Dry Suit Features

[Ber Rabbit]

Get quality undies, they make a difference.
Ber

 

[Mo2vation]

I am beginning to consider the drysuit investment, and I was wondering what features you consider a must have, should have, and nice to have. Not so much what brand, but rather the elements that make a great drysuit vs. one you just deal with. And what kind of stuff should I avoid?

Reading MHK's comments on people who spend all this money before a class and get the buyer's blues makes me want to be double sure on my selection.

Not a complete DS rookie anymore. Not a pro by any means, but I have formulated some opinions over the last 18 months.

To do it all again, I would:

a) Get a Tri-Lam. My 50/50 DUI is too heavy, bulky and unruly to pack when wet, and takes too long to dry. I don't scamper across sharp wrecks, or go boulder hopping, or dive among man-eating barnicles. A tri-lam is my next suit this fall.

b) Get a closer fit. I've lost weight and the thing is too big one me. Really too big. It was big when I got it, now its like tent big. I'm not buying into all the drag while diving crapola... (what, move my SAC from .52 to .54? Uh, OK) but it is annoying

c) Forearm Si-Tek dump. I've grown to really dislike my shoulder dump.

d) I'm getting different undies. Probably custom cut - I have stubby legs and everything OTR is too long and bunches up at the calf.

Everything else I love about it. 2 zipper pockets, latex zip-seals, the rock boots (hate integrated boots...) the "new" zipper design (no brainer self donning) their hood design that tucks in easily by myself, and I especially like that DUI is local to me - so repairs / service can go out and get back in the same week.

TRY SEVERAL. Try different brands. Try different styles. There is good advice here about waiting to purchase a suit until you've gone through Fundies or tried several.

You'll love it.

K