Wetsuit help, reccomendations etc

Hi, i'm not a complete newbie to sailing, but for the past couple of years i have   been using the centre's wetsuits (spartan) and spray tops for when it's colder! I think it's about time to get myself some kit!   
What brands would you reccomend (mid range?). What brands are there to avoid, eg surf ones not suited to sailing)? I know some, but i would benifit from a list of some sort!

I sail from spring to early autumn, not really winter (apart from v.occasionally!). I need a wetsuit to cater for all seasons, and would rather be too warm then cold obvs!
To make matters worse i am going to aus in their summer time (coming winter), so need something to cater for this too!  I suppose if it's hot i can wear just shorts and rash top or somthing etc.

I don't want a drysuit. Do rash vests, spray/smock jackets, good boots and gloves help much, eg can i team a 3mm wetsuit with mentioned layers for winter use?  Or does nothing compare to a winter one?
Could i get a thinnish thickness one and wear it over a cheap shortie, will that keep me warm?
I have seen longjohns with jacket things, are these any good?

Sorry for the ramble, any info would help! Thanks

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piccolo Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 11 Location: Midlands Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote piccolo Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Wetsuit help, reccomendations etc Posted: 10 Sep 11 at 11:06pm
	Hi, i'm not a complete newbie to sailing, but for the past couple of years i have been using the centre's wetsuits (spartan) and spray tops for when it's colder! I think it's about time to get myself some kit! What brands would you reccomend (mid range?). What brands are there to avoid, eg surf ones not suited to sailing)? I know some, but i would benifit from a list of some sort! I sail from spring to early autumn, not really winter (apart from v.occasionally!). I need a wetsuit to cater for all seasons, and would rather be too warm then cold obvs! To make matters worse i am going to aus in their summer time (coming winter), so need something to cater for this too! I suppose if it's hot i can wear just shorts and rash top or somthing etc. I don't want a drysuit. Do rash vests, spray/smock jackets, good boots and gloves help much, eg can i team a 3mm wetsuit with mentioned layers for winter use? Or does nothing compare to a winter one? Could i get a thinnish thickness one and wear it over a cheap shortie, will that keep me warm? I have seen longjohns with jacket things, are these any good? Sorry for the ramble, any info would help! Thanks

radixon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2407	Post Options Post Reply Quote radixon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 11 at 1:05pm
	Location is key here, where are you. Try it on and see if it fits. Go to the Southampton boat show to try lots of styles on if possible. Sometimes though they are hidden as it can be a yachty event. I wear Oneil wetsuits as they fit me well. Before that I had gul, others get away wearing the TWF and otehr lower named brands.

Stuart O Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Jul 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 514	Post Options Post Reply Quote Stuart O Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 11 at 9:01pm
	Its a +1 for me with the Oneil gear...surfy but so comfortable. But they may not suit your body shape so try on many and you may end up with a couple of wetusits that will be fit for all seasons

alstorer Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 02 Aug 07 Location: Cambridge Online Status: Offline Posts: 2899	Post Options Post Reply Quote alstorer Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 11 at 7:06am
	I know Mr Fuller will mock, but I got a Tribord suit from Decathlon this year. Comfortable, stretchy, glued and blindstiched seams (essential- do not get a suit that is just stiched). Beyond that, there's been some thought put into it for sailing- so it has grip coating (in a pattern) on the posterior and knees, and the shins have an extra layer or two of neoprene to give a bit of protection. this one.
	-_ Al

bferry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 01 Jun 09 Location: Malta Online Status: Offline Posts: 190	Post Options Post Reply Quote bferry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 11 at 8:14am
	What boat do you sail? Have you considered hiking pants?
	Bernard Vareo 249 Miracle 2818 Malta