Which undersuit??

[dowdy01]

Hi...all. Could you give me a bit of advice on which undersuit to buy please?I have just got a polar bears dry suit(2nd hand) and have been pointed in the direction of a weezle what do you think, or any other suggestions?if so where?

[wrecker]

weazel is a good choice weasel extreem + in a membrane suit is good.

[Sparky750]

I use exotherm arctics under a membrane and love them great all year round it's only around now until feb i normally add a base layer under them

[PapaBear]

Bit of a tricky one this and one that can spark quite a debate. I use a Weezle plus and find that it suits my needs in that it is lovely and toasty all year round. Dont know about any other traditional styled undersuits (by which I mean a one piece suit) but weezle do have themselves a very good reputation and are widely available. I have started wearing a wicking base layer underneath (some cheap things I found in soccer world) not for warmth but just so I have something underneath the suit when I peel it half off.

The main alternatives are a set of fourth elements either exotherm or the warmer arctics, though Im sure someone will come along and menthing the Othree PBB, but ive never seen or used it so couldn't comment.
My regular diving buddy (Stabjacket) uses arctics and he loves them. He has added a wicking base layer and i think another thermal fleece on top but this is only really between November and April when it is really cold, and because he suffers the cold more then I do as well.

To sum it up though, I think the Weezle is slightly warmer then the artics (but not by much and it may just be different builds) but that the artics are less bulky with a bit better flexibility. To be honest if you fancy something just that bit fancier I would get the arctics, in fact I am thinking of doing the same later in the year. But then I do seem to think I have to try every piece of kit out there. Otherwise the Weezle suits are solid and shouldnt let you down anytime soon. Though if your drysuit is a tight fitting one you may struggle with the bulk of the weezle.

Just my 2p worth, hope it helps

[Sparky750]

The only downside i've found with the arctics is there are no pockets in them for keys etc not major but there you have it

[Scuttler]

Weezle is an awesome suit for keeping you warm (a little too warm in the summer though) but many people find it difficult to dump excess air from the suit on ascent. This can be overcome with surgical sleeving on your arm where the dump valve is located but some people still find it slow.

I have O3 Point Below Base layers which are fine I've had 45 minutes at 7 degrees without being too cold. I'd also recommend Fourth element Artics. Finally for the really cold or lond dives Fourth Element are bringing out the Sub Zero. I will give them a try soon but Mark Powell has a set which he's quite pleased with.

The beauty of the having the arctic/PBB/Sub zero combination is you simply add and remove layers depening on the type of diving/water temp. The downside is the cost but for most people's diving the PBB or the Arctics will provide ample warmth for not a huge amount more than a Weezle. The other plus side of the layer approach is that you don't look like you're walking around in a sleeping bag!.

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by Sparky750

The only downside i've found with the arctics is there are no pockets in them for keys etc not major but there you have it

Oooh...really? The PBB have pockets on the sweater and one on the sallopettes.

[ardhill]

Originally Posted by Sparky750

The only downside i've found with the arctics is there are no pockets in them for keys etc not major but there you have it

I use an elastic necklace with a clip, that I put my keys on. So, I can still stretch the elastic and open and lock my car door whilst the keys are attached to me.

I have never used a weasel, but understand that they don't work too great if you keep you suit fairly tight i.e. not much air in it. Maybe someone who uses one would like to comment on that aspect.

Personally I use a wicking base layer and Xerotherm Artics. I did use a 1 piece thinsulate undersuit, but I prefer the lack of bulk of the Artics.

[endoman]

Originally Posted by Sparky750

I use exotherm arctics under a membrane and love them great all year round it's only around now until feb i normally add a base layer under them

What he said, and I only add a base layer under the top.

[steveharriss]

I have an Otter 200, artics, and a thermocline set and prefer the thermocline despite the fact I'm using it in a way never intended by the manufacturers. If the suit floods....who am I kidding it always did...the thermocline let me carry on diving and get out of the water without suffering hypothermia!