Dry suit vs hot water suit for cold water, picked wrong?

First real winter job up in Puget Sound last January, 46 degree water, and I had to choose between renting a dry suit or a hot water unit. I went with the dry suit because it was cheaper, like $180 a day vs $350, but after 3 hours my hands and feet were shot. The tender said I was smart for saving money but I'm wondering if the extra cost is worth it for longer bottom times. Anyone else run into this and switch over for good?

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oscar74320d agoMost Upvoted

Used to swear by dry suits for everything, figured cold fingers were just part of the gig. Then one long shift in the Sound changed my mind, hot water is the only way I go now.