What do you all use for exposure suits

[mattengstrom]

Hi all -

I'm a recently certified diver - classroom & pool here with Fantasea, referrals at the Cayman Dive Lodge, 11 logged dives so far. I don't want to be a "vacation diver" because I've had too much fun and I don't want my skills to rot. That means local diving and to me, that means that my first major equipment purchase should be the exposure suit. Any disagreements so far? (I've already got mask, snorkel, & fins.)

So. What do you all use to stay warm around here? Is something like the Mares Isotherm semi-dry warm enough, even for Superior dives? Semi-dries are a new idea to me. Are they a good idea in general, or is it sorta like being semi-pregnant? I'd love to hear the pros and cons from someone who has one.

Or should I just to bite the bullet and shell out the $$$ for a drysuit?