Is a dry suit worth it?

[Graveyarddiver]

So here’s the deal, I dive predominately in NC, and SC. Where a wetsuit is generally adequate. However, I’m looking at getting a dry suit. To deal with the colder water as opposed to my 2 piece 7mm for the 8-10 dives I do in the winter here, and for my annual trip to the Florida Springs.

I’m looking at the Hollis BTR 500. Does anyone have any experience with this suit, how is it. I understand it’s a budget drysuit, but due to the limited dives I do in cold water a year I’m not looking to break the bank.

I typically an aluminum back plate with wing, and AL80 doubles, but also use steel doubles when I need more gas. It’s also not uncommon for me to conduct dives requiring Deco. When I carry stage bottles, I keep them for the duration of the dive.

Any advice on the Hollis, suit or alternatives would be much aopreciated.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Drysuit opens up places for diving that I would never consider in my wildest imagination. I have no experience with the hollis but Deep6 is running a special on their suit for 1400 USD. Similar suits normally sell for over 2400 so it I pretty good deal. If you want to go really budget than USIA Bi-lam from DRIS can be hd for 600 ish. Solid suit for what it does.

Don't think. Just do it!

 

[NAM001]

dont forget to consider shell suits

 

[Graveyarddiver]

Definitely something to look at, my budget is something below 2k. I know that’s low in the diving world, but I can’t justify any more than that for the amount of diving I get to do in the off season.

Another concern I have with dry suits, is fit. My weight fluctuates +/- 15 pounds, but I stay pretty lean. Would that be enough to create in issue with buoyancy control during the dive?

 

[Marie13]

Definitely something to look at, my budget is something below 2k. I know that’s low in the diving world, but I can’t justify any more than that for the amount of diving I get to do in the off season.

Another concern I have with dry suits, is fit. My weight fluctuates +/- 15 pounds, but I stay pretty lean. Would that be enough to create in issue with buoyancy control during the dive?

If your weight fluctuates on a regular basis, you might want to look at a Fusion. They will grow and shrink with you, to a point.

 

[GreyDyvr]

I dive in NC/SC too. Just got a Drysuit. A fusion. Only have one dive with it so far but already I know I will really like diving dry. Where in NC are you? I’m around the Charlotte/Rock hill area.

 

[Asheron]

Yes, a drysuit was one of the best purchases I made.

 

[Graveyarddiver]

I'm in the Fayetteville area, I typically dive out of Wilmington, Southport, and Myrtle Beach. However this time of year I go out a few times with discovery diving.

My search has really been broadened, fit will be my biggest concern, and I'm hoping to avoid a custom suit but am open to one.

 

[Marie13]

I'm in the Fayetteville area, I typically dive out of Wilmington, Southport, and Myrtle Beach. However this time of year I go out a few times with discovery diving.

My search has really been broadened, fit will be my biggest concern, and I'm hoping to avoid a custom suit but am open to one.

I lost 35 lbs and so original custom usia suit didn’t fit anymore. Dove wet for a year and got a Fusion a few months ago. I was able to avoid another custom one because the the fit was so good. Look for my Confessions of a Former Fusion Hater thread.

 

[taimen]

Deep6 is running a special on their suit for 1400 USD. Similar suits normally sell for over 2400 so it I pretty good deal.

That sounds like a steal. The suit is a slightly modified Ursuit Softdura which is a really nice suit.