Need replacement wrist seals

[sea_ledford]

I noticed this weekend that one of my wrist seals is deteriorating and I need to replace it. I'd like to switch from latex to silicone, so I guess I'll need a ring system. Is there any consensus on best type/brand? I won't be using dry gloves any time soon, so that is not really a priority, but it seems they can all be used with gloves as well.

I have also heard that I could get a pair of latex zip-seal wrists, cut them to glue to the suit, then attach silicone zip-seals to the latex one. Is that accurate?

I'll need my suit up and running in two weeks, so I figure I'll need something readily available in the US.

Suggestions?

 

[inquis]

The SiTech OVAL rings do the job and open the door to various dry glove systems later if you wish. Some people glue them in themselves, but your timeline is rather short to send away to have it done. Perhaps a local shop?

There are also some rings that attach to the latex seals near the cuff. The SiTech product that does this (Quick Clamp) is round, so would only allow pull-on latex dry gloves down the road. (I'm not sure where the degeneration is occurring, but this could be the quickest route to just the seals.)

There are other options that attach to the latex seal OR the SiTech glued-in oval ring (e.g., Optima), and those come with glove-side rings as well (and a higher price). You don't have to use the gloves, of course, but would certainly future-proof that possibility.

 

[happy-diver]

 

[rob.mwpropane]

The videos linked above were amazing when I did my rings. Helped a lot.

I ordered a set of PU rings from seaskin and glued them in myself. I posted about it here;
Round 2 Gluing PU Rings for Ultima DGS

You'll need the suit ring (PU ring), sitech silicone seals, and a hard ring to clip in. I went with the Anteras ring because they were low profile but they tend to leak for me. I've only tried them twice to use wet gloves, so I'm sure it's user error.

Also glue, mek for cleaning, and sandpaper. It's really not a hard job at all. As long as you take your time it'll be fine.

After you do all this it'll be super easy to switch to dry gloves. I went with the Ultimas, but there are other options. I believe the Rolock 90's also clip right into the PU rings.

If you're not doing dry gloves yet, the whole project might cost you $60-$70, seals and glue included.

 

[JohnN]

If you have large hands, be careful with the oval SiTech rings. I cannot get my big mitts through them.

I would also suggest you re-consider silicone vs latex for the wrist seals. I find the silicone wrist seals just aren't durable for me, I LOVE the silicone neck seal however. As you already know, changing out wrist or neck seals with the SiTech system goes from nightmare to 'gee that was easy'

 

[rob.mwpropane]

If you have large hands, be careful with the oval SiTech rings. I cannot get my big mitts through them.

I would also suggest you re-consider silicone vs latex for the wrist seals. I find the silicone wrist seals just aren't durable for me, I LOVE the silicone neck seal however. As you already know, changing out wrist or neck seals with the SiTech system goes from nightmare to 'gee that was easy'

You mean the Anteras rings? They're a little tight for me.

Did you cut your silicone seals back? I dive without seals (or better said cut seals so it's just the dry glove keeping me dry), but when I do you use them I have to be careful so I don't rip them. I had to cut ~ 5 rings off to fit right.

 

[sea_ledford]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be going with the si-tec oval. Is there any difference between the si-tec and waterproof versions? Waterproof is $10 more, but could just be the color options. Looking here: Search results for: 'silicone wrist'


I have the Bare sentinel, and the current wrist seals are on the outside of the sleeve. It looks like the rings fit on the inside, so I'll just have to coat the neoprene with a few layers of glue to get them to seal. That sound right? Or do the heat glue strips work? I had great luck with them when I replaced all the seals on my previous suit.

 

[sea_ledford]

You'll need the suit ring (PU ring), sitech silicone seals, and a hard ring to clip in. I went with the Anteras ring because they were low profile but they tend to leak for me. I've only tried them twice to use wet gloves, so I'm sure it's user error.

If you're not doing dry gloves yet, the whole project might cost you $60-$70, seals and glue included.

The hard ring you are referring to is the outer part that comes with the ring system, correct? Making sure I'm not missing something. Current cost for the whole shebang at DRIS is about $120

 

[rob.mwpropane]

If you're not going for dry gloves then you'll need the suit ring, and the hard ring (and seals of course);

Suit ring glued to suit (that a lot of dry glove systems use, Ultimas and Rolocks for sure);
PU-Ring for Oval systems (Each) - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits

Hard ring (pops out to change seals);
ANTARES Oval Stiff Ring (each) - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits

Seals;
SiTech Cuff seal SILFLEX Cone (pair) - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits

The only other thing you would need is glue, tape and sandpaper.



Edit: I like Seaskin. I know some people want to buy in the states or whatever, but they're 1/3 the cost and they have pretty good service. Nothing against anyone selling in the states, I believe they're held to higher costs from than other countries.

 

[Marie13]

Edit: I like Seaskin. I know some people want to buy in the states or whatever, but they're 1/3 the cost and they have pretty good service. Nothing against anyone selling in the states, I believe they're held to higher costs from than other countries.

OP said he needs his suit usable in two weeks. Ordering from the UK doesn't quite mesh with that!