One Piece Wetsuit vs. Farmer John

[eric myers 2]

Leaks?

Wait a minute we are talking about wetsuits right?

Remember while it is true that neoprene is impenetrable by water, it is the seams that let the water in, ultimately you want some level of water exchange.

I agree that personal preference is a factor when deciding between one piece suits and two piece suits but fit is the ultimate factor.

Just an aside...
I believe everyone has different tolerances for cold water. For example I am short and stocky and for the most part I am just a human furnace! I have dived with some people that are cold after they get out of 80 degree water after :25 minutes, meanwhile I was diving in little more than a bathing suit, they were usually tall and thin.

With all that said...
The real question is what kind of diving are planning on doing? Are you going to be a warm water diver that goes on more trips or do you plan to spend more time in local waters?

If you plan to do more local diving and plan on diving deep...I say the thicker the better. Thicker than means you should buy a two piece farmer john.

If you plan on local diving only in the warmest summer months than you would be okay to by a jumpsuit but remember MN has shorter seasons and with a jumpsuit your dive season will be shorter than someone with a farmer john and theirs will be shorter than someone with a drysuit.


If you are only going to go on trips than you have a decision to make and it gets a little more difficult. Most people use just a jumpsuit for ease of donning. Meanwhile their is some truth to the fact that two halfs of a farmer john can give you options. One day you can dive the outside piece the next day you can dive the inside piece, you can taylor it to the dive. You make the call!

From a personal standpoint I have never been partial to the addition of a hood vest. But again...personal preference.

Hope this helps!