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Topic: Freedive suit question  (Read 1765 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Tote

  • One life, right? Don't blow it.
  • Global Moderator
  • Location: Diamond Springs, CA
  • Date Registered: Jul 2005
  • Posts: 12979
I'm looking for a 5mm freedive suit.
My choices seem to be:

     Esclapez Caranx Yamamoto Black 5 mm      $314.40

     Esclapez Labrax Yamamoto Black 5 mm      $422.65

         Esclapez Labrax Yamamoto Camo 5mm      $417.95

         Mares Diving 5.5 mm Instinct Camo Green    $320.00

     Rob Allen Weedline Camo 5 mm               $398.35

          Yazbeck Hamour Wetsuit 5.5 mm               $418.95

          Yazbeck Open-cell Snyper wetsuit 5mm      $399.00

I have a Yazbeck 7mm and love it, but I'm hotter than hell in it.
Anyone have experience with these suits and can steer me towards or away from one brand over another?
I'd rather go with a 5mm over a 5.5mm unless I can be persuaded differently.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
tote






<=>


Rick

  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Location: Pacifica
  • Date Registered: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 957
Get whatever fits best.

I love my Esclapez Labrax, with its very supple neoprene and durable elbows and knees. It seems like it needs a bit more lube than other suits to put on, which really isn't a big deal.

Rob Allen suits are nice as well. They are very comfortable and have neat camo (not that camo should have any influence on your decision whatsoever  :smt005 ). Contrary to the Labrax, the Rob Allen does not require as much lube. It's really easy to dive, take it off, drive to another spot, and jump back in without adding more lube. The only caveat is that the suit seems built for buff, large-torsoed dudes (South Africans, I suppose), so definitely try the suit on.

The Yazbeck Hamour is suppose to be an improvement on the Yazbeck Snyper, but I've only used the Snyper, which is not a bad suit, but lacks knee/elbow protection and is not as good as the other two suits, IMO.


chopper

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Ess Eff
  • Date Registered: Nov 2012
  • Posts: 1095
check out the Mako suits as well for a price break


Desertdiver

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Reno, Nv
  • Date Registered: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 1022
As Rick said, fit is everything.  I went to Freedive shop and tried on many suits.  Tried on a buddy's Mako and wound up buying Mako 5mm. For me it was about fit not price.   Fine for most of year. But midwinter 40's and Tahoe winter diving I purchased a 7mm.  toasty. Both are farmer John and non zippered top with hood.   I mix and match depending on weather/water temp/ and how long I plan to stay out.   


 

anything