Dry Suit Questions

[cadiver67]

Hello All,

I just got my USIA Techniflex dry suit from a scuba store in Montclair.
Have not used it yet. Have my dry suit class tomorrow.

My question is about the fit.

I was measured on 11/01/2006 for a supposedly custom suit.

The first time it came in it was way too small and had the wrong size boots on it.
So I sent it back for what was supposed to be quick turn around due to the error.
So a few weeks later the suit comes back bigger but with the same too small boots on it. So I sent it back again. Long story short after 3 attempts and 3 months I finally have my dry suit.

This is how it fits.

I have the zip up the front diagonal type.

It is very tight when trying to get it over the shoulders.
I can't do it by myself - my wife needs to help me.
After struggling to get it over my shoulders - and once it is finally on - I think it fits fine on top. I can get my head in and out easily.

Should I be able to get in and out easily and by myself?

I feel like the legs are about 2 feet too long - should they fit like pants or should they have a some material bunched up? The arms feel a bit long too but not as bad as the legs.

So my questions are:

1) Should I be able to get it over my shoulders very easily or should it be a bit snug?

2) Should the legs be longer or about the same length as your legs?

 

[The Kraken]

Those questions are kinda hard to answer, but the legs should be a bit long to acommodate thick undies (if the legs are too short, or fit "just right" with thin undies on then you'll be getting a bit "cramped" in the crotch with thick undies).

As to the donning, that just may be the need to start limbering up a different set of muscles.

"Easy" is a rather nebulous term . . . how easy is "easy". You should be getting a snug, but not restrictive, seal around your neck.

the K

 

[The Chad]

Yeah I agree. It's hard to figure that one without seeing you in it. Might wanna ask a few guys you dive with. Plus not knowing the size, seeing the sizing chart and knowing your dementions it tough.....sounds like quite a hassle and after you spend that kinda money I understand.

I don't know if this helps, but for me 6'4" 235 I dive a Viking 04 (XXL) the feet are a little big, and I could wear a Carhart brown wintersuit underneath if I wanted or probally pack a miget along for the ride. I just add enough air to take the squezze of so I look like a crumpled up trash bag when i dive. I guess if I wanted to control my bouyancy with it I'd look like a puffer fish.

Donning is a piece of cake, sounds like your chest area might be a little tight, plus what are you wearing underneath? I'd go for room to move cuz it compresses anyways but thats just me

 

[String]

Long legs can be nasty, trap lots of air and in an inversion can straighted pulling foot out of the boot.

Its hard to judge but diving a poorly fitting drysuit is an nightmare

 

[Gary D.]

Who measured you? It may just take some time to get used to the suit.

With Viking I dive a #2 but with DUI and USIA I dive an XLXT. It makes it easy to get into the suit fast and with a wide variety of undergarments. I'm 5'7 and 200# so the XLXT gives me playing room.

Gary D.

 

[dave4868]

Long story short after 3 attempts and 3 months I finally have my dry suit.

This is how it fits.

I have the zip up the front diagonal type.

It is very tight when trying to get it over the shoulders.
I can't do it by myself - my wife needs to help me.
After struggling to get it over my shoulders - and once it is finally on - I think it fits fine on top. I can get my head in and out easily.

Should I be able to get in and out easily and by myself?

Yes, "easily" meaning not needing any assistance, not struggling to get one's arms into the sleeves, not working up a sweat, and not taking more than about two or three minutes total to get the suit on. Okay, maybe five minutes.

You don't want to look like a street performer and have bystanders putting coins in your dive bag! On second thought, that might help pay for fills!

Unless it gets much easier with practice, I think the upper part of that suit may not be big enough for you.

My DUI trilaminate, even with my heaviest insulation, goes on "easily", but it's a "telescoping" torso design, which may be different than your USIA.

It's probably safe to assume that your USIA, like most drysuits, has ample length in order to make it easy to get your arms into the sleeves.

Once the torso is donned, the excess is bunched or folded around your waist, right?

Does the suit come with instructions that address that issue?

I feel like the legs are about 2 feet too long - should they fit like pants or should they have a some material bunched up? The arms feel a bit long too but not as bad as the legs.

24 inches is a bit much, but I assume you're exaggerating because of frustration.

Let me tell you how my suit fits.

My measurements put me at the bottom of the range for my suit, so my suit is bigger than necessary in some of the dimensions, such as the leg length and torso length, but just right in the waist and chest, which were most important to me.

To give you an idea, the suit's inseam measures 37 inches, 7 more than my measured inseam.

Not a problem, just requires folding the suit over itself just above the knees.

The suit's torso, measured from crotch to shoulder is 41 inches, about 10 inches more than my actual body measurement. The telescoping design takes care of that excess.

Perhaps the same can be done with the excess on your USIA.

So my questions are:

1) Should I be able to get it over my shoulders very easily or should it be a bit snug?

Snug is okay. It's not unusual to have to wriggle a bit to push your forearm along the armpit as you enter the sleeve. Especially when wearing heavy insulation that doesn't have a nylon shell.

"Very easily" might be considered too loose because it increases the likelihood of large air pockets being able to shift around in the suit.

2) Should the legs be longer or about the same length as your legs?

Either will be okay.

Practice getting the suit on over your heaviest insulation. It takes some finesse sometimes.

I noticed that USIA has the front zipper coming over the right shoulder, so that arm should go in first, right? (My DUI is the opposite.) Make sure you do it that way, first arm in the sleeve nearest the zipper opening.

After practicing a bit, if you still have trouble getting into the suit, you're right to be concerned that the suit doesn't have enough room in the chest and shoulders.

By the way, with the suit on, you should be able to perform typical range of motion needed during diving, such as "figure four" fin donning. bending to reach a fin tip for cramp relief, etc. Be sure to check that out.

You'll also want to consider whether you have room for the maximum amount of insulation you think you may use at some point.

Maybe you'll get good advice from your drysuit instructor.

Good luck!

Dave C

 

[rcontrera]

Custom in a shell suit means CUSTOM ... not close!

The suit should go on and of easily. You should be able to get yourself into and out of it in your normal, heavy undergarments with little or no help. Then, with the undergarments on, you should be able to bend over at the waist without the suit pulling at the seat or crotch. You should also be able to squat down without it getting tight at the knees and butt. You also need to be able to easily bend your knee and leg up to allow you to put your fins on. And finally, there should be zero restriction from crossing or outstretching your arms.

If you don't get all that, take it back to the store and have them re-do it or refund your money. You paid to have it right so get it!

 

[*Floater*]

maybe you could post some pics (without the face if you want to retain anonymity), so people could see whether it fits the way it should.

Can you do all these stretches?