Mares Drysuits

[ean3x]

I am in the market for a drysuit and while doing a little research I have run across the Mares lines. Until I received the '08 catalog I didn't know that Mares made one.

A little about me. I dive all year in Savannah, Ga. Most of my dives are spent spearfishing on wrecks and laying/crawling on the bottom of a river fossil diving. Water temps are 38-78 degrees depending on the season. Durability is a concern. I can be rough on gear at times. Price is a concern. DUI too expensive.
Does anyone have any experience with the Polarfit, Icefit, and dryfit?
What are the pros and cons of each?
Which suit would I need for the type of diving I do?
Latex vs. neoprene seals? Pros and cons?
Who replaces seals?
What are some of your likes and dislikes about the suits?
Any other info is appreciated.

 

[rigdiver]

Mares has marketed the drysuits for years in Europe. Did not know they were available in the US. Never seen one. I'm happy with my DUI and DiveRite drysuits.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Mares hooked up with Mobbys to make their drysuits for North America. The instructor I work with has an Icefit. It is a 4mm compressed neoprene suit. She is harder on equipment than anyone I have ever seen and it seems to be holding up. She said she likes everything about it except for the zippered cuffs over the latex wrist seals.
I have a Bare 4mm compressed neoprene drysuit and wear in water temps between 60-34 degrees.

 

[Ed Hatfield]

I have the Mares/Mobby's Polar Fit. It is about a year old now - I bought it when it was first introduced to our local DS. I have really enjoyed it - especially the front entry. I also puchased the full undergarment at the same time. The only negative would be that the boot is not adjustable (no lacings). I wear a slip-on inside the boot to regulate the fit. For me it was perfect but I can see where people with foot sizes too small/large may have difficulty. I find the valves, inflator and venting, very easy to operate. I still use my BC for bouyancy and only put enough air in the suit to be comfortable. I would recommend that you consider it as an option. OntarioWreckDiver can tell you 'How Good I Look In It' cause we all know you gotta look good.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Ed

You look outstanding in your drysuit. I think you should volunteer to be a model for their catalog!

 

[ean3x]

Thanks Y'all,
I think I'm going to get one. Not only will I look good, but I bet it will make me dive better.

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Hi guys

I had a quick question in regards to the polar fit.

I want to put an Aussie patch on the side arm. If using neoprene glue, this shouldn't interfere with the integrity of the suit should it?

Thanks

 

[Zak OHara]

Hi Tracy,

I am not 100% sure about the answer to your question. Personally I do not think "neoprene cement" will compromise the integrity of the outer shell on the Polar Fit. I would not use Aqua seal. I would carefully read the packaging of the glue you intend to use and make sure it is compatible with nylon. Sorry I can't give you a solid answer. I'll try to inquire with headquarters, for a more definitive answer.

Sincerely,

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Thanks Zak, much appreciated.

 

[rustyshakelford]

my polar fit just came in on thursday and so far im very impressed with the quality and features it has! i have a dry suit class on the 26th and will let you know how it goes

brett