Wetsuit for a friend

Howdy,

A few friends are looking to get 7mm open cell wetsuits to get into freediving.  They'll be diving shallower, probably in less than 40 feet for the conceivable future. 

Given their body shapes (5'7" but a bodybuilder, other is similar), it'll be tricky to find a good fit, but I'm sure something out there should work.

I'm trying to help them find a brand that's quality and will last a while.  Anyone have experience with the Omer, JBL, Beuchat, or anyone else?  Elios probably not an option since they're looking to get something sooner rather than ordering and waiting.  They dive in old surf suits 2-3x per week.

-Peter

I like my JBL but am finding it tears easily, lol.

Try this:
http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=162940

Hi Pete,
There are many freedive suit manufacturers out there today.  From what I see with my own suits and the guys I dive with most of the suits are very good.  The most important function of the freedive suit is cling to the skin and keep water out, unlike a wetsuit.  That's why they are warmer, because they don't flush water through.  They need to "stick" to the skin but still allow excellent mobility.  For this reason the fit is the most important factor in selecting a suit for any application is a proper fit.  If it doesn't fit correctly it can flush water or cause reduced mobility and even numbness in the limbs.  It should fit like a second skin.

The Freedive shop in Sacramento has a wide variety of suits that they will let you try on.  The alternative is to order a custom suit.  Top end off the rack suits like Omer, Yazbeck and Beauchat cost the same as custom suits like Elios and Polosub.  The problem with custom suits is the wait which can be a month or more depending on time of year.

You will find that some suits are more spongy, stretchy or compressible than others.  While some are less flexible and perhaps more durable.  At depths of 45 feet and less I think compressibility of the suit is not an issue.  I would suggest a suit solely on fit and range of motion.

You will find the worlds best divers in every make and model of suit so I wouldn't get hung up on the brand.  The camo really is the most impressive to the beach-goers, the fish don't seem to have a preference and the abalone couldn't care less.

Big Jim has that "body-builder" physique, or at least the crushing grip.  I think he's wearing a Yazbeck Kelp Stalker.  Maybe he'll chime in if he's not too busy slaying fish.

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys!

I'll make sure to pass along the info.  Hopefully they'll be in proper wetsuits soon!

Big Jim has that "body-builder" physique, or at least the crushing grip.  I think he's wearing a Yazbeck Kelp Stalker.  Maybe he'll chime in if he's not too busy slaying fish.

LOL!!

Yeah...I have an size 60 yazbeck kelp stalker...I'm 6'3" and 230ish (actually was up to 250 earlier this year but now am under 230...whoohoo!).

The Yazbeck fits me great, but not sure if a shorter guy would have problems in the shorter sizes...

I would talke to Vanessa at the Freedive shop. She got some measuremensts from me and picked that suit out for me and it fits great.

Has also been surprisingly durable...after a year or so I got some knee pads sewn on but besides that it's put up with all of my abuse, and I am not real gentle on my gear...

Best of luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I love my Mako, but can only compare it to my old Excel Tri-Polar. I had fitting problems though. I was on the top end of an XL on the charts, but i felt it was too baggy and I ended up with an L with my legs and arms poking out by an inch or so. I'm 6'3" 195 16" neck and am always on the hunt for Large-Tall sizing, and have to order dress shirts from the freak store.


 If he wants to buy off the rack your top heavy physiqued buddy might want to find a company that will allow him to buy tips and bottoms in different sizes.