Wetsuit help

[pirate_diver]

Posted this in the general section and gear section. Got lots of looks but no input. I have done searchesn (on here and at each site), and looked at all the options. Looking for people's personal opinions on the quality of suit and they're experiences dealing with the manufacturers.

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=102065

Elios vs. Oceanos vs. Immersion. Need a new wetsuit either 3 or 5mm (haven't decided yet, but prolly 3mm) and will be an open cell.

Thanks guys/girls.

[Wet Zen]

Mike, I have a 3mm Elios custom fit and it's the best suit I've ever owned. The fit is so perfect it keeps me warm all winter. It is closed cell out and nylon lined in. The nylon lining is important for strength. My buddy got the same suit but no nylon lining and it didn't last him a year. I'm going on 4 years with my suit. I have torn the suit numerous times but repairs are easy with 3M 5200. Since it's a blue / black camo the black 5200 blends right in. The closed cell out is great when in the boat. It soaks up heat from the sun and acts as a wind breaker. By that I mean it doesn't wick away body heat like a nylon out suit, even when running 30 knots in cold air. There is a trick to donning and dolfing the suit, especially dolfing. The Elios website shows how. It was a little pricey but I'll be using it again next winter and that will be 5 years of very heavy use.

[wojo1]

I manufacture the RealSea camo suits. Look us up at realseacamo.com and give me a call personally. Wojo

[pirate_diver]

Originally Posted by Wet Zen

Mike, I have a 3mm Elios custom fit and it's the best suit I've ever owned. The fit is so perfect it keeps me warm all winter. It is closed cell out and nylon lined in. The nylon lining is important for strength. My buddy got the same suit but no nylon lining and it didn't last him a year. I'm going on 4 years with my suit. I have torn the suit numerous times but repairs are easy with 3M 5200. Since it's a blue / black camo the black 5200 blends right in. The closed cell out is great when in the boat. It soaks up heat from the sun and acts as a wind breaker. By that I mean it doesn't wick away body heat like a nylon out suit, even when running 30 knots in cold air. There is a trick to donning and dolfing the suit, especially dolfing. The Elios website shows how. It was a little pricey but I'll be using it again next winter and that will be 5 years of very heavy use.

You went with the nylon inside, open cell outside...interesting. It seems like most spearo suits are Nylon outside/open cell inside because it is supposed to keep you warmer. If you don't mind my asking, what did you pay and how long did it take?

[LwrKzUndrH2OHunter]

Mike go with Oceanos! I love mine and it has held up great over the last 3-4 yrs!

http://www.oceanoswetsuits.com/spear...c1c304fb2e43fa

You'll want open cell inside.


PJ

[sacha58]

Realsea camo for Florida waters is great

[jfjf]

Originally Posted by pirate_diver

You went with the nylon inside, open cell outside...interesting. It seems like most spearo suits are Nylon outside/open cell inside because it is supposed to keep you warmer. If you don't mind my asking, what did you pay and how long did it take?

The nylon inside will make the suit less warm in the water. However the smooth rubber exterior will dry completely in a few minutes in the sun, making the suit MUCH more comfortable (i.e., warm) on the boat during cool weather.

The lack of a nylon exterior will also reduce the suit's resistance to abrasion and will significantly reduce the ability to withstand UV light. You can expect the back of the shoulders of an unprotected neoprene suit to begin cracking significantly within one year. Seeing a relatively new suit begin to crack, really is a good reminder of how destructive the sun must be to our skin.

[Gradyman]

I had an Elios and was very happy with it...I wasn't looking foward to changing suits, but now I have a Buechet and I love it. Got a 3mm & 5mm open cell...I spray a little soapy water inside and it slips on faster & easier then any other suit I've owned. This also allows it to be adjusted for a great fit after it slips on. I wear mine all day because of the comfort and like Jim said it helped keep me very warm during this cold winter.

[OPIE]

Open Cell outter is great, if your trying to set freediving records. Otherwise go for a nylon outter, open cell inner. Dont be fooled by the closed cell suits they are sh!t.

Check out these guys... http://www.seaquel.co.nz/