In Reply to: What has been your experiance with drysuits, suggestions ? posted by JohnC on April 16, 2010 at 15:58:30:

Might want to rethink your objective and need; is it dive deep diving or prevention from getting chilled? What is your objective? Wrecks, special dive sites or just to say you dove deep? (The later is a really bad reason to dive deep, IMHO)

Deep diving is not necessarily colder diving and shallow diving is not necessarily warmer diving. Examples: had a 90+ foot dive off Santa Cruz I. in high-70’s temp and dove at Point Lobos in 20 feet and 48 degrees.

When deep diving, your bottom time is reduced and, unless you are doing deco diving, you may find you won’t be underwater that much longer to get chilled. Multiple dives are another issue; you will lose body heat and getting dry between dives will help. For that type of diving, a dry suit is nice. Peeling off the wetsuit and getting into warm clothes between dives is another, low cost approach.

If you are chilled on single or double dives, that is another issue apart from deep diving. For about $40 you can see if a hooded vest helps out. If not, then get some training on how to use (and select) a dry suit. You might also want to consider a custom wet suit or a semi-dry suit, both of which have considerably less expense and maintenance than a drysuit.

Good luck!