2006 Fishing Regs?

Mike,
I've repaired old wetsuits with the glue, but that was back in the days when suits had the nylon lining only on the inside and the black rubber external outside. That glue was POTENT stuff as it melted the neoprene.

My problem is that that I'm way too big for my current suit (top and bottom).  It's ok for a short dive, but its really uncomfortable.  I think the best solution is a size upgrade.  

Tote, I'll have to check out the Henderson line.  Sounds just like what I need.

Also, the couple that took me spearfishing both had picasso suits.  They swore by them.  However it looked like a pain to get it on.  They used a spray (hair conditioner and water) to lube themselves up so they could get into it.  That and price are two negative factors of the Picassso for me.

Thanks for your help guys.

Stuart

My problem is that that I'm way too big for my current suit (top and bottom).

Stu - because I know that you're a super cool dude...I'll lend you my Britney Spears work out video   .....just make sure you return it....I say this because you still have my "Blue" dive DVD.... ....you know...the one you "mooched" from me at the Elk Derby  

Check out http://www.diveskin.net/ for new suits, the guys on spearboard seem to like this outfit.  They make custom wetsuits and I guess the labor in greece is cheap.  I'd get a jacket with an integrated hood.  Since it's shipped from greece, shipping is significant.  

The custom part is especially nice if you've got an unusual aspect ratio.  Short-wide and tall-skinny guys have trouble fitting in regular sizes.

Hey Stu...

Henderson Hyperstretch is some great neoprene... the difference it makes in comfort and is unreal over normal neoprene.  It really makes a difference in the amount of energy you expend when free-diving... not having to fight the suit.  Henderson is pretty spendy though.

You might also want to look at Harvey's... they make a stretchy neoprene as well (called FLEX).  It's not quite as stretchy as Henderson, but it is still more than stretchy enough IMO and very comfortable and costs quite a bit less than Henderson.  What I like is that they make a beaver tail version, which is really easy to get in and out of on a kayak.  Pinnacle's Dive Shop in Santa Rosa may have special-ordered the Beavertails from them though.  The Harvey's Flex top was around $200... where the Henderson Hyperstretch top was about $280.

I too had to upgrade because my old wetsuit shrunk .  I use a 3 mil farmer john bottom with a 7-mil Harvey's Flex beavertail top for Ab diving.  When I'm done diving, I just take off the top and put on my paddling jacket and PFD and off-a-fishing I go.

If I did it over again... I'd seriously consider a 5-mil top... I'm not convinced that you really need 7-mils for shallow-water free-diving.

Erik

If they're anything like last year, they won't finalize the regs until march (start of salmon season they finally commit).  I read on coastside that they decided to keep the rockfish seasons/limits the same this time.

Stuart I understand. Give Jim Steel a call for a supper good deal on new suits at 1510 655 4344. you won't regret the call he has everything you need at great prices.
Also When the suit is wet or dry spray baby shampoo and water mixed and your wet suit will slide on. spry it on the suit or on yourself.
Mike

Thanks for the input guys.  I was thinking 5mm too.  Sizing may be an issue because I think I fall into the short and stalky category.  

I'll have to check them out when I get a chance.

Stuart

you can get a custom wetsuit made @ heatwave in santa cruz. at least as of a couple years ago.