Wetsuit recommendations, revisited

[Justfishin']

Happy New year to all-
I've decided to give myself a "gift" of my first wetsuit this year. (I'm not sure if this will be a gift or I'm pointing a gun at my head)

So, I need recommendations; keep in mind, I'm an old guy(50's) but in pretty good shape (work construction) a good swimmer but I don't swim much. I'd like to say I'll use it 150 times this year, but 20-40 will be more like it. I think I'd like padded knees and I do fish into late November.
What am I looking for in terms of mm, do I want 1 or 2pc , what kind of boots? I've looked around a little, guess I'm looking at $200 or so for the suit?
So, what advice to the noob in this new adventure?

[Liv2Fish]

There are many choices. If you walk long distances, comfort is king. spend the extra dough on a Hyper stretch type. Nothing worth than chap ass by the time you get to your spot. Buy a size bigger than if you were being fitted for diving.

MM is your preference. I used to dive with a guy that could only stand about 20 minutes in 45 degree water before his lips were blue and the shivering set in. I could do 90 minutes easy with no shakes in the same MM.

You can rent suites at dive shops pretty cheap to test the MM to see what works for you.

[seadogg]

I began wetsuit fishing with a suit I used for surfing. In my opinion, surfing wetsuits are perfect, as they're designed not only to keep you warm, but to stretch and flex comfortably with the wide range of motions and movements associated with surfing (and coincidentally, wetsuit fishing). I have a few suits, but the one I use most frequently is a full style 4/3mm with chest zip. That number indicates the body is 4mm neoprene and the arms and legs are 3mm neoprene. This suit will perform fine for the majority of the season. Fishing from September onward will typically require use of a thicker suit, so I use 6/5mm. A 5/4mm suit will work fine for summer and most cool autumn nights. Visit a surf shop and express your needs. There are suits ranging in price from 200 to over 400 dollars. Investing in a decent one (about $250) will ensure comfort and years of reliability when properly cared for and stored. My suits are made by Rip Curl. This company is an industry leader and one of the longest manufacturers of quality wetsuits. Other good companies include O'neill, XCEL, and Quiksilver. For boots, just use felt-sole wading boots with studs, or wear a set of Korkers over wading boots. You'll want to wear neoprene dive socks under your boots, so invest in some 2mm jobs. Colder weather will require heavier ones. Any questions feel free to PM me. Good luck!
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[chefchris401]

Neosport x span is a great suit for the $$$, stretches 200 % in every direction, super comfy and won't break the bank

Henderson aqualoc is the best suit I own. Not cheap but it's almost a dry suit it's sealed so well.

Best bet is to go to a good wetsuit shop and explain what you plan on doing.

You don't want a scuba suit that's for sure

I like bobs sea and ski in New Bedford, I get all my suits there, great people and very helpful

[ivanputski]

I own a xcel SLX 5/4mm suit. its about 175$ and I have used it 200+ nights and it is going strong. I wear it may-november (with a neoprene jacket or 2mm hooded vest in november.

Great suit.

[RussSommers]

neosport xspan are the little brother of the Henderson Hyperflex. the 5mm xpsan can be used in cold weather. the 3/2 xspan is more of a summer suit. in the really cold weather, you can add a dry top to keep your core warm and protect from the wind.

In general, Surfing wetsuits are better than scuba suits because they are better against the wind. Scuba suits are not built to withstand any wind at all.

I really recommend the xspan due to the comfort and ability to grow or shrink with you.

[Liv2Fish]

Originally Posted by RussSommers

neosport xspan are the little brother of the Henderson Hyperflex. the 5mm xpsan can be used in cold weather. the 3/2 xspan is more of a summer suit. in the really cold weather, you can add a dry top to keep your core warm and protect from the wind.

In general, Surfing wetsuits are better than scuba suits because they are better against the wind. Scuba suits are not built to withstand any wind at all.

I really recommend the xspan due to the comfort and ability to grow or shrink with you.

I didn't know there was actually a difference. I have the neosport Xspan which was recommended by chef when I converted from waders to wet suite. It seems to have shrunk considerably since i bought it though, must be how I store it over the winter

[Clogston29]

Thermoprene gets my vote
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