2.5mm vs. 3mm Farmer/Ultra John - Quick replies needed!

I need some advice quick!  I'm finally ready to spring for a wetsuit and join you guys at LM tomorrow.  I had been planning on the 3mm Ultra John, but Outback Adventures in Larkspur has the 2.5mm in my size in stock.  Can pick it up on the way home.  Both are full front zipper - 2.5 is $89 while 3mm is $129.  Is the .5mm any big diff??  Hopefully, see you all at LM!   

IMO: 5MM too hot and bulky - better off to go with the 2.5 MM cause you can always layer up. 3MM is the way to go!

Thanks for the response.  I was not considering 5mm...I was wondering about the difference in performance between 2.5mm and 3mm (.5 diff).  Since the difference in cost is $40, and I can get it today, I'm planning on going for the 2.5mm.  Can you wear poly long johns under them if needed?

The wetsuit is mostly a safety device for extended stays in the water, I'd go with the thicker one.  You're more likely to get too cold than too hot, so the thicker one will keep you more comfy and allow you to fish in more diverse conditions.

Go with the 3mm. It is always easier to cool down rather than warm up if you have to. 3mm gives you more padding, more protection, better floatation, and is warmer. If you get hot you can put your legs in the water to cool down. What do you do if you get cold??? We know the answer, but I would rather take advantage of the full front zipper on the 3mm than to keep it closed to warm up a 2.5.

Thanks for the input guys, but I had to go the instant gratification route and buy the 2.5mm they had in stock.  I've since noticed on the NRS site that they do have a 3mm Farmer John for $109 (I had only seen the 3mm Ultra John for $129).  I bought it Friday night and used it at LM on Saturday.  It was bearable (I was only out there about 2 hours), but now I see how the 3mm might be a little better for the ocean, although most of my fishing so far has been in the Bay.  I also found out I'm right in the middle on the sizes - I'm 6'2"/190lbs, and the XL is just a little too short (bit of a gap between booties and wet suit when sitting on the yak).  A XXL would be way to wide!  Anyone know if there are calf-high booties available?!

Sorry, I didn't see you post until now. I just ordered THIS one from Overtons.

CHEERS!

resurrecting this thread...

Saw this thread from a few years back on making a decision between a 2.5 & 3mm NRS farmer john wetsuit. I'm faced with the same decision these days and wanted to get members thoughts on the following protective clothing setup for fishing in fresh water as well as bay/inshore areas in mild weather months/conditions:

  > Short or long sleeve waterproof splash jacket
  > 2.5mm Farmer John
  > Short or long sleeve base layer moisture wicking t-shirt
  > Neoprene socks/booties
  > Water shoes (crocs, speedo, etc)

Thanks,
Jeff (a.k.a. Steelerhead)

That setup looks fine to me for the conditions you mentioned...in fact I don't even bother with a wetsuit on freshwater unless it's really cold out. 

Hey, do something about that garlic smell comin from your neck of the woods, will ya? 

som of the guys (ariel sea i think) uses these (or something similar)

http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-13/002009/Neosport-by-Henderson-5mm-Explorer-Kayak-Boots.html

Seriously, your not even gonna notice the difference in a half a millimeter in fresh water.  Like Mooch wrote many moons ago, you can always layer up.

Assuming only one of the following is to be purchased, rather than outfitting a wardrobe for selection:

paddle jacket = long sleeve.  why bother otherwise?
undershirt = long sleeve.  sun protection, but get one with a zip front (like a cycling jersey) to air out during long efforts.
footwear = something tough.  The rock portage at LK, MC, elk are a real bitch, and you want the protection and traction.  I just wear my Adidas aditrail running shoes.  I know, that's kinda ghetto, but the neoprene booties just don't cut it for me.  I slipped really bad on the portage at MC trying to shoulder carry a Mirage Tandem and jacked my ankle, can't risk it anymore.

footwear = something tough.  The rock portage at LK, MC, elk are a real bitch, and you want the protection and traction.  I just wear my Adidas aditrail running shoes.  I know, that's kinda ghetto, but the neoprene booties just don't cut it for me.  I slipped really bad on the portage at MC trying to shoulder carry a Mirage Tandem and jacked my ankle, can't risk it anymore.

dumbass!  I just recalled your paddle conditions were FW and the bay.  you can go neoprene or the speedo croc/type water shoes no problem.  i'd consider pairing those with some neo socks for warmth and sun protection.  have seen some pretty bad sunburns on dorsal surface of feet...

Guys -- Excellent feedback... Please keep it coming 

I really appreciate everyone's inputs!

Jeff (a.k.a. Steelerhead)