Bare XCD2 TEC drysuit

[erichK]

I am thinking of plunking down serious money on the "hypercompressed Neoprene" Bare XCD2 TEC drysuit through Ebay.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Before everyone says "DUI", I must mention that this one is my size, comes with a money-back guarantee and that I live in Saskatoon, CDA, where the (only) LDS is a big Bare dealer and booster.

 

[Dryglove]

I do have some experience with the seller and think he is a great guy. He was very helpful and more than willing to exchange items that didnt fit.

 

[cnidae]

I would ask them about the buoyancy characteristics of hyper compressed Neoprene. If memory serves me correct it will compress under pressure somewhat. If so I wouldn’t do it. Why not go Trilam? Such a better feeling than having a bulky heavy dry suit.

 

[Widowmaker12000]

I bought one, and after getting a replacement, am very happy with the suit, and service.

The original suffered from the seam tape coming off, and Bare tried fixing it once, and then replaced the entire suit for me.

I don't wear any more weight than with my Viking.

 

[erichK]

I bought one, and after getting a replacement, am very happy with the suit, and service.

The original suffered from the seam tape coming off, and Bare tried fixing it once, and then replaced the entire suit for me.

I don't wear any more weight than with my Viking.

I've now used my Bare suit for several dozen dives and have been quite happy with it. Of course the hypercompressed neoprene is not something you ever want close to your skin, without protective undergarments (it leaves welts!), but you shouldn't need a drysuit for water that warm, anyway.

Biggest advantages of the material is that it is quite tough (had to crawl over gooseneck barnacles with it, at the Ogden Point breakwater in Victoria), that it is considerably less buoyant than neoprene, but also insulates much more than trilam, and that it does not seem to deteriorate as much as neoprene. I've had to replace one of the latex wristseals, but that was a matter of a sharp fingernail and normal wear and tear. All in all, a good, durable suit at a very good price.