[Paddlewise] Custom wetsuits

Kirk posted (snip):
>>I'm in the market for a new farmer john...Has anyone else gone the custom
route?   I'm looking for recommendations.<<

I had one made up a few years ago. With a relief zipper and knee patches, it
really added up. I had the area under the underarms reduced a bit from the
normal parameters. While this does reduce thermal retention, it allows more
comfort and less chaffing. I made very sure they measured as many points as
possible, then had an extra few millimetres added to each measurement to
allow for layering underneath (please, let's not get into a PW discussion
again on the merits of layering under a FJ vs over a FJ again). :-)

The most important point was to have someone doing the measuring that took
into account the fact you will be sitting with your legs straight out in
front. Allowance must be made for this in the panels. My suit was easily
customizable precisely because it was designed with multiple panels, sewn
and bonded together, which provided a very ergonomic fit. A custom FJ is
truly a thing a beauty when it fits right. A person with overly big calf
muscle or a short torso or alternatively skinny legs and extra tall will
appreciate the added warmth when immersed, that derives from a custom suite.
Make sure the manufacturer has a written policy that permits full customer
satisfaction or money back.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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