Drysuits....

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jskjd4
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Drysuits....

Post by jskjd4 »

Hey everyone! I have a question (especially for those cold water divers from Seattle and Alaska) I'm thinking of buying a drysuit (reasonably priced) online maybe and I was wondering which type of material worked best for all of you? Any particular brands you all prefer? During my open water class I was using an O'Neil 7/5mm wetsuit and just loved it but I was curious about the drysuits. I'm thinking of taking the Dry Suit Diver Specialty class and need a drysuit but would rather not buy directly from that dive shop (I'm a college kid on a budget). Any suggestions anyone on thickness, brands, etc...?? THANKS ALL AND HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!! \:D/
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Aquanautchuck
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Post by Aquanautchuck »

I have had bag suits, 7 mil suits and now a DUI CF 200. I will never go with anything else but my CF200.

Once you know the suit you want you might try Ebay. I have had friends buy a CF200 for as little as $600. Also, it does not matter what the sellers say with their listing. Always figure you will have to replace the seals.

What ever you decide to do buy quality. You may pay more for a quality suit but you will save so much more money in the long run.

Charles
Last edited by Aquanautchuck on Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Charles
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girldiver
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Post by girldiver »

As with every other piece of dive gear, it's about what works well for you. I prefer a shell suit, as I can change the layering with the temperature underneath, it drys overnight for the next day's dive and there aren't typically leak issues.

However, if I were to advise one of my students what's going to work best for them, I'd want to know where they were diving, how often, their temperature comfort levels, etc.

If you have ANY CHANCE to rent or use different types of drysuits prior to purchase...I highly advise it.

Your drysuit is one of your most expensive pieces of gear...and can last you for 10+ years.

Go for quality...in the long run, it will pay for itself.
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Post by Dmitchell »

Assuming that you plan on diving here, you'll need a drysuit. The water is just too cold to reasonably mess around with a wetsuit.

Also assuming that you will need the course when you get to Juneau, lucky you, you get me for an instructor!

My womens suits are all DUI either TLS350 or Flex 50/50 depending on which size fits you.

For diving up here you need a good suit of which there are many makes and models out there.

It doesn't end with the suit for the most part all the suit does is keep you dry. Imagine putting your hand in a plastic bag then into a bucket of ice water. Your hand will be freezing in a couple minutes. Now put on a warm glove, put it in the bag and back into the water. No problem right! It's the insulation that counts along with the hood and proper gloves.

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Post by Sergeant Pepper »

This is another one of those topics where you just won't get a satisfactory answer, but you can get some satisfactory advice. I have been through an Oneill J-Type wetsuit, a Bare Compressed Neoprene drysuit, and now I'm on to a Bar Tri-Lam. Most of us end up going through a few pieces of gear of each type just to find what we like. I've already gotten rid of much of the initial gear I bought and replaced it with something else that I thought suited me better only to replace half of the replaced gear. I'm sure others up here echo my sentiments. It's a pretty expensive venture, but the only way you will get what wroks for you.
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Post by Sergeant Pepper »

This is another one of those topics where you just won't get a satisfactory answer, but you can get some satisfactory advice. I have been through an Oneill J-Type wetsuit, a Bare Compressed Neoprene drysuit, and now I'm on to a Bar Tri-Lam. Most of us end up going through a few pieces of gear of each type just to find what we like. I've already gotten rid of much of the initial gear I bought and replaced it with something else that I thought suited me better only to replace half of the replaced gear. I'm sure others up here echo my sentiments. It's a pretty expensive venture, but the only way you will get what works for you.
I don't mind losing, but I do mind sucking!
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Post by LCF »

Drysuits for recreational diving basically come in three flavors: Neoprene, compressed or crushed neoprene, and laminate (bi or tri).

Neoprene drysuits are heavy, dry slowly, and have significant buoyancy swings from the compression and decompression of the neoprene. They can also be stiff and limit diver mobility. The upside is that they are warm, and many are relatively inexpensive (the locally made High Tides are an exception). One generally doesn't wear much undergarment with a neoprene suit.

