knfmn
Contributor
Thanks for the advice so far guys, especially the suggestion of the other thread, Lynne. Looks like I'm leaning towards taking the class first and test diving at least one suit before dropping the big bucks. It seems like they include a suit rental in the course price (which then gets applied to eventual purchase) but I'd have to confirm that, so seems like a good option. What I end up buying might be somewhat influenced by what the shop owner does with the job application I gave him last week - the Fusion looks interesting, but he doesn't sell it.
I think that taking the class and renting a couple of suits before deciding is absolutely your best bet. Not sure where you are, but does DUI do their dog days near you? You can try out several of their models there for a low price.
I know there are a lot of fans of the Whites Drysuits on this board, but I did my drysuit class in one and absolutely hated it. They feel like diving in a garbage bag to me and the construction just feels cheap.
I went to the dog days after my class and tested a suit and fell in love with it. I kept my eyes open and lucked into one on eBay earlier this year.
One thing about taking the class with the intention of renting suits....drysuit rentals, at least here, are frighteningly expensive. $100/day is the going rate here.
Take the class, test some suits and see what you do and don't like. The only input I can give is that the front entry suits are the way to go. The back entry ones are cheaper, but they really suck when you're trying to get your suit on by yourself. Replaceable seals are important as well. You don't want to have to ship the suit off if you rip a seal. Much easier if you can just buy another seal and pop it in. Good luck with your decision!!
Kristopher