Trying to pick a decent drysuit.

[Vincent Janowiak]

I'm an experienced diver. Original OW cert in 1983, AOW in 1992. This year I've decided to expand my education and certs and I completed Nitrox, Science of Diving and most recently Drysuit Diver. I used a Fourth Element trilaminate suit for my course and I really liked it. I'm looking for honest comparisons on this drysuit with others that you have used. If you can't compare what you have or had to the Fourth Element then your educated experience is appreciated. I really enjoyed the drysuit diving in the Monterey Bay and would like to purchase one to continue diving where I live in southeast Virginia. I'm open to exploring used drysuits as well but only if I'm able to see it first.

 

[Hartattack]

Once you get to the top level of Dry-suits they are all pretty good. the key is front entry, trilaminate with correct valve positions. My go to's in order:

1. Santi Elite +
2. Forth Element Argonaut
3. DUI FLX Extreme

Off the Shelf:

1. SNT Marine Avatar
2. DUI Cortez

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I wouldn't go with DUI due to their zip seal system. Way overpriced and the zipped gloves are a pain when you don/doff. Ive replaced the neck seal on my CLX450 with a SiTech replaceable neck seal system and the dry gloves is a Rolocks 90 which I like so far.

My next dry suit will be Deep 6 due to their customer service and how well made their 7 mil wetsuit was made.

 

[merxlin]

I'll second the Santi Elite+. Expensive- but well built, comfortable, and easy to get sized right. Just a long lead time to get. Mine took about 14 weeks.

 

[lexvil]

My go to list for drysuits

1. Seaskin

…

 

[LFMarm]

DiveSystem dry suits are excellent quality and mostly designed for the navy I.e. very durable

 

[Ulfhedinn]

Santi Elite or Elite+


I dove a Whites Buller for a while and I liked it.. except for the replaceable neck setup... but my shoulders out grew it.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I've had Poseidon, DUI, Diving Concepts, USIA, and Waterproof drysuits. My last two have been Waterproof D7Pro Cordura suits. My next suit will be the new model of Waterproof suit coming out next year. They are the only suit I have been completely happy with.​

 

[JBFG]

My go to list for drysuits

1. Seaskin

…

Hey I have the same awesome list!
Best list ever. OP should consider seaskin.

 

[formernuke]

If you like the fourth element go for it.

I don't like the SI tech replaceable neck seal so I went for DUI and just had them use different wrist seals from the zip.