Wetsuit's? Need help!

[Saskatoon2005]

Hello I was wondering what kind of wetsuit to buy and was curious as to what people own and what I should buy.

I am 5'11, 168lbs, male...looking for a good brand of wetsuit. I am curious as to what is the best brand and what people love.

 

[arks]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

Just my opinion (from experience):

> DRYSUIT ONLY for water temps below 50F < .
- Long wetsuit for water temps between about 50 - 60F.
- Springsuit style for water temps between about 60 - 65F.
- Shorty style for water temps 65F and above.

You're roughly the same size as me, and I fit well in a Medium-tall or Large wetsuit. Neoprene is the standard material but come in a variety of thicknesses.
I can't give you a specific recommendation but check this wetsuit guide for more info.
http://360guide.info/wetsuits/complete-wetsuit-guide.html?Itemid=58
Good luck.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

Good overview posted above. I'd concur with the temp ranges. Is your use a comfort measure in mild weather? or a necessity to endure the cold?

I'm cheap so my favorite brand is what I have found for the best price on clearance. Smooth-skin neoprene on the chest panel is nice because it doesn't hold water and add to the wind-chill effect, as is smooth-skin at the arm openings for less chafing.

I own three: A BodyGlove shortie that is going on 8 yrs old and got on sale at Dicks for $49. My O'Brien full suit is 20 yrs old - really cheap construction with scratchy seams inside the sleeves....but I paid only $40 for it new. $75 - 120 is more typical for a full suit. I don't wear it much for that reason.

The drysuit is a Neil Pryde 5000. All neoprene, which I like because it doesn't flap around like the baggy drysuits. I bought is because it was $155.
- less than 50% of new retail. Drysuits range from $279 - 500.

Overtons.com
skilimited.com
lakeelmosports.com
bartswatersports.com

are all places that sell a pretty good variety.

 

[smclear]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

I agree with everything posted so far but might add you might also try any local dive shops if there are any. I've found that the ones in my area will sometimes have them on sale cheaper than most of the typical water sport stores.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

I read somewhere that a thick wet suite is good down to water temps of 40 - 45 degrees.

SOmething like a 9 mm thickness.

I guess you do not need much flexibility skiing, so go as thick as possible, the water gets cold around here.

And in june, it goes from 50 to 70 in a week, so after that you do not need a wet suite.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

I agree with everything posted so far but might add you might also try any local dive shops if there are any. I've found that the ones in my area will sometimes have them on sale cheaper than most of the typical water sport stores.

You have to be careful in a dive shop because there is a significant difference in construction and material in dive suits as compared to water sport wetsuits.
Also ARKS guidelines are completely unrealistic in that environment.
I have a 6 mm full suit that is fine down to water temps of 40 degrees and lower.

Surfing/wakesport/skiing wetsuits are thinner neoprene and usually have varying thickness....thicker in the core to maintain temp and thinner in arms and legs to allow easier movement.
This is not a factor when diving as you do not want to be exerting yourself....

** ARKS table is fine for non-diving applications****

 

[skibrain]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

Agree. The nature of a WETsuit is that water flows into the suit and fills the space between the suit and the body. While you are IN the water, that water warms up and sort of stays in the suit. When you stand up after your start, the WARMED water flows out of the suit... until you take a spill or sink back down into the water.

This is not a huge deal for mild temps until the water is mid 50s and below when it just doesn't feel that great letting COLD water in next to your skin. Thus the dry suit concept with water tight seals at the neck, wrists and ankles.

 

[arks]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

Thanks for the edit Tim.
I'm not a diver, just an occasional skiier. And cold water sucks!

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

Thanks for the edit Tim.
I'm not a diver, just an occasional skiier. And cold water sucks!

Probably a non-issue, but I did re-read my post and it seemed to be critical and that was not the intent, so i tried to clarify.
Some forums if people take offense and you meant none, you just shrug.
In here I think most people go the extra mile to make sure that they only pi** someone off if they meant to....

 

[actionljackson]

Re: Wetsuit's? Need help!

I dissagree about going thick on your wetsuit if your going to be using it for skiing.Going to thick will constrict your range of motion. I just purchaced a brand new shorty on ebay. You will find lots to pick from there. Mine fits a little snug across the back and shoulders it's an xlrg but great everywhere else.I'm 6ft 190. It is 3mm and 4mm thick to provide ease of movement and the warmth where you need it.oh and it was only 28.00. dollars......action