Things to look for in a drysuit? Budget drysuit?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I think I'm going to take the plunge and just buy a drysuit. I'm sick of all the crap that I have to deal with with wetsuits, especially putting on a cold, wet, wetsuit for a 3rd or 4th dive of the day.

I'd like to stay under $1500 and was wondering if I could get recommendations on good ones, and what to look for?

Dry Suits - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

A few things that I have in mind:

1. I'd love to have a suit with just socks, not integrated rock boots. If I can keep on using the fins I have now (full foot with 3mm neoprene socks) that would be great.

2. I'd like a pee valve.

3. I'd like the latex seals to be easily replaceable on the spot should they rip - I'm not sure what these are called.

I'm not too sure about anything else, such as valve types, suit materials, etc.

 

[Montana Diver]

Well you do have a selection of drysuits from Dive Right In. Perhaps the easiest method would be to get in a Drysuit class with them and tryout several different suits. The fusions are a great suit, would love to have one, however my LDS is a DUI dealer so I opted for the CLX 450. Love my suit, great fit, I was able to dive it prior to purchase.

Getting use to a drysuit will take some dives. Buoyancy management is different. I am becoming more comfortable in a drysuit, seriously considering taking it to the tropics this year on vacation. I haven't been deeper than 40 ffw in MT.

I purchased my suit used, at a substantial savings. If you could do the same you might be able to stay inside your budget. DUI offers the zip seals, not certain what the fusion has available. I do not dive enough dry to justify the cost of zip seals.

I have size 10 rock boots and can still get my L Biofins to fit. I did swap to Hollis fins since the splits feel a little mushy with the extra bulk. They still work, just didn't feel I had the same amount of control. Drysuit, 16# lead, SS BP/W in fresh water versus 2.5 mm wetsuit and 8 # in salt water.

Good luck
Dennis

 

[noreastDIVER84]

Most suits you can get with socks instead of integrated rock boots. I have a Pinnacle Evolution 2 which was ordered with socks, I do wear rock boots and I didn't have to go up to a different size fin, but I do have a large foot.(I have size 13 rock boots) I use the same XL sized fins with my rock boots and my wetsuit boots. I don't think any of the drysuit manufacturers other than DUI offer seals that can be replaced on the spot, they are called zip seals. When I was looking to get a drysuit I tried out DUI, Pinnacle, and Whites. I wasn't too sure about the Whites, and I liked the Pinnacle over the DUI. The Pinnacle was definitely more rugged, and I got it a lot cheaper than the DUI.

As far as a pee valve goes, I cannot speak on them. I just bought one from Dive Rite and I am happy with it so far. I think that any pee valve is good provided it doesn't leak, but that can be said about a drysuit as well.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Hmmm... thanks for the info. Looks like I can install a pee-valve myself, as most drysuits don't come with them. And I guess you're right that the zip seals are DUI-only, but I don't have the budget for a DUI.

How frequently does the latex around the seals actually rip? And can I repair it myself?

As far as fit, should I look for something more snug or more loose?

Diagonal zip or horizontal across the chest zip? (I think more people prefer horizontal, but why?)

I'm looking at the Whites Fusion Tech:

Whites Fusion Tech w/pockets DEMO Suits - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

I'm 5'5", 38" chest, 28" inseam, 30" waist.

I'm a bit outside of the size range of the XS. I can go for the S which would have more room, but is a snug fit better with drysuits?

Don't know what the neck Tite System and Permanent Wrist Ring System are.

 

[noreastDIVER84]

The lifespan of the latex seals varies greatly depending on certain factors such as, uv exposure, care, exposure to solvents, etc. I have two years and about 60 dives out of the seals on my suit so far and they look good, but are starting to show signs of deterioration, but not enough to worry about them yet. With a drysuit you want it to be more on the snug side, if it is loose then there is more room for an air pocket and more room for air to move in the suit.

With the Whites Fusion, you can go a bit bigger on the suit, because the lycra skin will compress the suit a bit.

The Whites suit has a bit of a funny zip that starts at one shoulder goes down across the chest and back up to the other shoulder. It surely makes for an easy entry.
I have a diagonal across the front, and I find no issues with it. Just keep in mind that a rear zip will usually require someone to zip and unzip your suit for you.

The neck tite system and the permanent wrist wring system are something like DUI's zip seal system, but I don't know anything about them.