Compressed or crushed neoprene has had most of the air in it removed by the crushing process. Therefore, it doesn't have the buoyancy swings of a full neoprene suit, although these suits generally require a bit more weight than laminate suits. They are warmer, and the material is generally quite durable and difficult to puncture or tear. They are heavier than laminate suits, and dry more slowly. They tend to be expensive, although a couple of makers have stock suits that are reasonably priced (like Bare, or Diving Concepts with their Neo-Z). My compressed neoprene suit has decent mobility, required an increase of four pounds over my laminate suit (with the same undergarments) and is MARKEDLY warmer. The suit was also expensive.

Trilaminate suits are light and dry quickly. They are generally cut generously to permit the layering of undergarments, and they are flexible in the sense that you can use them in a wide variety of water temperatures by varying the amount of insulation you wear. Trilaminate can be much easier to puncture or tear than the compressed neo, unless it has a cordura covering, but it's easy to patch. Trilaminate has no intrinsic insulating properties. Trilaminate suits can be quite inexpensive, depending on maker, and whether you have to go custom for sizing or not.

I own a trilaminate suit and a compressed neo suit. I wear the neo in the wintertime, when I just can't get warm enough in the other no matter what I layer under it. But I switch to the trilaminate suit when the water warms up, because it's easier to move around in, easier to haul around, and dries faster.
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Post by LCF »

Drysuits for recreational diving basically come in three flavors: Neoprene, compressed or crushed neoprene, and laminate (bi or tri).

Neoprene drysuits are heavy, dry slowly, and have significant buoyancy swings from the compression and decompression of the neoprene. They can also be stiff and limit diver mobility. The upside is that they are warm, and many are relatively inexpensive (the locally made High Tides are an exception). One generally doesn't wear much undergarment with a neoprene suit.

Compressed or crushed neoprene has had most of the air in it removed by the crushing process. Therefore, it doesn't have the buoyancy swings of a full neoprene suit, although these suits generally require a bit more weight than laminate suits. They are warmer, and the material is generally quite durable and difficult to puncture or tear. They are heavier than laminate suits, and dry more slowly. They tend to be expensive, although a couple of makers have stock suits that are reasonably priced (like Bare, or Diving Concepts with their Neo-Z). My compressed neoprene suit has decent mobility, required an increase of four pounds over my laminate suit (with the same undergarments) and is MARKEDLY warmer. The suit was also expensive.

Trilaminate suits are light and dry quickly. They are generally cut generously to permit the layering of undergarments, and they are flexible in the sense that you can use them in a wide variety of water temperatures by varying the amount of insulation you wear. Trilaminate can be much easier to puncture or tear than the compressed neo, unless it has a cordura covering, but it's easy to patch. Trilaminate has no intrinsic insulating properties. Trilaminate suits can be quite inexpensive, depending on maker, and whether you have to go custom for sizing or not.

I own a trilaminate suit and a compressed neo suit. I wear the neo in the wintertime, when I just can't get warm enough in the other no matter what I layer under it. But I switch to the trilaminate suit when the water warms up, because it's easier to move around in, easier to haul around, and dries faster.
"Sometimes, when your world is going sideways, the second best thing to everything working out right, is knowing you are loved..." ljjames
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Post by Pinkpadigal »

You are going to get a lot of different answers about what is the best drysuit. Everyone is right and what is best for them may not be what is best for you.

I would purchase the Padi drysuit manual or the diving encylopedia. Both explains the different types of drysuits and how to care for them.

With that said, a drysuit is the most expensive piece of recreational dive gear you own, and will require the most maintence. If you take care of it, it will last you at least 1000 dives. However, expect to spend money to replace seals.
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Post by diver-dad »

Because they are so expensive - it took me over a year of researching it, talking to people, and playing with the gear to decide what I wanted / needed.

I also got a lot of advice. You might want to read the discussion I started at the Deco Stop - http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19858

In the end, I decided on a TLS-350, front zip, kev knees, 2 bellows pockets, rockboots, & latex seals (not zip seals). I got a (Swedish?) WaterProof undergarment that is also very nice.

