Jim -- IMO the answer to your question isn't quite that simple. Obviously, the style and composition of the wetsuit is obviously more important than the brand. At the very least you're going to want long sleeves/legs. Below 60°F you may also find that you need booties and gloves too. And, perhaps even a hood. Every body has different tolerances to the water temps. Keep in mind that most swimming wetsuits are constructed for racing (triathlons). That is...in triathlons they frequently allow wetsuits at temps when one really isn't necessary. Triathletes like to wear them anyway because they make you float higher in the water, and thereby swim faster. And so, the wetsuits often have thicker neoprene in the front, and legs, but thinner in the arms and back. So, to answer your question, you can check this list, or others you can find for suggested thicknesses --www.quiksilver.com/.../
You might also want to consider the weather when/where you're going to swim. Frequently in the spring and fall when I'm wearing a wetsuit, at the same water and air temps...you will feel completely different on a clear sunny day than you will on a cloudy or overcast day. The solar radiation absorbed by the black wetsuit really makes a difference. Hope that helps.
Dan
Jim -- IMO the answer to your question isn't quite that simple. Obviously, the style and composition of the wetsuit is obviously more important than the brand. At the very least you're going to want long sleeves/legs. Below 60°F you may also find that you need booties and gloves too. And, perhaps even a hood. Every body has different tolerances to the water temps. Keep in mind that most swimming wetsuits are constructed for racing (triathlons). That is...in triathlons they frequently allow wetsuits at temps when one really isn't necessary. Triathletes like to wear them anyway because they make you float higher in the water, and thereby swim faster. And so, the wetsuits often have thicker neoprene in the front, and legs, but thinner in the arms and back. So, to answer your question, you can check this list, or others you can find for suggested thicknesses --www.quiksilver.com/.../
You might also want to consider the weather when/where you're going to swim. Frequently in the spring and fall when I'm wearing a wetsuit, at the same water and air temps...you will feel completely different on a clear sunny day than you will on a cloudy or overcast day. The solar radiation absorbed by the black wetsuit really makes a difference. Hope that helps.
Dan
s on a wetsuit that will keep you warm in sub 60 water and still be able to swim 2-3 miles?
