Got my own wetsuit!
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009Oh yeah. No more messing around at shops before jumping in.
After testing a ton of 4/3 suits and comparing to a 7 mil, I have concluded that the best suit for me to use snorkeling in the Puget Sound is a 5 mil. My father in law was kind enough to donate to the cause and so I had a $200 budget. I found a Neosport by Henderson that is 100% xSpan material at 5 mil and is an XLS ( Extra Large, Short = ME ). Even though their sizing guide says it’s for a 200 lb guy at 5′ 8″, it’s a damn good fit for me at 5’6″ and 225. In fact, if anything, it’s a bit loose. Still it’s about 10000 times better than any rental I’ve tried on and I can really say that I’ve put this thing through 55 degree water and 45 degree water and been fine in both (a little chilly in the colder water, a little warm in the warmer water). If I get chilly in the winter or want to dive, I can throw a jacket over it and *poof* I have a dive-ready suit.
When I first put it on, I was surprised that it was a 5 mil. It was a lot easier to get on than the rental 4/3 suits that were supposed to be much thinner. I can wear this suit comfortably in the car on a warm day as I drive to the beach, which means an easier suit-up at home. I felt like wind was going right through it, and for sure this would not keep me warm in the water, but it really did the job. I really shopped around before chosing this suit and I’m terrifically pleased with the results.
Neosport Wetsuit by Henderson 5 Mil
