Dry vs Semi-Dry

[metaldector]

I have wet suits, dry suits, and a 7mm semi-dry suit. If water enters anyone of these they are wet suits! The main difference between the semi-dry and wet suit is the addition of rubber water dams in the wrist, ankles, and neck area. While these "seals" don't keep water out they do stop water exchange so that the water heated by your body tends to remain heated rather than flushed out as in a wet suit. If I was going to dive northern waters, Great Lakes inparticular I'd dive a dry suit. The suggestion to rent before buying makes perfect sense. Lots of slightly used dry suits on the market, they may need new seals or a patch but are very servicable. Good luck in your diving, and thermal protection.

 

[elan]

I am nice and toasty warm in 23 degree centigrade water which, if you're diving in it every day, gets pretty smegging chilly in a wetsuit.

The lakes here (Ontario and Huron) are more like 5-10C in the warmest time

 

[gedmondson]

I have the KodiaK. Nice suit, better than the 7mm farmer w/vest wet suit I wore before. The problem for me was compression below 50ft left me without sufficient insulation. Dove it 3 times in 50 F water in Puget Sound, then went dry... Never looked back. I hate being cold!

 

[CattMollins]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like I'm gonna be going dry. Low 40's here in March so I think it's probably worth my investment.

Thanks again!

-Matt

 

[Crowley]

The lakes here (Ontario and Huron) are more like 5-10C in the warmest time

In that case, I would require a small submarine with a nice heater

 

[CamG]

Greetings CatMollins and welcome to the wonderful world of local diving in NE Indiana!
I have found diving in this area to be very exciting and quite interesting. The local lakes can be challenging visibility at times but certain times of the year are unbelievable.
I started with a 7mm wet suit and I have to admit I dove it till around Nov. - Dec. but my comfort was really over in early Oct. and did feel good till May. I am just being honest as I experienced it.
I was going to purchase a semi-dry but instead went on a fact finding mission that lead me to a Dry suit. What I found was that I could dive longer into the season "there really is no end" and my air consumption doubled! I could enjoy long cold dives and it was awesome! My whole attitude has changed about dry suits. They will actually save you money in the end, especially if you buy the proper fitting one and learn to properly care and maintain it.
I have had experience dealing with all the local dive shops in Ft Wayne and can recommend a few brands to try if you would like to PM me.
There is a very active group of divers who dive very frequently and not just while traveling. There is a shop who has a incredible discover local diving that has access to a local lake that has yielded some incredible dives.
I would recommend this before trying on your own the local regulations and boats can be a issue. On the issue of boats they will hit you if they do not see you! You will have to be aware of that hazard and comply with surface marking regulations.
Please feel free to PM me and I can share my e-mail with you. Perhaps we can plan a dive in the upcoming spring.
WELCOME FROM A LOCAL HOOSIER! Look forward to meeting you soon!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[CattMollins]

Just ordered my Nexus 3 Whites Drysuit. Should be in mid-next week. I'm pumped!

Anyone have experience with this suit?

Matt