Drysuit qualified and finally gearing up to purchase my first drysuit !! Have proudly completed the mammoth read of this thread, but still debating some questions and features......
- P-Valve - My main cause for concern. Split between Trigon or Light Monkey “Tinkle”. Leaning towards and happy to pay the extra for the LM “Tinkle”, but why is it so much more expensive?
Seen lots of people voicing support for both. Is one of them best for beginners / people new to P-Valves / people inexperienced in equipment maintenance? What are the main distinctions between them?
Does the Tinkle come with a Quick Disconnect? What exactly does that enable?
One of my concerns about having a P-Valve is: how do you pee when you’re on land and already hooked up? Is it possible? Easy enough? Does the Quick Disconnect play a role in that?
Anyone wish they’d got a convenience zip instead? Or in addition to the P-Valve.
I’ve never used a P-Valve and know nothing about them, so forgive my lack of knowledge, it’s kind of intimidating to think of getting one. I think I’ll definitely be needing one though - I can just about (barely) hold it in until doffing gear, but the struggle isn't worth it and poses a risk underwater imho, if not at least a load of stress and anxiety which impairs the whole diving experience. Reading through here and other threads I’ve been rather confused and overwhelmed by all the related information and parts. If there’s a P-Valve 101 video or something people could recommend to a complete P-Newb that would be great.
- Change Zip to Left - I haven’t seen many people choose this option. Is it recommended? Any reason not to? I saw it suggested to potentially help reduce stiffness around the left shoulder due to the dump valve being there. I’m left-handed, so imagine I'd benefit from it.
- PU Padding Reinforcements - I am set on getting the Kevlar Knees (No Logo). Originally considered the other PU Padding, but now not so much…I have seen multiple suggestions that getting the PU is a risky choice due to the danger of leakage around the seams, especially for the Crotch area. That, as well as stiffness and difficulty for repairs. I’ve also seen suggestions that there’s not necessarily a need for it, as stated by Seaskin themselves.
I don’t dive BP/W or Twin Set yet and don’t know when / if I will start - would the reinforcements be a necessity if I eventually do?
- Boots/Socks - Having originally considered getting tech boots, I’m now set on getting socks ‘n rocks. I’ve only ever used integrated boots before, so I am curious and hope it will help with my floaty feet struggle. The rock boots also look pretty cool.
Does anyone who got integrated boots wish they’d got socks? Or any who got socks wish they’d got integrated boots?
- Rock Boots - for those who got these (or other rock boots), did you order them in your regular size? Or did you size up to accommodate socks? Haven’t seen if Seaskin has any official recommendation on this.
- Neck Ring and Seal, and Warm Neck - For now I’m set on the SiFlex Quick Neck, Warm Neck (Simple) and Silicon Neck Seals. Though I like what people have said about the Waterproof Neoprene Neck (compatible with the Quick Neck). If I go with what I’m leaning towards for now, would it be a simple enough procedure to swap out for the WP Neo Neck at a later date if I wanted? Is it still possible to have the WP Neo Neck with the Warm Neck?
Also, what do people think of Simple vs Standard Warm Neck?
- Neck/Wrist Seals - I really like the look of the blue silicon seals against the black suit, but I read here that the blue seals are rumoured to be less durable than the black seals…is this true? Has anyone had trouble with the blues?
- Hoods - any recommendations? I don’t like what I’ve seen about the SS Hood so far, so I’m open to getting something else. Something compatible with my Neck system / Warm Neck and warm enough for UK diving. Bib / Non-Bib?
- Undergarments - Think I’ll get the Base Layers. Considering 150 + 250 for variety and choice depending on season and comfort. Is it worth me getting these through SS? I do like that they’d be MTM, but I’ve seen people complain about the size and fit - either too tight and easily liable to rip, or too large with silly amounts of excess material. Should I instead look into 4thE and maybe Weezle Extreme, too? I am getting the extra thick allowance. New to all of this so really have no idea on what’s best for me and UK diving. Happy to splash out and get all these through SS initially before finding what might work better though.
- Dryglove System - Getting the Kubis but fairly clueless about drygloves and the system; I've only used them once. I understand I need to measure my hands and fit, and that I’ll be wearing liners underneath the gloves (?). Why is there glove equalisation and what do you need to do for it?
- Miflex LP Hose - what’s the benefit of this?
- SiTech VEGA Inflation Valve - I’m not getting this but just curious if anyone else did.
- Extras - can somebody confirm what extras I should expect to automatically receive in the order? Talc, Zip Grease Tube (for YKK zip), SiFlex Ring Tool, Manuals … anything else? Valve tool? P-Valve stuff?
- Trilobyte - do people recommend getting one? Which position is favoured? Are there any cons of having one?
- Glow Patches - ......anyone?
- Reflective Tapes - are people glad they got them? Does anyone wish they hadn’t? Or wish they had? Originally thought I’d get them but not so sure I'm keen on them now (at least aesthetically).
- Badge - has anyone managed to get a picture badge sewn onto their suit without a name and flag? I want my Name and Picture on my Bag, and only the Picture on the Suit, but don’t know if there’s a procedure to request this.
Any cons or chance of leakage from getting a badge?
Thanks
Great build imo. Trigon P-valve is great and works every time regardless of where you're at. I drink a lot of fluids throughout the day and pee often. Once I'm in my suit in plumbed in and can go whenever I want. I just walk away from the immediate area and let it dribble down the outside of my suit from the valve. Same for during the dive and after.
You didn't mention pockets. Get pockets. Get big pockets. The zippered ones are great once you add a bit of para-cord to use as a pull. I put one on each of my pockets so I can easily grab it with dry gloves.
Blue seals. I have one but haven't used it. I ruined 1 neck seal in the 100+ dives i have in my suit and that was only because I tore it while hanging my suit.
Zippers. Go opposite since you're left handed and get the cover to protect it. The plastic zipper is great and easier to use.
Glow patches look dumb but that's a subjective thing. I also have no Seaskin badges on mine.
Hoods. I really like my H1 7mm. Stretchy and warm.
Undergarments are subjective to your comfort. I started out wearing my 150 for the first 50-75 dives. Last winter I started wearing my 250 because I got cold on on 90 minute dives on 52° water and haven't gone back.
Miflex is a nice hose. I use those for everything.
PU reinforcement. I have crotch, back, shoulder and knees. Might have butt but don't remember. I'm in a BP/W and don't regret it.
Gloves... go to your lds and use their size guide for rings of they have one. If not and you're male go with 90 or 100mm. It won't be an issue to be slightly too large vs being too small. Inserts i use spyder gloves that are thick and warm. Some folks use neoprene gloves. My outer gloves are showa 660. I like them because I can get an XL and the fingers are shorter but still wide enough for thick inserts.
