I checked them all out and can report as follows:
The LITE suit is plenty warm for most conditions. I was told that it is warmer than the AA suit because in addition to the flotation, it has 100g insulation. Based on experience, this one is good to -10 with typical base layer underneath. This is a good choice for those moving around alot because the heavier suits are like furnaces! My son wears this one. I would think this would be the suit of choice for moderate climates. I was told that most of the SI pro staff uses the LITE. And take a look at the new Eskimo cartons and you will see the SI LITE suit!
The Hardwater suit is an upgrade from the regular Heavy suit from last year. This one has a carhart-weight shell and 175g insulation. It weighs twice as much as the LITE. This is perfect for sitters (like me) and handles the coldest temps imaginable. I was told that only about 30 bibs from last year had blown crotch issues and the current model has a better design. This is my choice because I like to sit on a pail and wait it out. I figure I can always open the vents to cool down. I bought the red/gray jacket with the gray bibs.
The Climate has a mid-weight outer shell and removable liners. It is as warm as the Hardwater. The jacket shell is tapered a bit (about an inch?) in the middle of the jacket so it is not so big when warn without the liner. The liner is a separate waterproof softshell jacket that is also sold separately for almost $100, making the Climate a pretty sweet deal. This one has waterproof zips so it can be warn in the spring or fall. Without the liner, my guess is that it is good to zero. With the radial body vents and back vent, this should be good as raingear to maybe 50 above. The bibs have zip out liner too. The Climate offers the best of both worlds but you have to deal with the liners. The softshell liner is pretty awesome.
All have flotation, adjustable inseam and most important, great ventilation. The Hardwater and Climate have heavier fabric and ballistic endura in the knees compared to the LITE. All have built in vents in the hems to release excess moisture- an important consideration to prevent a bacteria farm from growing inside the shell. I think any of the three would be a good choice, depending on the user and how/where it will be used. There is also a non-float option for under 100 bucks that might be a good option for many. Size L fit me OK but I went with the XL to allow for a little extra room for underlayers. I usually wear an XL so it appears that these are sized OK.
I hope this helps. I can offer a more detailed report after spending more time on the ice with my new Hardwater suit.
