Dry Suit - Neoprene or shell - which is better (with poll :))

[wrecNcaver]

Have to agree that the best suit depends on what you need for your style of diving.

I have a neoprene I use for caving but for the Great Lakes it is definately a shell. The shell allows me to vary the under garment based on the water temp, how deep and how long the dive. (I like to be toasty if I have to hang on a deco line) I have the DUI 350. Been a great suit for over 10 years.

 

[DivingGal]

I like my shell becuase I can vary the "undie" componet to the level I need. I have friends who swear by the crushed "neoprene".

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by NetDoc
Which shell suit do you dive and why?

Andy's Ultralight DS3 (across the front of the shoulders entry)...
Because I needed more flexibility than my Gates vulcanized allowed...

I plan on getting a better fitting suit soon and will send the Andy's back for some alterations and repair. I bought it "off-the-rack" last year because I was in a hurry. I will get a trilam with front entry made to order with factory attached thigh pockets and a wrist dump. I'm not settled on a brand yet. I will install the P-valve myself.

 

[Lost Yooper]

Shell suits for the reasons UP stated. You can add in that shell suits offer better flexibility. What I especially like about shell suits is that I can dive in 75F water or 32F water in complete comfort simply by wearing different undergarments.

Good luck.

Mike

 

[Okiecaver]

Originally posted by wrecNcaver
Have to agree that the best suit depends on what you need for your style of diving.

I have a neoprene I use for caving but for the Great Lakes it is definately a shell. The shell allows me to vary the under garment based on the water temp, how deep and how long the dive. (I like to be toasty if I have to hang on a deco line) I have the DUI 350. Been a great suit for over 10 years.

I agree with you, wrecNcaver. I have, courtesy of Bob3, a Viking Extreme for Open Water and wreck diving, and a Brand new, not tried out yet, custom made, Northern Diver "tech" suit for cave diving.

With the Viking I have zero bouyancy surprises and avoid the extra weight of a wet neo suit when climbing a boat ladder. The con is a baggy suit that has some drag to it.

The idea for my ND Tech was close fitting, custom made, BIG pockets, and a stretch material. I'm getting back into weight lifting so as I grow it will still fit.
The con here is slow drying and difficulty of repair.

Whichever you get, I'd suggest latex seals, pockets on the thighs, and a really good hood. If possible get made to measure, or at least get the right sized boots put on to minimize "floaty feet".

Dive safe
Brock

 

[miztflip]

Is there any truth to the statement that a neoprene "drysuit" is never completley dry

or do the people I've heard say that have a problem with an ill-fitting suit?

Also thanks for all the great info about pros and cons of each. I personally prefer warm water but will be moving back to the states soon and will need a dry suit.

 

[solodiver]

I have a Bear 7 mil crushed to 2 mil. it has flexability and warmth. it's also a self entry.

 

[trymixdiver]

I have a question

If a Viking is a shell suit, whats a DUI CF200 ?

dont you use undees with the DUI ?

isnt the DUI crushed neo?

im confused can someone rescue me

Andy

 

[Lost Yooper]

Sure, the CF200 is a shell suit too. Shell suits come in all kinds of materials -- crushed neoprene, rubber, trilaminates, bi-laminates, etc.

Mike

 

[trymixdiver]

Yooper


Whats the diff in suit bouyancy between the DUI and the Viking ?

I assume the DUI is a more snug fit than the Viking ?

Andy