Martin E I am looking for an economical full suit to try open water swimming in Puget Sound (Seattle WA). Water temp in the low 50's. Short swims to start. Would the Hyperflex Cyclone 3/2 work? Anyone want to venture an opinion? Thanks
RICHARD L It's definitely a good suit for the money. I've enjoyed mine down here in Melbourne. I'd say for sub 50 degree water it'd be a bit thin but if you're actively swimming that may not be an issue (I'm usually floating along in my scuba gear trying NOT to expend energy).
You'll certainly get good range of motion in the shoulders for swimming. I've used this for kiteboarding and scuba diving so far and I've loved it. If any of those Puget Sound octopi have a nibble on your leg we'd love to hear about it on dkmvs.
Have fun swimming and keep an eye out for Moby the dickmove whale ;)
FRANCISCO G I bought the suit for recriational snorkeling and some diving for up state NY and it worked great but Im 300 lbs and that extra winter coat help for long periods under water, I recommend to get a 3+ mm for those temperatures but remember get a good set of boots, gloves, and hoodie.
The deeper you go down the colder it gets.
RICHARD L I've use by Hflex 3/2 for surfing on the Oregon and Washington (Westport) coasts. It's a very flexible suit and I have found it to be comfortable in the water for periods of 1-1.5 hrs (my normal surfing stints). I would especially think when swimming that you would be plenty warm. I'll only qualify these comments by saying I haven't been surfing with it in the Nov-Apr time frame, so I have no experience with colder winter temps. I used to surf with a 4/3 (not Hflex) which was often too warm, though cozy in winter. The trouble is it had such little flexibility it was like doing isometrics just to have it on.
Martin E Thanks to Robert M, Francisco G, and Richard L for the replies. Richards experience in the Pac NW is especially helpful. I have been a diver for more than 30 years and have heavy wetsuits but think with surface swimming the 3/2 would work well and be flexible enough.
Here's to getting wet!
ROBERT M Yes, the hyperflex will keep you warm swimming in the sound.