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bergermaister
06-24-2011, 10:45 AM
So I'm about to breakdown and buy my first wetsuit, most likely a shorty... Not a lot available close by so thinking of just ordering on-line, however I'm wondering about what size since I wouldn't be able to try it on first.

I'm 6'3" and about 210lbs. From the sizing charts that puts me almost perfectly between a L and an XL. Recommended size chart for L appears like it would be tight and the XL would be looser with room to breathe. So which is better? Snug or a little loose? Also wondering about thickness - I've seen mostly 2mm, 3mm and 4mm. Never had one before so any suggestions would be appreciated.

you da man
06-24-2011, 10:51 AM
Snug of course...the purpose of a wetsuit is to use your body temp from your skin to stay warm so if you have a loose wetsuit then the water/suit inside cannot warm up. I've never seen anything more than a 3/2mm shorty. The purpose of a shorty is for cool water, not cold so if you need anything more it will be a fullsuit (with arms and legs). Get one with sealed/taped seals and a water proof zipper. Make sure you figure out the sizing by height if you can.

lsvboombox
06-24-2011, 11:31 AM
i was 5'10 and 190 when I bought my last suit and I got the large.... i feel like the crotch to neck is snug on me. the body of the suit is snug as well but I dont think another 20 pounds would make a difference...

Thats a tuff call, i would probably go with xl

55 degrees or less go with the 4mm(they make 4mm shorty's but you would be full turtle)
65 or less go with 3mm
65 or higher go with 2 or 3(if you like to be really warm)

phospher
06-24-2011, 11:42 AM
yeah, better a bit snug then loose.

rdlangston13
06-24-2011, 12:58 PM
i always thought the wet suit keeps you warm by having a thin layer of water between you and the wet suit. your body warms this water and it acts as an insulator. thats why some say to pee in your wet suit to get it warm faster...i dont know for sure tho. i am no wet suit expert, just what i have heard

E4NASH
06-24-2011, 01:10 PM
I'm 6'2" and about 210 and I wear a Large. Fits me perfectly. It is also a 2mm and a shorty.

RD, you are right that is pretty much how it works...

yearround
06-24-2011, 01:58 PM
I'm 6-2 180, but i was 215, i have large wetsuits, no shorty's. anyway, everything shrinks in the water anyway, i would say get a large.

bergermaister
06-24-2011, 06:49 PM
thanks guys - I think I'll pursue a large. Just don't want to be singing suprano when I get the thing on.

jmvotto
06-24-2011, 09:37 PM
i have a shorty and a regular 3/2 suits. i usually order both sizes and return the one that does not fit. my.02

Sea N' Things
06-24-2011, 10:44 PM
Go to Bare Sports and have a lok at their sizing chart...

http://www.baresports.com/en-US/Watersports/Support/Consumer/Watersports-Size-Charts

wolfeman131
06-24-2011, 11:16 PM
REALLY?

We're talking about buying wetsuits in late June? I had to double-check the thread start date to be sure.

Sorry, Berg, but I'd just move South. :)

mmandley
06-25-2011, 09:24 AM
Yea unfortunately the rivers are mid to high 50temps still lol

Berg no matter what size L or Xl look into the Oniel guru suit. I just got one and man it's the shiz bro. It's got 4 way stretch and man it can stretch I got a size smaller then I thought I'd need at first and it fit but was to tight on the shoulders. Grabed the size up and it's perfect and really comfortable. It's slightly more expensize but well worth it

Sea N' Things
06-25-2011, 09:28 AM
REALLY!!! I just had to buy a full body yesterday :( the water here is freezing.

wolfeman131
06-25-2011, 09:34 AM
Cripes, me nuts just hid up in me sphinkter! I'd much rather have them stuck to me thigh.

Time to head out on the lake & sweat!

cab13367
06-25-2011, 10:03 AM
Berg, you got a Costco nearby? I bought mine there years ago for cheap and it's served me well. Still looks like brand new.