 

[Paco II]

@fbb - if you plan on doing a lot of Monterey shore diving, you almost certainly will want a boot of some sort. You'll tear apart a sock. You might be able to layer a neoprene sock over the wetsuit boot, but still, depending on the locations, that walk from car to water could wreak havoc on a sock.

EDIT: and just to add, I recently went dry, and loving it!

 

[tech3324]

I'm looking at the Whites Fusion Tech:

Whites Fusion Tech w/pockets DEMO Suits - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

I ordered the Fusion Sport demo suit from them last week. Be sure to call them before placing an online order; the sizes available on the website don't agree with what's really available in suits and undies.

 

[gcbryan]

The issue of a built-in sock vs build-in boot (to me) isn't really about the end result...you end up with boots either way. With built-in socks you usually can get a better fit (less air) and then you choose what to wear over that. I use Bare Trek boots (very sturdy).
Build-in boots are potentially just more convenient when gearing up.

Front zip means self zip. Back zip means you need help. Back zip is usually quite a bit cheaper however (I have back zip). You can probably get a DUI back zip TLS350 in your price range. You may be able to get some BARE front zip drysuits in your price range as well.

I got mine without the zip seals (expensive to replace). You can get Atlas dry gloves installed by the factory (DUI) and you will be able to change the wrist seals yourself (no glue). The neck seal will be standard but in my experience they last much longer than the wrist seals.

I wouldn't worry if you have to change fins with a drysuit all other things considered.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Well guys, this is what I'm thinking about ordering:

1 x Whites Fusion Tech w/pockets DEMO Suits
1 x Neck Tite Drysuit Neck Seal System
1 x Permanent Wrist Rings for Dry Gloves
1 x Balanced P-Valve
1 x Drysuit Latex Bellows Neck Seal
1 x Drysuit Latex Bottle Wrist Seals (pair)

Total is about $1400. With a free beanie and shipping.

I'm hoping to get the permanent wrist rings, P-valve, and Neck Tite system installed by them ($125 labor).

Correct me if I'm wrong:

1. With the permanent wrist rings I will be able to easily swap in replacement wrist seals on the spot if one rips. I will also be able to dive with both dry and regular wet neoprene gloves with them.

2. With the Neck Tite system I will be able to swap in replacement neck seal on the spot as well.

3. With the P-valve I'll need to get a condom catheter to pee with. With a P-valve, will I also need to install a regular crotch zipper for peeing above the water?

4. I am buying one pair of replacement wrist seals and one replacement neck seal, but DRIS should be able to re-use the seals that originally came with the drysuit when they do the wrist rings and Neck Tite mods, right?

How does everything look?

I could save some more money and go with a Freedom 2 ($700) or Edge/Hog ($800). Should I do this?

 

[noreastDIVER84]

Well guys, this is what I'm thinking about ordering:

1 x Whites Fusion Tech w/pockets DEMO Suits
1 x Neck Tite Drysuit Neck Seal System
1 x Permanent Wrist Rings for Dry Gloves
1 x Balanced P-Valve
1 x Drysuit Latex Bellows Neck Seal
1 x Drysuit Latex Bottle Wrist Seals (pair)

Total is about $1400. With a free beanie and shipping.

I'm hoping to get the permanent wrist rings, P-valve, and Neck Tite system installed by them ($125 labor).

Correct me if I'm wrong:

1. With the permanent wrist rings I will be able to easily swap in replacement wrist seals on the spot if one rips. I will also be able to dive with both dry and regular wet neoprene gloves with them.

2. With the Neck Tite system I will be able to swap in replacement neck seal on the spot as well.

3. With the P-valve I'll need to get a condom catheter to pee with. With a P-valve, will I also need to install a regular crotch zipper for peeing above the water?

4. I am buying one pair of replacement wrist seals and one replacement neck seal, but DRIS should be able to re-use the seals that originally came with the drysuit when they do the wrist rings and Neck Tite mods, right?

How does everything look?

I could save some more money and go with a Freedom 2 ($700) or Edge/Hog ($800). Should I do this?

You should be able to change the seals yourself on site with the wrist rings, and neck tite system. You will need a condom catheter for the p-valve, and you can do crotch zipper if you choose, but you can just go and let it run down your leg(not reccomended out of consideration for others) I would call DRIS and see what they say about the seals. I wouldn't buy seals until you see that the ones you have are deteriorating. The seals do have a "shelf-life" to speak of.

As far as the other suits go, it is a matter of preference and fit, I think the Whites suit will fit a wider range of people better than the other suits.