if your a old goat like me..I like warm all...

 

[CASPER-2]

DID YOU USE A REGULAR WET SUIT?? OBN
That's why I went with a 2 piece famer john - no probs getting on and off and Im a big guy
I could never wear a regular type 1 piece - specially the ones that zip up the back

When I first started hunting I got a wetsuit.........I hated it, a real pain to get off when wet......... Since that first summer I've always wore drysuits or waders but this summer I made a change in my hunting style and went farmer johns, Easy to put on and take off and You can go with a heavy top if needed. Once the water hits 60 I'll be back in the drysuit...like Casper said, feet, hands get cold fast.. and if your a old goat like me..I like warm all...

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Okay, I've a pretty good handle on my plans next month. Hopefully Indian Steve and I can meet OBN sometime during Oct. 5 thru 10.

Then I plan to be in Sarasota, FL Oct. 21 thru 23.

And then I will swoop over to the East coast up Kellyco way. My plans are pretty loose after that. I do want to go from Sarasota up to Kellyco straight there, may be the 24th, not pinned down yet.

I can figure out a wet suit when I'm down there!

Keep the faith, let's always make good things happen. I've met Relevantchair and Limitool - friends forever. Thus it will be time to meet more good people!

 

[OBN]

DID YOU USE A REGULAR WET SUIT?? OBN
That's why I went with a 2 piece famer john - no probs getting on and off and Im a big guy
I could never wear a regular type 1 piece - specially the ones that zip up the back

O Yea, 2008.. shorty ..zip up the back..a real learning experience ... I guess that's why I went dry suit / waders 2009..but this year I took your advice and went with the 5mm farmer johns with a 2mm pull over for fall with the ski.......well till it gets cold. Heck I was cold today with the wind.. I wore the 5 mm FJ's with a T shirt today and it really got me thru the summer like that.. little warm at times but a lot better then the drysuit..

 

[cntrydncr1]

You shouldn't need a wet suit in October but you never know! I bought a wetsuit with a zipper in the front because I couldn't figure out how I would get a back zipper up by myself!

 

[ScubaDetector]

I used a 5mm shorty in Florida in February for 3 weeks. I was in the water 18 hours a day. I always buy mine on scuba.com in the winter when they have great deals.

I wear a 5mm in Michigan all summer and fall and give up diving when the water gets too cold for it. A 7mm is just too thick for me.

Look at the hyper stretch or super stretch or whatever name the new 4 way stretch neoprene wet suits are made of. I have no problem getting them on or off and I love the way they stretch and the easiness of them.

 

[clv]

First a suit need to fit tight. Stay away from suits with smooth rubber on the inside, you'll need power to put them on and getting out can be tough on your own. Look for a suit with nylon on the inside as well on the outside.
Look for farmer John lowers and jacket for the top.