Wet suits...how good are they in cold water? What to look for when shopping for one?

[billethkid]

I see them priced from $60 to $1900.
One piece or two piece.
Thicknesses offered are many.

If you have first hand experience/knowledge I would appreciate your comments.

[LndLocked]

What are you going to use it for? Diving, surfing, kite boarding, fetish wear?

I am going to assume diving .... if so, where? Ocean, lake or spring?

All of these are important to determine the style, construction and thickness of the wet suit. For instance, wet suits for surfing are cut and constructed in a completely different way than one for diving.

As an overall general rule ..... modern wet suit technology has VASTLY improved during the last decade or so. They are not only warmer, they are much more flexible (combination of rubber technology and construction). Which means greater user comfort and useability.

[Wi11iam]

I see them priced from $60 to $1900.
One piece or two piece.
Thicknesses offered are many.

If you have first hand experience/knowledge I would appreciate your comments.

Where will you use the suit. Water temperature is one of the most important areas of concern when making your decision, the different mil thickness will help preserve body heat.
Next is style, 1 or 2 PC. Comfort is very important so try them on.
Henderson is a very good brand.
Hope this helps. Good luck

[CFrance]

Here is some information about wet suits, including a temperature chart. Hope it helps. Wetsuit Thickness Guide and Temperature Chart | evo (http://www.evo.com/wetsuit-thickness-guide-and-temperature-chart.aspx)

I went snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef in June. the first stop was without wet suit. Despite fairly warm water, I got very cold from being in the water so long. The second stop, I rented a wet suit from the snorkel/dive outfit whose boat we were on. there was a big difference in comfort level. I'm sorry I don't know the thickness of the suits.

My very, very thin d-i-l used a half suit (top) covered with a whole suit to stay warm.

[billethkid]

Plan on using the suit strictly for swimming in a cold (65) lake until the sun heats it up (usually June-ish).

[CFrance]

Click on the 2 mm // 3/2 mm part of the chart in the above link and see what you think. It's the recommendation for 58 to 65degrees.

[hampton]

Depending on the temp of the water you will be wearing it in should determine the thickness of the suit. When I was diving in cold water (45+) I would use a 1/4" 2 piece suit. Hint: I would bring a thermos of warm water with me and before entry into the cold water I would pour the warm water into the suit. Even in 85 degree water it will eventually drop your core temp down. In warm water I would use just the top primarily for protection from accidental touching of fire coral or bumping into anything. Some people would use Lycra suits which are very thin

[graciegirl]

For the enjoyment of all. Don't pick a thong style.


It is too unsettling for observers.


Your friend and fan.


Gracie.

[LndLocked]

in that case I would look at a wet suit designed for triathlons. They are made for swimming (dive suits actually are not as you just use your flippers 90% of the time)

Today's super stretchy 2mil suits should be just fine for your usage

You should be able to get a good one for under $300.00.

[wendyquat]

Plan on using the suit strictly for swimming in a cold (65) lake until the sun heats it up (usually June-ish).

A lake? In Florida? Better get a tough one!