NRS Men's Little John 'Grizzly' Wetsuit

Good for cool weather kayaking
February 02, 2012

Bought the Grizzly Farmer John and both Grizzly jackets (Hyrdoskin and regular) for kayaking. They work great for cold weather and cold water (use different jackets based on how cold the air is). Getting Hydroskin body/bottom (I hope if they ever come out in Grizzly medium for either Farmer John, Little John, or pants) for warmer weather and warmer water. But what to do when the weather is warm but the water is still really cold (like 60 degree air with 40 degree water)? So I got the Little John. Works great. It does not have the "armored" butt as does the Farmer John (though on the up side this does allow more flexibility in the suit itself). It is definitely tighter in the stomach and chest than the Farmer John but the material seems more stretchy so it fits OK (i.e., not quite as exactly as the Farmer John). Legs also seemed too long and too large at the end of the leg (allowing in more water than I care for). I would have made the leg about 1 and 1/2 inches shorter and more tapered. But all in all comfy and warm enough in cold water and warm air to get me to shore without hypothermia setting in :o) FYI, I bought a Medium: 5'6", 192 lbs, 46" chest, 36" waist (good fit),

Grizzly Wetsuit fits me
November 04, 2010

I weigh 220 lbs and 5ft 6in and the Little John Grizzly M is a good fit. I often have to buy 2X for my shoulders and have the sleeves shortened to fit me. I like the open cut of the armpits for flexible movement, have not been out on the water yet. The picture does not show that the shoulders have a velcro strap connection with a small snap closure, but its works and I do not expect problems (other reviews had noted it, so not surprised). One surprise is that the zipper is two way (top zipper and a bottom zipper) though the bottom zipper is jammed near the bottom with a 1 inch opening below it. The zipper can not go lower for full closure. Not practical, but perhaps it protects the bottom of zipper? Need to get on the water to assess if it will leak. Durability is not determinable at this time, so rated it a 3, but I would have rated it higher if the seat area was reinforced with more durable material. Time will tell. Rated Quality a 4 for design and fit.

Great Wetsuit for the large guy (or girl)
August 19, 2009

I am 6'1", 39in waist, 48in chest, 241 lbs, and have large biceps. In the past I have had trouble getting in and out of traditional wetsuits that have sleeves. So I selected the Little John "Grizzly" Wetsuit as it is designed for larger divers in mind with larger cut. I also selected this wetsuit because I do a lot of semi-warm water diving (Caribbean) and wanted a shorty. Figured if I needed more warmth I could buy a wetsuit jacket and wont have my arm movement constraint by excess material being the Grizzly wetsuit is sleeveless. I originally ordered the G2XL (5'11"- 6'4" 260-305lbs) and found the height perfect, but the legs, waist, and chest were EXTREMELY baggy. If I would have ever used it, figure water would have seeped freely in and out from all direction. I sent it back and ordered the GL (5'8"- 6'0" 230-265lbs). The height is a little short but the adjustable shoulder straps allow for proper fit. Only draw back is some of the exposed Velcro rubs your skin. The fit is almost perfect with some slight tension in the chest and waist but nothing uncomfortable and easy body movement. The exposed sleeve area is padded and comfortable. I have yet to use this as I just ordered it so I cannot tell you how it felt in the water or with dive equipment on. Im still contemplating sending it back because Im worried about chaffing from the exposed shoulder straps. I recommend this wetsuit as you can clearly see the quality with the material and stitching. So if you have a similar body mass as I described, consider this wetsuit for semi-warm water diving, kayaking, or even surfing.

Great Quality and Value For Money - NRS ROCKS
July 13, 2009

I love the fit and the material is great! I have since become a fan of NRS products. High quality and affordable.

Little John Grizzly Wetsuit
July 07, 2009

Appears to be great quality, I love the front zip I think I will like the two stage zipper too. After two shoulder surgeries I couldn't put on a rear zip unit. After not diving in 15 years my old unit shrank in the closet ;-) and was probably dry rotted anyways. Aruba and my 18 year old son got me out of retirement. However I couldn't find anything locally that fit. Even Cablea's didn't have anything that would fit. Let's start by saying that I was pushing the limits on this Grizzly GL size, as I am 5'11" and tipping the scales at 260, 52" chest and 49" belly. (no body wants to see that without a wetsuit...) Staff at NRS recommended I get the GL which should fit a 6'00" 265 lbs. Well it fits but a little snug in the shoulders thus making it a little snug in the rear if you know what I mean. I ordered the extension straps and that will solve the problem.

Very Nice Find for a Full-Figured Gal
July 14, 2007

I tried looking other places online for a "real" wetsuit for those of us with queenly or kingly proportions, but nothing else compared with what I found here at Altrec. I am very impressed with the quality of my Grizzly. Excellent value for the price. I ordered the Large, thinking that I fit the weight specs and not caring whether I fit the height specs. I'm 5'7" and I found that for the most part, the Grizzly fit the bill for those days when I want to get on my 155HP Sea-Doo and ride. Good fit through the hip, seat, thigh and waist. The only thing I would suggest for the makers of the Grizzly is that they add a bit more length from waist to shoulder. I can adjust my Grizzly with the velcro shoulder straps so that it is comfortable enough, but I think a woman more "well endowed" than I am at the bustline will have a bit of a problem. After looking around at those "back zip" wetsuits, I truly appreciate the long front-zippers on the Grizzly. This is the first wetsuit I've purchased. All in all, I'm glad I found Altrec and the Grizzly.

Great gear
May 21, 2007

Got the Grizzly in medium, I'm 5'6" and 170 lbs, for the "over 30 crowd" this fits well with room to spare around the thighs. Front zip works well and better than behind the back zips as in ocean wet suits.

Nice fit
April 02, 2007

I am a bodybuilder, 6', 255, and the XXL Grizzley fit me very well with plenty of room in the chest.

Actually fits!!
January 26, 2007

I'm 5'9"/200+ and the fit is excellent. Very high quality suit; I'm extremely satisfied with this product.

Sweet wetsuit for the big
October 11, 2006

I'm 5'9" @ 220pds and the suit fits nice. A high quality wetsuit and the best deal on the internet!

excelllent product
April 10, 2006

The fit was perfect. Loved the double zipper and the straps over the shoulder help with chaffing while paddling. excellent product.

Great Fit
June 23, 2004

This is my first wetsuit. I am 6'-4" and 300+ and this wetsuit fit great and was really comfortable riding my PWC.