Which dry glove system is 'best'

[GiantMoray]

Hi all,

Ok so I know that which system is 'best' is very subjective, but I need to replace my wrist seals on my trilam suit and thinking of moving to a dry glove system for the dexterity etc that it offers. I was tempted to get the Northern Diver system (as I have a Northern Diver suit) but I read some fairly poor things about it so decided against that.

Just looking for opinions on which ones to go for?

Thanks,
James

 

[Daved222269]

I really like the ultima dry glove system. I haven’t actually tested any other systems myself. This was the first system I bought, and it works well

 

[lermontov]

make sure yo can get your hand through the ring on whatever type you get -

 

[Zef]

I have the Ultima DGS, Si-tech virgo, Fourth Element Ellipse, and Si-tech glove lock systems in my garage.

All work, but currently my wife and I are favoring the Ultima DGS. I have had zero problems with the system and traded my wife's set of fourth element ellipse with someone for their set of Ultima DGS which is installed but yet to be used by my wife.. I still have my set of 4E Ellipse though.

If i was searching for a system based on my experience and knowledge, I would recommend looking at the Roloc90.

Like the Ultima DGS, the Rolock 90 is designed to interface with the PU ring of the si-tech qcs oval system. This PU ring will readily allow you to use the following dryglove systems:
(a) si-tech antares
(b) si-tech virgo
(c) Ultima DGS
(d) Fourth Element Ellipse
(e) rolock 90
(f) possibly others ?

I am a fan of the si-tech wrist cuff systems that allow user/field changeable wrist seals and permit the integration of dryglove systems.

-Z

 

[lexvil]

I would probably put the Ultima at the top, I have used the others on Zef’s list except the Rolock. I also still use the Antares and like them for being the least bulky but they have to be “just right” or they will leak. Once you get over the trauma of putting the gloves on the Ultima it Is just great.

 

[Boston Breakwater]

Hi all,

Ok so I know that which system is 'best' is very subjective, but I need to replace my wrist seals on my trilam suit and thinking of moving to a dry glove system for the dexterity etc that it offers. I was tempted to get the Northern Diver system (as I have a Northern Diver suit) but I read some fairly poor things about it so decided against that.

Just looking for opinions on which ones to go for?

Thanks,
James

Hello. I bought my first D.U.I. Drysuit in 1999 I felt the cost of undergarments, and dry gloves was ridiculous....even back then. (Still are.) I went to Winchesters in Gloucester Mass where I used to buy my Lobster Traps/Pots. The Blue insulated fishing gloves they sold were the exact same as D.U.I.'s
I don't think any Drysuit manufacturers make their own gloves, (I could be wrong.)
I worked at a dive shop at the time, so, seals were at cost. I put a plastic bottle in the glove,and worked the seal onto the wrist. I applied the glue, and let it stand 24 Hrs....I applied a second layer...and let it stand 24 Hrs. When, it was time.....I crushed the plastic bottle and pulled it carefully through the latex. "Perfect."
There are plenty of videos in regard to making Dry gloves. I used them during the Winter, and the only time they leaked (Slightly.) was when raking Sea Urchins into a bag, having my wrist in an awkward position creating a small channel.
I recently sent my D.U.I. TLS 350 SEAL Drysuit out to have the "Zip Seals." removed, and replaced with latex. (I was tired of the hard plastic ring....ripping my nose, and ears off.)
I could have done it myself...I just don't have the means...right now.
"Dry Glove Systems." are one of the things that really piss me off in the "Industry." I think the cost is exponential, and they're taking advantage of divers. (My opinion.)
So.......If, Divers need the Barracuda DG 4000, or the really top of the line...Ocean Research KY Jellyfish 7700 for a mere $799.00 (So, be it.)
O.K......."Rant completed."
To answer your question: I would say that "Do it yourself." is the best "Dry Glove System."
Cheers.

 

[davehicks]

I will second the veto of Proprietary Gloves like the DUI Zip Seals. However "systems" like the Ultima Dry Glove rings do not come with Gloves at all. You can install almost replaceable glove you like. Many people really like the Showa 720, which can be had for about $6.00 a pair. I've used these or similar for a long time with good results.

 

[flymolo]

I'm a fan of the kubi ring system. The solid aluminum rings are removable and I currently have them mounted on a pair of dui zip seals. The rings work with most gloves, although it takes some trickery to install gloves which have a cotton lining. I'm diving showa 720s this year, tried the orange and light blue ones (660s) in the past and am just looking for something more durable, but the gloves can be changed quite easily once you know how to do it (it takes me about 5 minutes to change a glove).

 

[azstinger11]

I've used DUI zipgloves and Kubi rings. The DUI zip gloves are stupid simple to use and are generally pretty warm I think (since there is no wrist seal to keep air out of the hands). The three drawback are 1) cost 2) you lose dexterity on the surface 3) if it leaks no wrist seal to contain it. Kubi rings are great....if you lubricate the o-rings. Can be applied to existing suit seals or totally replace the suit/seal mechanism making for easy to replace seals. Maintain surface dexterity, more dexterity underwater than the orange DUI zip gloves, wrist seals remain in place, gloves are cheap to replace.

 

[broncobowsher]

Kubi is a pretty sweet system. Big fan. I think they are the only one that has different sizes. So you can get a set that are just large enough without being too large one size fits all.