Wet suits...how good are they in cold water? What to look for when shopping for one? Wet suits...how good are they in cold water? What to look for when shopping for one? - Talk of The Villages Florida

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

Closed Thread
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 02-24-2014, 07:38 PM
billethkid's Avatar
billethkid billethkid is offline
Sage
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,536
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4,871 Times in 1,420 Posts
Default Wet suits...how good are they in cold water? What to look for when shopping for one?

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.
  #2  
Old 02-24-2014, 07:56 PM
LndLocked LndLocked is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 859
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

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.
  #3  
Old 02-24-2014, 08:13 PM
Wi11iam's Avatar
Wi11iam Wi11iam is offline
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 62
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid View Post
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
  #4  
Old 02-24-2014, 08:55 PM
CFrance's Avatar
CFrance CFrance is offline
Sage
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tamarind Grove/Monpazier, France
Posts: 14,705
Thanks: 390
Thanked 2,132 Times in 877 Posts
Default

Here is some information about wet suits, including a temperature chart. Hope it helps. Wetsuit Thickness Guide and Temperature Chart | evo

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.
__________________
It's harder to hate close up.
  #5  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:35 PM
billethkid's Avatar
billethkid billethkid is offline
Sage
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,536
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4,871 Times in 1,420 Posts
Default

Plan on using the suit strictly for swimming in a cold (65) lake until the sun heats it up (usually June-ish).
  #6  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:40 PM
CFrance's Avatar
CFrance CFrance is offline
Sage
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tamarind Grove/Monpazier, France
Posts: 14,705
Thanks: 390
Thanked 2,132 Times in 877 Posts
Default

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.
__________________
It's harder to hate close up.
  #7  
Old 02-25-2014, 08:05 AM
hampton hampton is offline
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: New Hampshire, The Villages
Posts: 86
Thanks: 0
Thanked 82 Times in 13 Posts
Default

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
  #8  
Old 02-25-2014, 08:13 AM
graciegirl's Avatar
graciegirl graciegirl is offline
Sage
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 40,170
Thanks: 5,009
Thanked 5,783 Times in 2,004 Posts
Send a message via AIM to graciegirl
Default

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


It is too unsettling for observers.


Your friend and fan.


Gracie.
__________________
It is better to laugh than to cry.
  #9  
Old 02-25-2014, 11:39 PM
LndLocked LndLocked is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 859
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

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.
  #10  
Old 02-26-2014, 12:30 AM
wendyquat's Avatar
wendyquat wendyquat is offline
Platinum member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,580
Thanks: 2
Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid View Post
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!
Closed Thread


You are viewing a new design of the TOTV site. Click here to revert to the old version.

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:01 PM.