Question Seaskin Nova vs Ultra and Neoprene Seals (Sanity Check)

[djrmarques]

Hello hello!
I am new to this forum (and newish to diving, currently AWD with 19 dives). I hope I am posting on the right place, but basically I am trying to get some validation on my first dry suit purchase.

I decided on the brand Seaskin, since their suits are within my budget and they do custom fit. At first, I was interested on the Ultra, but after reading about a bit more on the topic (compressed neoprene vs trilaminate suits), I learned that the Ultra might not be a great choice for me since it seems I would struggle with temperatures below 10C, which I might find here in Germany/Baltic Sea. So, to accomodate a broader range of temperatures I decided to spend a bit more money and get the Nova.

I have kinda settled on most settings that I want to have, mainly unbalance p valve, 1 pocked on the right side, shoulder and knee padding, default brass zipper, telescopic torso and neoprene socks, however I am agonizing over deciding over the neck and wrist seals.

I don't want to get the default latex seals, since as far as I understand latex seals can fail suddenly and then I am without a suit for a few months waiting for repairs. The Quick Neck system with Silflex seal systems (neck) and SiTech Docking System 60910 fitted (wrist) seem interesting and convenient, but they would make the suit more expensive, so I was thinking of just getting neoprene seals for both wrist and neck.

So I suppose my questions are:
- Would the Seaskin Ultra still be suitable to dive on water at around 5C, or is my understanding correct that for very cold water a trilaminate suit would be better?
- Will I regret cheapening out and getting neoprene seals for neck and wrist? Is it really worth it to get the Quick Neck system over neoprene seals?

Thank you (And please let me know I posted on the wrong place)

 

[stretchthepenn]

So I suppose my questions are:
- Would the Seaskin Ultra still be suitable to dive on water at around 5C, or is my understanding correct that for very cold water a trilaminate suit would be better?
- Will I regret cheapening out and getting neoprene seals for neck and wrist? Is it really worth it to get the Quick Neck system over neoprene seals?

Thank you (And please let me know I posted on the wrong place)

A trilaminate suit is excellent for very cold water. You'll definitely need to layer underwear, and you can even include an electric heating system to stay warm.

I recommend getting user-replaceable wrist and neck seals, and most other people on ScubaBoard would agree. You'll definitely want to use a dryglove system with cold water, and I know the SiTech oval cuff rings would serve both the user-replaceable and dryglove-compatible purposes. I think the Kubi would, too, but I'm not positive. Other people will undoubtedly comment about them. Don't get the SiTech Docking System. It's old tech and isn't compatible with modern drygloves.

With drygloves, you'll probably want to use silicone or latex seals. I prefer silicone. I'm not aware of drygloves that work well with neoprene wrist seals.

As to the type of neck seal, I have definite thoughts. Many people on ScubaBoard love neoprene neck seals, but I hate them. HATE. They always leak for me, so I prefer silicone. That being said, I understand that some types of neoprene seals can be used with the Quick Neck or Orust systems, so you might want to check that possibility and maybe order one of each so you can compare them.

 

[lexvil]

The ultra is inherently warmer, neoprene neck seal is inherently warmer and more trouble free, wrists are better with si tech QCS oval rings because you will want dry gloves and the QCS gives you more options.

I have both, I dive the nova more often because it’s front zip, given the option of a front zip I would go with neoprene over tri/lam.

I would go for the trigon pee valve.

 

[djrmarques]

A trilaminate suit is excellent for very cold water. You'll definitely need to layer underwear, and you can even include an electric heating system to stay warm.

I recommend getting user-replaceable wrist and neck seals, and most other people on ScubaBoard would agree. You'll definitely want to use a dryglove system with cold water, and I know the SiTech oval cuff rings would serve both the user-replaceable and dryglove-compatible purposes. I think the Kubi would, too, but I'm not positive. Other people will undoubtedly comment about them. Don't get the SiTech Docking System. It's old tech and isn't compatible with modern drygloves.

With drygloves, you'll probably want to use silicone or latex seals. I prefer silicone. I'm not aware of drygloves that work well with neoprene wrist seals.

As to the type of neck seal, I have definite thoughts. Many people on ScubaBoard love neoprene neck seals, but I hate them. HATE. They always leak for me, so I prefer silicone. That being said, I understand that some types of neoprene seals can be used with the Quick Neck or Orust systems, so you might want to check that possibility and maybe order one of each so you can compare them.

Thanks for the tip on the SiTech Docking System, it's really helpful. One thing though, if I start out with getting the neoprene seals and I regret it, I could always fit the replaceable seals later right? Or is this something that can only be done when the suit is built?