Best thing I've done in a long time! Man, that thing ROCKS!! ... Now, I'm doing the "happy dance" when I dive! :supz:

The only thing I can criticize about the setup is that the rock boot laces (wrap & velcro tab) aren't the most elegent design, but work nonetheless.

Now .... that's what works for ME. ... It's an individual thing ... You will need to evaluate what you intend to use the suit for, the options you need, and balance that with your budget (or win the lottery).

Talk to experienced DS divers who have the same diving interests that you, and find out what works for them, and especially the "I wish I had known ------ before I bought" lessons! (you can expect there to be a wide variation in what you find there too.)

Girldiver's comments suggesting test-diving DSs is a good one. You might even take a DS course (along with getting the PADI book as PinkPADIGirl suggested). That will lead you into a discussion of the "proper" way to dive a DS - you will find that can be a lively debate too, and subject of a completely separate discussion.

Couple of things to consider (some an echo of the comments of others here):
  • - Quality costs - but pays off in the long run. A lot of the expense comes fromt he amount of hands-on labor it takes to actually make a quality DS.
    - Stay away from coated fabric suits - they don't last. Neo, compr neo, crushed neo, or trilam should be what you are looking at.
    You will find there are pros and cons to every decision point (such as latex seals vs. neo seals, etc) You need to do your homework and become conversant in the options, designs, and materials to make an informed choice.
    - Take your time in deciding.
    - Go to Dog Days this summer in Tacoma!!! (look for the sched in the DUI web site)
    - Once you get your equip - maintain it!!
    - The zipper is the single most expensive component in a DS, and when unzipped, it is fairly easily (fatally for the zipper) damaged. (in the equip specialty course I took, we were able to flex & break an old (already broken and removed) zipper to see how easy it is to break them.) The only way to repair a broken zipper is to replace it - and it ain't cheap.
Hope this helps.

Good luck!
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Post by coachrenz »

I can't imagine diving in anything besides my High Tide suit. Custom fit and comes with pretty much everything else that other suits only offer as add-ons.

Best of all, I actually stay dry.
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Post by jskjd4 »

hey everyone! Thanks for all of your suggestions and inputs. I will definately take your advice and do some research and experiment a little with various types (mainly neoprene or crushed or trilam like some of your suggested). And I will be acquiring a drysuit book before long to learn more about drysuits. And hey Dave, you'll probably be seeing me in August or September looking for a dive class to take! I can't wait to get back to Juneau!! :bounce: Thanks again all and have a great weekend!!
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Post by diver-dad »

coachrenz wrote:I can't imagine diving in anything besides my High Tide suit. Custom fit and comes with pretty much everything else that other suits only offer as add-ons.
I got to sit down with the owner of High Tide and chat for about an hour. A local company. The man knows his stuff and is 1,000% integrity - he believes in his product and can talk at length (which we did) about different neoprenes, zippers, boot design & construction, construction methods, triple-gluing, stitching, etc.

If I were to have gone with a neoprene suit - no doubt in my mind I would have gone for a High Tide.
Last edited by diver-dad on Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by spatman »

LCF wrote:I own a trilaminate suit and a compressed neo suit. I wear the neo in the wintertime, when I just can't get warm enough in the other no matter what I layer under it. But I switch to the trilaminate suit when the water warms up, because it's easier to move around in, easier to haul around, and dries faster.
can you give us a rough idea of water temps you find compfortable in the trilaminate, and rough temps for when you switch to the neo?
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Post by Seth T. »

I am personally considering a Seasoft TI drysuit. I know more than a few instructors that practically live in theirs. Any thoughts on Seasoft?
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Post by Pinkpadigal »

Seth,

I love my Seasoft drysuit. However, I would not get the TX, but the Ti 3000.

This is a basic, very simple to use drysuit. There is nothing fancy about it, nor does it come in fashion colors. There are a few things about it that makes this suit awesome.

It has very few seams, so no where it can leak. I love the valve on the wrist. The neoprene seals are warmer. The boots are very comfortable and excellent for walking on rocks. It is easy to get in and out of.

