which wetsuit?

Heading for an Alor dive trip in Oct and told the water temp will vary from 24 to 29C with possible temps to 22C - depending on whether we are north or south for that day. I currently have a 3mm Henderson that is really comfy to wear and not warm enough at 25C - as others have shared here. Was planning on getting a Pinnacle 3 mm initially but with the low of 22-24, thinking I need a 5mm suit. But then might be too warm at 28-29. Trying to not take a 5 mm and 3mm suit, trying to simplify where I can.

I was told others on the trip would be in 5mm suits with hoods on the colder dives, no hood on the warmer divers. I have never had a 5mm suit so wondering if 28-29C would have me too hot.

Added to this mix is the claim by WP members & others that a 3mm Pinnacle is as warm as others 3mm, their 5mm as warm as others 7mm.

This will be a live-aboard trip so there will be lots of time in the water.

Recommendations or thoughts from WP members?

Dave

Heading for an Alor dive trip in Oct and told the water temp will vary from 24 to 29C with possible temps to 22C - depending on whether we are north or south for that day. I currently have a 3mm Henderson that is really comfy to wear and not warm enough at 25C - as others have shared here. Was planning on getting a Pinnacle 3 mm initially but with the low of 22-24, thinking I need a 5mm suit. But then might be too warm at 28-29. Trying to not take a 5 mm and 3mm suit, trying to simplify where I can.

 

I was told others on the trip would be in 5mm suits with hoods on the colder dives, no hood on the warmer divers. I have never had a 5mm suit so wondering if 28-29C would have me too hot.

Added to this mix is the claim by WP members & others that a 3mm Pinnacle is as warm as others 3mm, their 5mm as warm as others 7mm.

This will be a live-aboard trip so there will be lots of time in the water.

Recommendations or thoughts from WP members?

 

Dave

You will not be too hot in the water with a 5mm, I've done 30C in it without any problem. It might be a bit warm kitting up in the sun, but thats about it.

/Björn, worked as DM in Thailand with 28-30 for a season in 5mm.

Hey Dave

I dive an Aquaflex 5mm + a 2-3mm surfer hood in Indonesia except the colder waters of Komodo & Secret Bay, Bali. I layer with a 3mm shorty in the cool spots. You should be fine.

P.S. Just picked up my 10/17 port. Hope to try it out on Emma the tiger shark in a couple of weeks.

I use a 5mm + hood in the UK when the water heats up above 16 degrees but it is also comfortable in the Red Sea when the waters is up to 26/27 degrees ( minus the hood)

Tristan

We had similar temps, diving in Komodo and I was fine with a 3mm wetsuit and a 3mm hooded vest to wear underneath for the colder dives. I got a 3mm vest without hood for a recent trip to Bali for some of the colder dives in Nusa Penida and that was fine in 24C waters. I preferred that to the hooded vest, as I hate wearing a hood unless necessary!

I have a .5mm long-sleeved hooded vest from Probe that I use as an undergarment when things start to get a bit chilly.

Take a vest or rashie to wear with a pair of boardies on those warmer dives, and a 5mm suit for those <25C. Nice and easy and doesn't take up too much room in your luggage.

I agree with indoreef. 3mm and an extra hooded vest. My Aqualung hyperstretch isn't that warm so I'm also thinking of investing in the Pinnacle for just this reason...

Phil

Dave,

For all types of tropical diving, I have Fourth Element's Proteus 3mm semi dry, its excellent for keeping the cold out, it has a unique collar so retains a full seal around the neck to keep the warmth in, if you need extra warmth just add a hood and rash vest, sorted!

Thanks for all the good advice. Just what I was looking for.

I have found a local dealer with a Waterproof Lynx 5mm at a really good price, less than the price of a Pinnacle 3mm. I think I will go in this direction.

The Waterproof is exactly my size and besides being a bit stiff compared to my henderson , feels good. I will try it on again this weekend - always nice to have an excuse to go to the dive store. Tough to try on for long... it takes you from comfy to toasty to cooking in a very short time in the dive shop.

And then of course, I will have to take a shorter trip with the new wetsuit to test it out prior to the big trip. Forced to do more diving... oh well, sacrifice as we must.

Thanks again for taking the time to provide advice and suggestions. They were great.

Dave