Exposure Protection

[DetectorGuy]

Yeah, I am on the fence on that one too. A few things that I know work for sure is to minimize water transfer inside the suit. Tighter the better. Internal smoothskin seals at the wrist and ankles to minimize the introduction of the water your swimming in. Attached hood is a plus to make one less point of entry for cold water. Smoothskin seal at the face for that attached hood. Extra thickness of neoprene at the spine and kidney areas.

If you already have a 7 MM suit and it doesn't have these things, you could add a hooded vest either inside or outside of your existing suit. Inside would be better but if your existing suit is too tight, outside would work. A tight fitting hood to prevent heat loss from your head is better than a loose one. I don't know the exact numbers but a major point of heat loss is your head. Good 5 finger gloves like the 7MM Henderson Titanium Hyperstretch keep my phalanges toasty in the coldest ice water ($27.00 at Leisure Pro). If you are buying the gloves try to stay away from the gauntlet style or you will not be able to use them with a dry suit later. Also I would recommend to stay away from the "crab claw" 3 fingered glove unless you are up for a challenge.