Dry gloves and underwear

[jonnythan]

So I've got a new drysuit, and have a few questions.

First, I'm interested in getting some dry gloves. I see all sorts of dry gloves out there (including OMS' which are apparently wet).. so does anyone recommend a certain pair or type? Do my hands stay warm? Can I maintain about the same level of dexterity I would with 3mm gloves?

Second, my LDS is pushing me to buy one of their $225 thinsulate undersuits. I think this is pretty insane.. I do most of my diving in cold water (40-50° F), but wouldn't a layer of polypro and some fleece do just as well? A few of my buddies have trilam suits and wear fleece under them, but are still pretty cold in cold water.. what do to?

 

[Dea]

I don't know how nesessary drysuit undersuits are. I have three thin layers of very warm pure wool sweaters and pants, and they work great. And I can adjust the warmth according to need by adding or removing a layer. Of course if I am to remove my suit between dives, I don't look very elegant in them But that's a lesser concern than warmth.

For the current temperature wool layers work just great, and since I have never dived in specially made undersuits, I cannot compare.
And I am curious myself, for harsher temperatures (like for ice diving) would syntetic undergarnment be better than old-fasioned wool layers?

 

[divrnr]

Polartec 200 pants on sale at campmor.com $19.99 and 200 weight top- $19.99. Get the vest for another $14.99 and you are good to go if you get reaaly cold easily...

 

[Arduous]

Diving Concepts has a dry glove and ring system that works very well. And yes these dry gloves are dry. They are also very warm and do a good job at insulating your hands in the temperatures your speaking of. In speaking of undergarments, they do tend to be expensive. I use the Weezle Extreme undergarment and they set me back $300.00 US. So $225.00 is not as insane as you think. Below in a link for Diving Concepts and for Weezle wear.

http://www.divingconcepts.com/

http://www.weezle.demon.co.uk/wds/undersuits.html