chrs93

Any recommendations as to where I can get the best deals for wetsuits. Any brand recommendations. I would like to get suit with all stitches glued on the inside of suit. I just want a good suit for diving lakes in the Midwest US 65-80 degree water. Local dive shops recommend 3ml. Any help is appreciated.

MgicTwnger

65-80 degree water in the Midwest? I don't think so. Go for a 7mm semi-dry. I have a Bare I like a lot but seldom use since I almost allways dive dry.

The best deals are at online merchants like Leisurepro or on eBay (you can sell it again if it dosn't fit).

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I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

chrs93

Good point on the 80 degree. I typed it in a hurry. 60-70 in Summer at shallow levels. That is what I'm told.

MgicTwnger

I would still go for a 7mm. You can let some water in to cool off if it's too heavy for 60-70 degree water, and you're certainly going to run into cooler conditions in this part of the world.
I'm frankly surprised than nobody has come down on me for recommending that you buy on the internet. A lot of people consider that a cardinal sin.

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Scuba Mama

Just a few extra things to think about. Midwest 70-60 surface temps. How deep are you going to be diving? What time of year? Remember the basics as you go deeper it will get colder and your suit will get thinner. Less thermal protection. As for buying on the internet, yes it may look like a good deal and maybe you'll get lucky. What are the return policy, what it the suit does not fit, what if you would like to use it at the pool before diving in it, what it the suit rips, what type of warranty does it have, what about the cost of having to ship it back? Now, balance that against buying it from the local dive shop, your call. Just so you know a student of mine opted to buy his bcd on line, it ripped the first time used. He lost the cost of his buy to return it for repair.

glynneco

I love the the dry suit guys! Always willing to give advice to us poor slobs diving wet. They are always commenting on how cold their hands or face are! Ask a group of divers what the bottom temp was and the dry suit guys look puzzled. The wet suit slobs can tell you surface temp, thermocline depth and bottom temp before you finish the question. OK I'm jealous! I admit it. Someday when I grow up I want to be a drysuit god. Till then I'll dive the 48F water in my 7mil Henderson hyperstretch. It fits great plus or minus the 20lbs I've....... well, anyway......
To your question. Get the a hyperstretch(or functional equivalent), 7mil. Find the best price where ever. The suit is forgiving size wise and easy to doff or don. It's not as warm as your standard suit but will do the trick. If you find hyperstrech to pricy go to your LDS and find an alternative. Fit is important in the not so stretchy ones. Too much water flow will make the suit useless. Get the right fit and buy it there. The online size charts are don't really work and the chances are you'll be making more then one round of returns. In addition you'll not have someone to advise you on wether it is really fitting correctly.
Sum up in order of preference:
- 7mil, henderson hyperstretch (or equivalent), online.
- 7mil, other, LDS

Have fun, Dive safe!

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rick00001967

i agree with mgictwnger above me. i dive a Bare suit as well. my 5/4mm semidry is awsome. i would check out divetank.com
they are an authorised dealer and have great deals on bare suits.

MgicTwnger

Just FYI..as much as I like my Bare I seldom use it since I got my drysuit. The drysuit keeps you warm on the surface, letting me dive year-round.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.