I don't like that I can't but drygloves on the suit. I wish it had pink on it. There is a lot of choices out there, and I have dove a lot of different suits. I just love my Ti3000 the best.
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Post by Seth T. »

Amy, the TI 3000 is exactly the suit I'm looking at. Due to my height and huge feet, I'd unfortunatly have to get one custom made. What do you wear for undies? They have a Polartec "upgrade" for $300 bucks. Is this what you use? Is it worth the price?
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Post by mancub »

For what it's worth, I dive an Apollo drysuit and love it every time. It too, is a very basic suit, comes in any color you want as long as it's black. Latex seals, 4 mil neoprene - which I haven't had any problems taking too long to dry. It also has foot valves, which were nice to start/getting used to the suit, but I like them closed now. The newer model has valves that you can turn on and off yourself, in about 2 seconds. I don't know too much about the Ti 3000, but from glancing over seasoft's site, I'd say at least take a look at Apollo if you haven't already. They are a great suit for the relatively low cost. Built up in Everett I believe. Also, dry gloves go on the Apollo suits no problem, and it feels real streamlined in the water but still has space for whatever size undersuit you might want/need. Good luck getting a new suit!
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Post by Seth T. »

I had forgotton all about Apollo. Thanks for the reminder!
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Post by BbbleMkr »

I'm an ApolloBeliever, too. My dive buddy calls it my "SnoopDawg" drysuit because it is sooooo ghetto. He got it free (he also got the computer I'm using the same way--talk about a cheap date) as a throw in with some tanks he was getting and the suit fits me fine.

It's too long in the legs and the rockboots are about 3 sizes too big, but I absolutely love its thermal characteristics and the "hug" I get from neoprene. There is a bit of compression, but as long as I stay Zen, I sink without too much trouble and can hold a 5ft safety stop.

Lately, I've put some hard diving on it and the seams around the crotch have started to leak. Not to worry because I have tubes and tubes of Aquaseal. This won't be the first time it's been patched, either. There are several bullet sized holes patched up on the rumpus. (Wth was this guy doing while diving?)

I also have an upstanding trilaminate 350TLS, frontloading drysuit that I _should_ love, but I just don't. It treats me nicely and is very considerate of my feelings, but it leaves me cold.......literally.

Maybe I just like the bad-boys of the drysuit world.

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Post by Seth T. »

Come to think of it, Apollo makes some killer DPVs as well. I rode them for my cert. Tons of fun.
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Post by Pinkpadigal »

As for an undergarment, you can get the Seasoft undergarment for about $275. However, I recommend the Diving Concepts 1 layer undergarment. It is $100 and perfect for the suit. I know a lot of guys, especially in the summer that just wear a long sleeve tee and a pair of sweats. You stay really warm.

If you can wait until September 30, Seasoft has their annual garage sale. You can get a great deal on drysuits and even the custom suits are on sale that day. They will also have BCD, hoods, gloves and weight on sale too.
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Post by Seth T. »

Pinkpadigal wrote: If you can wait until September 30, Seasoft has their annual garage sale. You can get a great deal on drysuits and even the custom suits are on sale that day. They will also have BCD, hoods, gloves and weight on sale too.
Sweet! Where? On their website?
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Post by Diver_C »

BbbleMkr's 350 TLS drysuit must love me then because it doesn't leave me cold. Maybe it felt rejected. Or maybe sad because it couldn't hug her like the Apollo can and does. Poor 350 TLS... :crybaby: Perhaps if these feelings had been communicated there wouldn't be this divide.
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Post by kwbyron »

Not sure if it's been said yet ( i got tiered of reading and started to skim) but I would pay the little bit extra and get a custom fit if a standard size doesn't seem to work just right. Also, with as much crap I will get from NWBrewer, be carefull buying used, or at least stick witha lam. I have a used Moby, I enjoy it, but It's been a year and I am still trying to patch all the holes. When I find another company, and a few grand, that will make a big ugly yellow suit, I'll probably replace it (nothing more fun then showing up to a dive with a bunch of dive-in-all-black DIR divers in a massive bright yellow drysuit).
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