Aqualung Fusion Self-Zip question

[tdmp]

Question for users of the Whites / Aqualung Fusion drysuit. How do you close that last 1 inch of the inner zipper ? Is there a special technique? I always have to get someone to assist with the last part so I don't really have a self-donning suit yet. I am thinking of making some kind of strap with a clip to grab the zipper loop and then apply downward pressure below the arm / shoulder. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Zef]

Unless you are at the size limit for your suit, there should be enough material that you can pull the zippered area around to be able to push/pull the zipper home to the end.

I grab a handful of fabric along with the zipper with my right hand, pull it around, then switch hands and hold the material with my left while pushing/pulling the loop that is through the zipper slide with my right hand, sometimes I need to do the material grab, pull, and push the zipper a 2nd time, but it gets the job done.

I do something similar in reverse to open the zipper.

If you have a brass zipper, lubricating/waxing your zipper and working it in by maneuviring the zipper slide, will help as well. You should wax/lube the zipper frequently.

-Z

 

[tdmp]

Ah, ok, I normally pull the material forward with my left hand and push back on the zipper with my right hand. I'll try your technique. Also, I do have a brass zipper that is extremely stiff so I'll add a lot more wax and see if that helps, thanks.

 

[Zef]

Ah, ok, I normally pull the material forward with my left hand and push back on the zipper with my right hand. I'll try your technique. Also, I do have a brass zipper that is extremely stiff so I'll add a lot more wax and see if that helps, thanks.

Essentially, your description aims to achieve the same, but I find it more effective to grab with my right hand and pull and rotate the material around to the front to help position that end of the zipper more in front to facilitate closing those last couple of inches.

-Z

 

[Sabreflier]

Ah, ok, I normally pull the material forward with my left hand and push back on the zipper with my right hand. I'll try your technique. Also, I do have a brass zipper that is extremely stiff so I'll add a lot more wax and see if that helps, thanks.

I pull down on the zipper near my left shoulder with my left hand, and pull the zipper loop back with my right hand. I’m old and not very flexible. If I can do it, you can. I still have my buddy check because that’s what buddies are for.

 

[landphil]

I also pull the left shoulder as far down towards my chest as possible. I don’t use the zipper pill for the last bit, though. Once I hit the limit of how far I can pull the zipper with my right hand I grab the zipper slider with my right hand and push it closed the rest of the way

 

[TravisD]

While I generally *can* self-zip, if someone capable is nearby and available, there is no shame in asking them to help. I also use the "left hand pulls the suit/zipper chain forward/right, while the right hand pulls the slider" method.

IMO, unless you're solo diving, being able to self-unzip is the more important piece of 'self-donning', especially if you don't have a pee-valve.

 

[tdmp]

Unless you are at the size limit for your suit, there should be enough material that you can pull the zippered area around to be able to push/pull the zipper home to the end.

I grab a handful of fabric along with the zipper with my right hand, pull it around, then switch hands and hold the material with my left while pushing/pulling the loop that is through the zipper slide with my right hand, sometimes I need to do the material grab, pull, and push the zipper a 2nd time, but it gets the job done.

View attachment 877584

I do something similar in reverse to open the zipper.

If you have a brass zipper, lubricating/waxing your zipper and working it in by maneuviring the zipper slide, will help as well. You should wax/lube the zipper frequently.

-Z

Just wanted to say Thank You! I was able to use your technique and that extra inch or so of material that was pulled forward was enough to get the zipper closed! I've missed multiple solo dive opportunities because I couldn't close it all the way and look forward to taking advantage of them now.

 

[happy-diver]

That's fantastic good going with many great solo dives ahead of you

Now who can close the top zipper with the bottom zipper pull under the top zipper instead of through it, not me

 

[tdmp]

That's fantastic good going with many great solo dives ahead of you

Now who can close the top zipper with the bottom zipper pull under the top zipper instead of through it, not me

The Pro-Level divers use a type of hook that catches the zipper and then is attached to a rope / bungee on some stationary object (car, post, etc) and they just turn in a semi-circle and it zips / unzips it for them. Even works for back-zip drysuits. Maybe someday I'll get to that level.....