Need advise on wetsuits from wetsuit users

[jopher]

With the cool water season approaching here in Mi.Ive decided to purchase a wet suit for shallow water detecting.I have used waders in the past but have found that getting a few more feet out into the water (shy of diving)can produce some of the best finds.I went to a local sports shop and checked out some suits.The sales help did not convince me that they knew what was best for me so Im takin it to the pros!
First and foremost,....how should a wet suit fit?
Also,...What style and wieght might be recommended for cool water detecting??
Any help would be greatly appreciated....Thanks....Joe

 

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[Bottle-cap Bee-otch]

I ride waves during the winter...and my favorite wetsuit is an Excel. It is durable and very flexible. I have an Oneill wetsuit as well for extreme cold water conditions...but I like the Excel. It has lasted me 3 winters already. Just make sure you hose it off after every use.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I picked up a nice 3/4 length long, and 3/4 sleeves down here at a garage sale for 15 bucks. I saw it and couldn't turn it down. Not as cold here, but Atlantic is colder then normal at Daytona Beach. Water temp has been in the low 60's for several weeks.

 

[tb]

Check out this website....

www.diversdiscount.com

It gives you a pretty good idea on what suit you might need as far as water temps. go. Their prices are very good from what I've seen compared to surf shop and dive shop prices. It should fit snug, but not too tight. You should be able to move your arms and legs around fairly comfortably, you want it to hold water in , but not cut your circulation off. You might consider a semi-dry suit. I use one in water temp's down to around 40 degrees. It will let water in, but very little. The one I have is more difficult to move in than a wetsuit, but it keeps me very warm. Good luck

 

[neilo]

Depending on how cold the water is I would recommend at least 5mm thick body with 3mm thick arms to allow you to swing your detector with no problems. Also consider gloves, your hands will freeze and boots be carefull with the boots some have metal zippers on them which will give you a signal if you get close.Look on ebay there are hundreds for sale some at give away prices. seeya Neilo

 

[surfrat96]

During the winter I wear a Quicksilver long sleeve spring suit, as the water down here rarely gets below 68. This is the same suit I use to surf in. Very flexible and light. If I lived up north I'd go with a full suit.

HH 8) surfrat

 

[Jeffro]

A farmer john style might suit your application pretty handily. Seperate upper jacket that you step through, adds a double layer around the belly, over the bottoms which are basically like waders.

When its warm outside, take the jacket off. When its time to hit the deeper areas, put the jacket on. Pretty adapatable.

There is some stuff out there on the market for dipping the handles of tools in. Kinda hardens into a rubbery substance for better grip. It works well on worn out knees of wetsuits, and elbows too. Only apply it very thin, if its too thick, it'll crack.

 

[Sandman]

A 5 to 7 mm. suit is great for very cold water. When it is still fairly warm in the sun, just the Farmer John pants keep the trunk warm and the arms are free. Of slip into the jacket which is open just above the knees. Like Neilo says, gloves are nice when the hands get wet and the wind is blowing. The suit should not fit to tight, nor should it be lose to allow water to swish around to chill you again.

In a sport shop where I worked, a 21 year old gal tried on a shorty suit and got stuck in it. I was the only one available to help her out of it and she informed me that she took off her bra. I left the door open so a woman worker could watch. Every time that gal came in the store, she smiled at me. I was about thirty years older than her, but I still remember her with a smile.

Try a suit on before you buy. Different manufactures don't size them the same.

Sandman

 

[Foilman]

Well I have been thinking about the same question. It came to mind that I never owned a wet suit but I have a nice pair of chest waders. Maybe this is bad advice but I think I will try them first and save my money. I have the Sims waders they are very light and by far the nicest and most durable I have owned.Just something to ponder.You can use them for fishing, duck hunting and flooded basements etc.

 

[frogsmile]

I got a new wet suit two years ago and It was the best thing I did It is a hyper strech. That means that it does not matter if you gain weight or lose weight it still fits and is easy to put on and take off. I have a 7 mil for when it is cold and a summer one for the warm weather. It was really worth the money. try one on and you will know what I am talking about. Then have fun and go find that gold. Good luck hunting.

 

[jopher]

Thanks to all for your replies.I did get a suit.Its a farmer jhn with a long sleeve shorty that goes over top.Tried it out the other day, wearing just the shorty.There was a cool breeze accross the lake.I know I would have been chattering without the suit, but I was comfortably warm instead.The suit is a 5ml and Im sure (with the addition of boots and gloves)the whole get-up will keep me in the water into the fall.Now all I need is time and a little generosity from the inland surf gods.Good luck to all....Joe