Abyss drysuit

[Dann]

Hello

I'd like to dive year round in the Great Lakes and for that I need a drysuit. I've been searching the local forums and talking with the local shops/instructors, AIs and DMs about drysuits, and the differences between trilam, neo and rubber. They all come with pros and cons. The "local" movement seems to prefer Bare. Big brand, nothing wrong with it, Canadian made (support the local economy), I can get it a the LDS for a great price including undergarments. However, I came across the Abyss brand from Halifax. There are divers (rec and commercial) that never heard of them, there are divers that don't recommend them, and there are the ones that swear by them (8-10 years of use: No Problems! best suit ever!!!). Trouble is - all this input is rather balanced, no bias.
Ok, they are not nearly as BIG as other dry suit companies, but - are they reliable? are the suits easy to move around in? touch your toes? reach above your head? Are the seals leak proof? Does the company stand behind their product?
While the "best bang for the buck" is an appealing concept, I'd pay extra for reliability, comfort/ergonomics and workmanship, and I'm all for supporting the local guy.
Please comment/recommend on this matter, be it either Pro or Con.
If it helps: I'm looking at a custom fitted 4mm crushed neo Tech with neo seals to do rec diving.
Thank you
D

 

[Urchinator]

I realize this is an old post...hope you went with the 4mm Abyss. I dive commercially and I use the Tech in the warmer months and it's a great, tough suit. We use the Abyss Pro (7mm) here in the winter, and these are great too, but not as flexible as the Tech. Actually, I think when I'm wearing the Pro in 60+ feet, it is basically a Tech when it compresses anyway.