>>2858323I dive in northern Norway, in the arctic.
Probably sounds harsher than it is, but I've found a dry suit to be pretty much a must if I want to stay comfortable in autumn, when the visibility is best and when I've got time to dive.
I use my Waterproof D10 drysuit for no other reason than that it's the same model I learned to dive with. I tried a 7mm freediving type wetsuit in an attempt to find something I could put on myself instead of needing someone to zip me in, but it somehow didn't feel right, and it got a little cold after a while. Perhaps freediving is a bit more active than SCUBA diving, so they get away with thinner suits? I mostly just fin sedately around in search of scallops and peace of mind.
Still use my 7mm hood and 7mm 3-finger gloves, and they keep me warm while I'm under. When I get up I have a thermos with hot water I pour over a towel, so I can warm my hands with that.
Looking at Seaskin, it looks like they have one of my favourite things about my drysuit available as an option - replaceable wrist and head seal systems. Definitely go for that if you can, it has saved two dives for me.
>>2858325I figure you just use it as long as you're happy with it. It's an expensive hobby to get into as it is, no need to make it worse by worrying about gear.