 

[djrmarques]

The ultra is inherently warmer, neoprene neck seal is inherently warmer and more trouble free, wrists are better with si tech QCS oval rings because you will want dry gloves and the QCS gives you more options.

I have both, I dive the nova more often because it’s front zip, given the option of a front zip I would go with neoprene over tri/lam.

I would go for the trigon pee valve.

Thanks! Out of curiosity, what is the lowest temperature you dive with the Ultra? I would really like to get the Ultra, but I am afraid it would not be warm enough fro Germany. Also could elaborate on the trigon pee valve? I don't fully get it, do I buy it together with the Light Monkey Non Balanced P-Valve, or do I get just one?

 

[lexvil]

Thanks! Out of curiosity, what is the lowest temperature you dive with the Ultra? I would really like to get the Ultra, but I am afraid it would not be warm enough fro Germany. Also could elaborate on the trigon pee valve? I don't fully get it, do I buy it together with the Light Monkey Non Balanced P-Valve, or do I get just one?

Coldest, mid 40’s but normal about 50 to 55° around here. The bottom line is, neoprene is a better insulation at any temp and there is nothing stopping you from using the same undergarments with a neoprene suit that you would use in a tri/lam unless you don’t give yourself enough room in the measurements.

The trigon is a balanced valve, no need for anything else, the design is nearly perfect, low profile and no add on parts needed but do get a quick connect.

I would start with the neoprene glued in neck seal, they last forever and can be repaired if you mess it up even better is to get the quick neck system and buy a waterproof (brand) neoprene seal and keep a silicone seal handy for an emergency.

For the wrist seals, just get the QCS system straight off, it’s a few extra euro but is the best bet over all and ordering the user changeable system with the order is the cheapest way to go, highly unlikely you need any extra shoulder or knee padding, put that money toward the seals.

 

[stretchthepenn]

Thanks for the tip on the SiTech Docking System, it's really helpful. One thing though, if I start out with getting the neoprene seals and I regret it, I could always fit the replaceable seals later right? Or is this something that can only be done when the suit is built?

The SiTech oval cuff rings are glued into the suit, so they're easiest to install when the suit is built. You can get the cuff rings retrofitted, but you'd need to send the suit in for service.

 

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

For the record - I don’t have a SeaSkin, just an Otter (brilliant) and Othree (leaky sh*t).

I think you should look at dry gloves and latex wrist seals - I’m happy with Kubi’s. If you dive with wet gloves, neoprene seals will be safer. You will struggle with 5 degrees water without heating and very thick gloves unless it’s a short dip below the thermocline, that’s really cold - I would be ready to spend a lot of money on undersuits. Also the suit fit will be baggy for very cold water - don’t forget to account for bulky undersuit.

Neck seal is an acquired taste, I’m happy with neoprene but it does occasionally leak. On the other hand, you can patch it yourself. Not a big fan of the quick replaceable neck seals but that could be just me.

You want pockets on both legs, not just one pocket - pockets get busy once you carry a spare mask, DSMB etc which you will in the Baltics.

You could also have a look at Avatar if you are in Germany. It’s a discount brand owned by Santi, by the look of the suit about the same or better quality than SeaSkin. It will make your life easier once you need to service the suit as Brexit keeps on giving.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

When you have a lot of spare time, read this thread. There is a lot of great information about the Nova.

 

[djrmarques]

For the record - I don’t have a SeaSkin, just an Otter (brilliant) and Othree (leaky sh*t).

I think you should look at dry gloves and latex wrist seals - I’m happy with Kubi’s. If you dive with wet gloves, neoprene seals will be safer. You will struggle with 5 degrees water without heating and very thick gloves unless it’s a short dip below the thermocline, that’s really cold - I would be ready to spend a lot of money on undersuits. Also the suit fit will be baggy for very cold water - don’t forget to account for bulky undersuit.

Neck seal is an acquired taste, I’m happy with neoprene but it does occasionally leak. On the other hand, you can patch it yourself. Not a big fan of the quick replaceable neck seals but that could be just me.

You want pockets on both legs, not just one pocket - pockets get busy once you carry a spare mask, DSMB etc which you will in the Baltics.

You could also have a look at Avatar if you are in Germany. It’s a discount brand owned by Santi, by the look of the suit about the same or better quality than SeaSkin. It will make your life easier once you need to service the suit as Brexit keeps on giving.

Oh thanks for the tips. Where do you find this Avatar brand? The only thing I can find a specific suit called Santi Avatar Avatar SNT Trockentauchanzug Atmungsaktiv Membrananzug is this what you mean?