Always great points from jim, hoosier and aquaoren!
Just some random thoughts directed at any new divers considering buying a dry suit as I know these discussions will attract readers who may not post...
Dry suits can be very tricky. It cost me almost 70 bucks to ship my NEW dry suit (with proper insurance) back to DUI to fix my leaking exhaust valve, a situation MANY have had in the past with the low profile valve previously used by DUI. 70 bucks for warranty service that shouldn't have been an issue in the first place! I still had to pay it eventhough they sold it and made it that way and agreed it was an issue I shouldn't have had to deal with!! But that's how it works. Heck, it seems even some people who buy custom suits get it and then find it doesn't fit! DUI makes mistakes, other companies make mistakes, and so do the people measuring. But that's how it works. Dry suits can be very tricky.
I agree, repairs and the shipping costs that come with them must always be included in the cost to own a dry suit. Not something most will tell you about when selling you a dry suit. Some folks get lucky and have a DRY dry suit without problems for years. Many however, do have issues at some point, regardless of the company that made it. Not to mention, things rip, tear, and leak. It's kind of a crazy thing really. A water proof suit made of thin fabrics that can cost more than all your other gear combined, lol! I'm always surprised that they work as well as they do!
I always warn ANYONE buying a dry suit for the first time to really evaluate the NEED for one. Most people who buy one don't really NEED one eventhough it's a nice thing to have. WHEN IT WORKS, lol! Every diver NEEDS a regulator. Do I regret buying my dry suit? No, but I would have just purchased a cheaper one because in the world of dry suits nobody has yet proven to me that you get what you pay for. Several diver's I know have Bare Nex Gens and they are as happy, as dry, as warm, and less broke than I am. It's a personal choice, but don't think that just because you pay more and they say it's better, it will be. With that said, ease of repair is a major concern and shipping will have to be dealt with as stated before if you buy from Spain or the internet, or maybe even from a LDS like me.
Dry suits can be tricky but when they work, they rock!