What's Your Wetsuit Setup for Winter Diving in Destin?

[Capt Rick]

I'm in the market to buy a heavier wetsuit for cold weather diving here in the Destin area.
(My old Fathom custom Farmer John 2 piece suit of 17 years has mysteriously shrunk and I'm unable to get in it. )
For those who dive in the winter months here, what have you found to be the best wetsuit setup and mil thickness ?
Example, one piece jumpsuit, one piece with hood attached, Farmer John 2piece, hooded vest added to lighter summer wet suit, ect.
Also what is your favorite make and mil thickness winter gloves and booties ?
Thanks for your time and info !
Capt Rick

[Candy]

Rick,

I love the Henderson Hyperstretch 7mm with a 7mm hood. The Henderson Hyperstretch can be pulled over another wetsuit if you need to be warmer because it really will stretch.

It may be the most comfortable wetsuit you will ever own.

I think Discovery Dive World is going to start carrying the Henderson Line.
You can call them at 678-5001 to see if they have them or are getting them soon.

[Bayesj]

Capt Rick,
With these water temps I will be wearing a one-piece 5 mil suit with a 3 mil hooded vest, the same 3 mil booties I wear year round, and I never wear gloves. The only time I get chilled is when I am on the anchor line doing a safety stop with no physical activity. Between dived I remove the vest but keep the full wet suit on. I also get into a nice big wind-proof hooded jacket to keep the wind from sucking the temp out of a wet wetsuit. As soon as the anchor is up after the last dive I peel off the wet suit, dry off, and get into warm, dry clothes.

Hope this helps as there is good year-round diving in this area.

[subdude]

I do a lot like Bayesj, 7 mil Hyperstretch, once the water drops below 70 I start thinking about adding my Scubapro 3 mil hooded vest. Between dives I'll either peel down the top and put on some fleece and a wind breaker or get completely into dry clothes.

My primary dive buddy just added full curtains and they make a HUGE difference to his center console, more so than either of us expected. Also know that the closer in you dive the cooler the water will be and heaven forbid you get on the bridge rubble in Feb with an outgoing tide, you will be in bay water in the low 50's.

subdude

[Capt Rick]

Thanks for sharing your wetsuit info Subdude, Bayesj, and Candy !
Sounds like a 5 to 7mil one piece Henderson Hyperflex or similar make with a hood or adding a 3 mil hooded vest to the 7 mil suit is the way to go for the winter months.
Thanks again for your time and good diving,
Capt Rick

[subdude]

I would also stay away from the Henderson Gold Core, they are great when new but a pain to get on and off when the get a few dives on them.

subdude

[stone]

I would also stay away from the Henderson Gold Core, they are great when new but a pain to get on and off when the get a few dives on them.

subdude

I certainly agree with subdude. The first year, my 7-mil Goldcore was so good that my arms and legs did not even get wet. The next year, it was so hard to get on that I had to slick up with baby shampoo (and I was still out of breath).

Now I start layering with Hyperstretch suits as the water gets colder.

1. Skin or 3 mil
2. 3 mil and hooded 3 mil vest
3. 5 mil (with or without vest)
4. Extra 3 mil on top of first 3 mil or 5 mil (although I usually start diving dry by this time).

[croz]

Wish I had the info on Gold Core suits before I spent my precious diving budget dollars on one. :(

[Capt Rick]

Stone, what suit do you use when you start "diving dry"?
Thanks,
Capt Rick

[Mattatoar]

I also have been stung on the Gold Core "farmer john"; not because of the don-doff issue but, because the darn thing tore through the ankle and I have had to do a large repair. It is quite warm and I have no trouble getting it on or off, I always wear a "slick" / lycra suit and poor warm/hot water down my neck before and after a dive in the winter. A hot cup of coffee from a thermos is also a little-slice of heaven after a frigid dip.

In the winter, I augment my 7mm farmer john with the slick suit and a t-shirt and sometimes a ball cap (on backwards)... I can't stand a hood.

[stone]

Rick,

I have a Dacor that I picked up on sale for only $400. It is a back entry shell suit which I wear with 200 gram long underwear.

Stone, what suit do you use when you start "diving dry"?
Thanks,
Capt Rick

[Candy]

I stopped in to visit with Bob Provost over at Discovery Dive today and he does carry the Henderson Hyperstretch. He also has a brand new suit by Henderson called the insta-dry. It has zippers at the ankles. He is selling it WAY below retail.

You should atleast go in and try on those two suits.

Be sure to tell him you're an ECRA member!

[NavyDiver]

I prefer a drysuit vs a wet suit.

[Candy]

Me too Navy Diver. Only problem is my neoprene dry suit is really damp suit.

I have to use 20lbs to go down and swimming is a chore but as far as staying warm...Dry is the way to go!

I will tell you this though, I can't wait to get it off my neck when I get back on the boat. It doesn't bother me underwater but as soon as I get out, I want it OFF!