- Messages
- 93,946
- Reaction score
- 92,731
- Location
- On the Fun Side of Trump's Wall
- # of dives
- 2500 - 4999
I dunno about tricks, but here are some things to consider ...
- shell suit or neoprene? Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Nowadays there are more options with the "hybrid" suits like a Fusion, and they should also be considered.
- undergarment type? There are lots of choices. Generally speaking the more undergarment you use, the more weight you'll need to sink it. A good rule of thumb is to choose the undergarment that gives you the most protection in the least amount of bulk. Price also becomes a factor, as some undergarments are almost as expensive as the suits.
- standard zipper vs TieZip ... each has advantages and drawbacks. These should be considered, since the zipper is the most expensive replacement item on a suit.
- built-in boots or socks with rock boots? The former are more convenient, but depending on boot type can exacerbate the "floaty feet" issue ... which brings me to ...
- ankle weights, gaitors or fin keepers? These are the most popular ways to address air in the boots that cause your feet to float up. Which you choose will depend on suit type, boot type and personal preference. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and those should be discussed.
- neoprene or latex seals? Again, each has advantages and drawbacks ... which leads into ...
- drygloves or wet gloves? And whichever you choose, what provides the most warmth for dexterity? Again, this will depend a great deal on how much warmth and dexterity you really need.
Skills wise, you'll want to become proficient with removing and attaching your drysuit hose underwater ... the latter in particular, because at some point you WILL forget to connect it until you're into a descent, press the inflate button, and get a cold shot of water in the chest.
You'll also want to learn how to recover from a feet-first ascent. Although it's not something that commonly happens, you'll want to know what to do about it if it does.
Investigate the answers to each of those questions ... talk to multiple sources. Don't take anybody's "recommendation" on pure logic ... most of those choices often boil down to personal preference, which advantages are really important to you and which disadvantages you can live with.
Also, when choosing a drysuit ... besides features and price, consider the company's reputation for customer service. Some make good suits, but have customer service that truly sucks. Depending on what alternative sources are available to you, this might matter. Keep in mind that all drysuits eventually become wetsuits ... and then you get 'em fixed ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
- shell suit or neoprene? Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Nowadays there are more options with the "hybrid" suits like a Fusion, and they should also be considered.
- undergarment type? There are lots of choices. Generally speaking the more undergarment you use, the more weight you'll need to sink it. A good rule of thumb is to choose the undergarment that gives you the most protection in the least amount of bulk. Price also becomes a factor, as some undergarments are almost as expensive as the suits.
- standard zipper vs TieZip ... each has advantages and drawbacks. These should be considered, since the zipper is the most expensive replacement item on a suit.
- built-in boots or socks with rock boots? The former are more convenient, but depending on boot type can exacerbate the "floaty feet" issue ... which brings me to ...
- ankle weights, gaitors or fin keepers? These are the most popular ways to address air in the boots that cause your feet to float up. Which you choose will depend on suit type, boot type and personal preference. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and those should be discussed.
- neoprene or latex seals? Again, each has advantages and drawbacks ... which leads into ...
- drygloves or wet gloves? And whichever you choose, what provides the most warmth for dexterity? Again, this will depend a great deal on how much warmth and dexterity you really need.
Skills wise, you'll want to become proficient with removing and attaching your drysuit hose underwater ... the latter in particular, because at some point you WILL forget to connect it until you're into a descent, press the inflate button, and get a cold shot of water in the chest.
You'll also want to learn how to recover from a feet-first ascent. Although it's not something that commonly happens, you'll want to know what to do about it if it does.
Investigate the answers to each of those questions ... talk to multiple sources. Don't take anybody's "recommendation" on pure logic ... most of those choices often boil down to personal preference, which advantages are really important to you and which disadvantages you can live with.
Also, when choosing a drysuit ... besides features and price, consider the company's reputation for customer service. Some make good suits, but have customer service that truly sucks. Depending on what alternative sources are available to you, this might matter. Keep in mind that all drysuits eventually become wetsuits ... and then you get 'em fixed ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)