Wetsuit problems ...

[scubadiverbob]

Hi everyone,

Some of you have read what I posted about the wetsuit I'm currently using. I'll copy and paste it here; then, explain the problem I'm having.

"In the early 80's (still vintage?) they came out with lycra. I bought a custom made suit, lycra inside and nylon II outside at dealer cost. Wish I still had that suit. Sold it to a dive buddy of mine in Norfolk VA when I got out of the Navy. Now I got a Hynderson. Hyerstretch? Put it on dry ... Harder than them old suits to get on! No zippers in the legs and you have to be an acrobat to zip up the zipper in the back of it !!! "

The problem I'm having is that with the hynderson, I get BIG blisters on my legs (calves) and they are a pain to deal with. Being diabetic, this is not good. I've never had this problem with any other suit. Has anyone else experienced this? Would a lycra skin help?

Also, my hyperstretch doesn't stretch like it's supposed to and is a pain to get on. Ask anyone who has dove with me and saw me try to get into it. How do you make them stretch like they are supposed to so they are easy to get into and fit better than any other suit?

Ok, I'm not complaining, I just got a very BIG blister on my leg !!!

Am I getting suit squeeze from my hyperstretch? Or do you just get that from drysuits without enough air in them?

Robert

[dbg40]

If I understand you correctly, you have a stock size, Henderson, but your not sure it is a Hyperstretch? New best quality wet suits are made without zippers because the material is quite a bit more stretchy than old, or lesser quality suits. The Hyperstretch is a dream to don, and doff, and moves like a second skin when it's on. If yours is gauling you, then I presume that the suit is not sized right. You mention suit sqeeze, but that would only happen if air in the suit was unable to escape, as in a DS. This wont happen in a wet suit. Did you check the inside of the suit for damage, or imperfection at the point where it causes blisters? I have never had a rub point like that in the leg. Most times, if the suit is too tight, it will get you at "pinch points" like under the arms, the crotch, behind the knees or elbows, and anywhere the body needs to bend and move causing a rub point. If the suit is not damaged, try another size siut, or have a good shop alter it to fit properly. I can't tell you about a lycra skin, as I have never used one, buy maybe somone else here has. You can also try posting on the SB, and 2,000,000 experts will give you the answer you need, and advise you on how to wear your mask. They will also send thoughts and prayers to you and your family and friends, and help you get through this dificult time in your life.

[luis]

My wife uses a Henderson Gold core wet suit, smooth skin inside.
To help her put it on she uses some homemade lubricant. She mixes some cheep hair conditioner and water. She adds enough water so that it flows easily in a spray bottle.

She often uses a skin suit under her wet suit. IMO it somewhat defeats the advantage of the Gold core inside skin, but it makes it very easy for her to put on her suit.

I just use a simple two piece (farmer John & jacket) nylon two side moder high stretch suit.

I think the newer high stretch suits are great. The only compromise I think of is that they probably compress more and therefore the buoyancy change is a bit more.

[scubadiverbob]

I have a hyperstretch. Leg holes are small even though it's an x-large. Maybe mine doesn't stretch like it's supposed to. I'll try the hair conditioner idea next time I use it. The river is about sixty degrees now; so, I could probably get by with a shorty. Thanks for the info.

[JES]

You've probably already verified this information, but here's a link to Henderson's website: Size Charts

Check it out and make sure that what they call an XL actually matches your needs/dimensions.

[nemrod]

Well, Like I said in the other thread, these suits today just do not fit well and are harder than hades to get into. Of course, I have a 1/4 sharkskin suit from the real vintage era---pre 75--and while it is easy to get into I play heck getting the arms off. I think it is because it is obviously a hand me down and the arms are to narrow for me and the belly is to big.

I suspect your suit does not actually fit you.

Nemrod

[scubadiverbob]

My suit fits ok except in the lower legs and arms. This is from Hendersons website:

"HYPERSTRETCH® - This revolutionary new 4-way stretch neoprene can stretch up to 250% of its original size."

I'll have to get in touch with Henderrson and tell them the problem I'm having. The closest dealer to me is 80 miles away. Anyone know an 800 number for them?