Wetsuit options

[Spiderman]

I am probably as skinny as they come (6'2" & 154lbs) and have decided that it is time to buy a custom made suit. As this will cost a fair amount I want to get it right when choosing the thickness, trouser style, lining etc. Up until now I have been using a 5/3 winter surfing suit with a 7mm scuba jacket on top. This is OK in the summer for 2-3 hours and about 1 1/2 hours in the autumn. I have read on this forum that many people use a 5mm suit all year round but I'm wondering whether I would be better with 7mm as I probably cool down quicker than most due to my build. Anybody got any wisdom on this one?
Also what are the advantages/disadvantages of longjohns?
What about internal linings? As I have fairly sensitive skin I don't fancy coating the inside of my suit with shampoo so if a metallic lining works it would be great - or is this just a gimmick?

[jimdoe2you]

Spiderman,

Where do you live?
What are you using the wetsuit for?
How often will you use the wetsuit?
How long of a time will you stay in or on the water?

This is a good start.

Jim

[Spiderman]

UK
Spearfishing
As often as possible (daily during holidays, weekly max at other times)
2-5 hours

[Flattie basher]

5mm is fine for most of the year. I spear on the south coast (Brighton). Some use a 7mm jacket at the beginning of the year with 5mm trousers, then progress to 5mm top and bottom reducing down to 3mm trousers in the summer with a 5mm top. Open cell is warmer and dries faster out of the water (if you are diving from a boat) causing less cooling by wind action (evaporation). Consider an open cell top and nylon outer trousers. (Tougher, less prone to rip) A good tailor-made Like an Elios is not that much more than an 'off the peg' and cheaper in some cases. A good fit is essential to prevent 'flushing' of cold water. I prefer trousers to long johns which always make me feel like I cannot breath.

[jimdoe2you]

......................also I notice in your original post that you mention shampoo for getting into your wetsuit.

Don't use shampoo, use hair conditioner diluted to a ratio of 25% conditioner and 75% water mixed up together in a cheap generic squirt bottle.

Elios has a black internal coating that I have heard from others is very helpful for getting the wetsuit on.

Jim

[Spaniard]

I have used the cressi competition suit in the past which had a 'metallite' lining and it was easy enough to put on 'dry'. However it was even easier if I used Johnsons baby bath/water mix. Not sure how long the 'metallite' lasts as I started using Sporasub suits not long after but it was fine the season I did use it (UK spearfishing).

[Asturven]

Spiderman,

If you are in UK you are plenty of options with the Italian manufacturers. In my opinion there are the big three spearfishing wetsuit ( Custom made) Marea, Polosub and Elios in that order.

If you need information of the firt one I can help you with it or send you the details of who is the person that you need to contact in Italy.

Once that you wear a custom made suit you will never go back.

Cheers

Ivan

[milhouse]

Contact www.diveskin.gr

He makes perfect custom wetsuits, with split interior(open-cell) Heiwa neoprene, for such low prices that you'll be able to buy two of these for the price of one other.

Very good material, perfect fit (17 measures I think), almost invisible glue seams, and awesome service.

PM me for more informations (Not affiliated with the company, only a very satisfied customer)

[K9spd403]

Dude dont use conditioner use a skin. It makes getting on a wetsuit a breeze, and it will also help keep you warmer... Just my 2 cents worth.
Kip

[K9spd403]

Oh yeh leisurepro.com has some super deals on warm water and cold water suits. They also have the skins for $25-$50.
Kip

[jimdoe2you]

Kip, I mean no offense and I am sure your intention is to help, but if you're not sure of something or you're relatively new to diving you should offer an opinion and not make statements as if they are fact.

The suggestion to use a skin under a wetsuit is great if you are a beginner who has trouble putting on an ordinary lined wetsuit, but for high performance open cell and coated suits the use of diluted conditioner is what works. It is also the standard for tens of thousands of experienced freedivers around the world. The use of a skin will not work with these suits.

Nice to have you aboard here at deeperblue.net!

[Groupermadness]

Hey Jim, i always use conditioner too, it makes the body hair realy soft and fluffy and the Misses loves a soft teddy to stroke when i get home

[K9spd403]

Originally Posted by Spiderman

What about internal linings? As I have fairly sensitive skin I don't fancy coating the inside of my suit with shampoo so if a metallic lining works it would be great - or is this just a gimmick?

Oh im sorry I thought that I understood the question...I noticed that he didn't make reference to what kind of diving he was doing. He also has made reference to the weather and times. I just thought that if he was actually scuba diving and not freediving this would help, and as far as addressing the new diver comment... lets just say it aint my first rodeo. But thanks for the big welcome. I'll be looking forward to reading more of your informative posts.
Kip