Transitioning from Rent to Own

[beeger]

I think either option might work. I don't think there is a wrong choice. However, the custom suit is a bit riskier in my opinion. You are introducing a whole new set of variables into the picture with this one. Yes, you might end up with an amazing suit, or you might not. I've heard of these custom wetsuit companies but don't know anyone around here who has had a custom wetsuit made. Somebody probably has. Maybe start by calling these companies and getting a feel for who they are and what they can provide.

A slightly safer bet, in my opinion, would be to have your preferred Henderson dealer bring some suits into the store (provided that they don't already have what you are looking for on the shop floor) for you to try on. Sounds to me like you need a short to medium length, with maybe a XL girth. Try on both sizes. Use to the sizing charts as a guidelines but don't put too much faith in these. Some materials, even from the same company, stretch considerably more than others. If you can tell Henderson that you need, for example, an XL suit with the arms and legs of a medium maybe they can tailor one of their stock suits for you. (FWIW, I think Henderson also does complete custom work, in addition to their "tailoring" which I have used.) I wouldn't dismiss Henderson, or any brand for that matter, until you have tried a few sizes on for yourself. Don't rely on the sizing charts. If the shop doesn't have what you need find one that does or have them bring in at least a couple of sizes. Buying an off the rack suit without trying it on (even if you do go the tailoring route with Henderson) is taking a risk that you can easily avoid.

Above all, don't stress this too much. As Jason said you will eventually be moving into a drysuit if you stick with local diving. For the first summer or two your dives won't be very long, so your exposure time will not be excessive, and you'll be having so much fun anyway the cold won't be the first thing on your mind. Get yourself a good fitting wetsuit ... but it doesn't have to be perfect. Invest in a good, thick set of gloves and a nice snug, thick, bibbed hood and you will do fine. Get some 5mm boots and wear wool socks underneath, or go for a thicker set of boots.