I think we may be going a bit over the top harsh wise, Seaskin makes great suits but the web site can be confusing and with so many options it’s easy to miss a detail. I sort of wish suit makers would all adopt the oval size rings as the standard unless you specifically ask for something else.
I have to disagree with you here. To better understand all the hullabaloo about the alleged deficiencies of the Seaskin website, I went and explored their site and stepped through the customization options for a Seaskin Nova membrane drysuit. It was simple, easy, well laid out for the vast amount of options they offer, and I read through all "More Info" product information for all the options they present, and there was plenty of info provided. There is a button on the bottom of the page as you step through the process that says "Any Questions? Contact Us!" and it links to a page with their phone number, email address, and online submission form.
While the product info for the Light Monkey Tinkle Valve does not explain that it is user opened/closed, there are pictures on the Seaskin product page that shows the bolt under the cap.
If that did not give an adequate idea of how it works, a quick search of the product on the Light Monkey website indicates the following:
- Unique o-ring sealed cover that is easy to open and close bare handed or with thick dry gloves
Obviously the OP was not familiar with this product before they selected the option, otherwise they would not have had the aforementioned issue. I believe that most consider it a reasonable and prudent expectation to check the manufacturers product page to understand what one is ordering
BEFORE adding it as a customized option to the overall purchase....and if not, that the next prudent thing would be to ensure they understood how the device worked before sticking an adhesive catheter condom to their penis, connecting the tube, and zipping their suit shut....not doing so is just asking for the trouble that the OP experienced.
And for the cuff ring system? Again, this can only be the result of the OP not understanding what they were selecting as a customization, because the product pages were fairly straight forward. Here is a screen shot of the offerings:
There is adequate product description when one selects "More Info", and the differences between the Si-Tech wrist systems has been discussed ad nauseum here on Scuba Board where the info is readily available....which has not been a barrier for folks to start new threads asking for the info, and I don't recall ever seeing a response where anyone says to use the board's search function....and, as you know, there are certain board members among us that are the ones quite often supplying the information
.
In all, I am actually quite impressed with the step by step process Seaskin has laid out with their website to order a custom drysuit. It is actually
not easy to miss an option with how well the step by step selection process is laid out. The options are grouped in 9 categories (the 10th being one's actual measurements) and each category is different step of the process. In the end, the final review, all the options selected are laid out and listed under their category heading with the total cost of the options selected for each category. There are even convenient links to jump back to the 9 different categories and double check or change selections.
It seems one really has to want to F^ck up their order to get it wrong...And on top of that they encourage you to contact them should you have any questions or concerns, or just want more info on what option you might want to order or leave off the list.
Initially the OP had the support of most who read and responded to this thread, but the more he discussed his experience, the more it became clear that he screwed up...and then he added some oh so charming snark. So no, I don't think folks, including myself, are being over the top or too harsh on the OP.
-Z
