Dry suit recommendations?

[ontdiver]

Materials aside, the biggest challenge with dry suits is getting the best fit possible. I would rather have a less expensive but durable dry suit that allows for maximum movement and comfort than an ill fitting high end brand that is a hassle on each and every dive. The dry suit that fits is the one you should buy.

 

[rx7diver]

I have the same over all question ...

What kind of drysuit diving do you expect to be doing? Do you know experienced divers who are doing this type of diving? If so, then ask them what they recommend. Ask them what drysuit they're wearing and the pros and cons of their suit for this type of diving.

Fit is everything, IMHO. (Fit WAY trumps Black Friday sale savings, IMHO.) I recommend a made-to-measure (custom) suit.

rx7diver

 

[Acem77]

What kind of drysuit diving do you expect to be doing? Do you know experienced divers who are doing this type of diving? If so, then ask them what they recommend. Ask them what drysuit they're wearing and the pros and cons of their suit for this type of diving.

Fit is everything, IMHO. (Fit WAY trumps Black Friday sale savings, IMHO.) I recommend a made-to-measure (custom) suit.

rx7diver

I dive Lake Erie, rocky bottom shore entry off my breakwall. I am lucky to live right on the lake.
Been diving a wet suit(5mil & heated vest) up until late October 58f. A few token dives in Nov and on Xmas. That was about 30min dive with @ 40f. So it is time to dive dry to get in earlier and have longer seasons comfortably

The people I know that dive drysuits say don't over think it. like a car if it gets you around safely and the price is right go with it. Fit of course, custom not that important for average build, Replaceable neck and wrist seals.

I placed my order for a medium Apeks THERMIQ Advanced and rock boots aqualung evo4. Was able to to score some 4th element undergarments for great price at my local dive shop. Worked great with my rental (4th element dry suite)

 

[Nosmosis]

Heyo!

I'm comparing some options for my first dry suit, and I'm struggling to find the right one. Here's what I'm looking for:

• Pockets on both legs
• End user replaceable seals
• Compatible with some sort of dry glove system
• Dry socks so I can pick/replace my own boots

Does anyone have any suggestions for ones that fit these requirements, or any other requirements I should be thinking about? Thanks!

I currently dive a Santi Elite. I chose the suit because of its overall robustness and the Elite (I believe) is a bit more rugged, although stiffer than the Elite+. For the diving I do, I opted for a bit more rugged (wrecks, caves, squishy penetrations).

It was also a bit more "off-the-shelf" than the other alternative which was a DUI - and what I mean is that for my measurements there were approximately 5 more customizations than the Santi which made my Santi come in at $3,500 versus $5,100. The price differential was hard to debate at that point and value for money was definitely there with the Santi. The Santi seals are super easy to replace, although I don't live the rings on the suit for the hands. My hands are quite large and it is kinda tough squeezing through. I have probably 200 dives on the Santi so far in multiple environments and I can't be happier. I also chose socks rather than integrated boots, not by choose but because my shoe size is 14 and that wasn't available. So I did socks and converse, which is fine.

 

[lexvil]

I currently dive a Santi Elite. I chose the suit because of its overall robustness and the Elite (I believe) is a bit more rugged, although stiffer than the Elite+. For the diving I do, I opted for a bit more rugged (wrecks, caves, squishy penetrations).

It was also a bit more "off-the-shelf" than the other alternative which was a DUI - and what I mean is that for my measurements there were approximately 5 more customizations than the Santi which made my Santi come in at $3,500 versus $5,100. The price differential was hard to debate at that point and value for money was definitely there with the Santi. The Santi seals are super easy to replace, although I don't live the rings on the suit for the hands. My hands are quite large and it is kinda tough squeezing through. I have probably 200 dives on the Santi so far in multiple environments and I can't be happier. I also chose socks rather than integrated boots, not by choose but because my shoe size is 14 and that wasn't available. So I did socks and converse, which is fine.

Only 2k more than you could have spent.

 

[Nosmosis]

Only 2k more than you could spent.

yeah, but always the case with diving lol

 

[CRT2]

While I use a custom DUI TLS dry suit, I found while teaching dry suit classes that the divers skills in the water were as important as the quality and fit of the dry suit.

 

[ontdiver]

While I use a custom DUI TLS dry suit, I found while teaching dry suit classes that the divers skills in the water were as important as the quality and fit of the dry suit.

But a well fitting suit makes all the difference in being able to consistently perform the skills.