Drysuit donning/doffing -- wrist seals

[large_diver]

Stupid drysuit newbie questions -- Follow up questions from the ongoing Talc vs. KY thread......

I've only used my new drysuit for about 10 dives so far...each dive is more enjoyable than the last ...;-)

I've been using talc on my seals when storing and before diving. While I think it may help somewhat in getting the seals on, but it's not like they just slide on for me....perhaps because I have large hands. When donning, once my fingers are through the end of the seal, I still need to gently use the fingers of my opposite hand to open the seals to get them all the way on. I'm worried that this is putting stress on them... For doffing, I gently get 2 fingers from the opposite hand under the seal and gently hold it open while I work my hand out of the seal.

Am I doing something wrong here...or perhaps I'm not using enough talc(or KY).....? For folks that use the KY -- do you spread it on yourself, or on the seals?

Thanks.

-Chris

 

[theskull]

You are doing it exactly right.

You may wish to try soapy water (baby shampoo diluted with water) as a lubricant rather than talc. Not definitely better, but some of us prefer it.

theskull

 

[MechDiver]

Am I doing something wrong here...or perhaps I'm not using enough talc(or KY).....? For folks that use the KY -- do you spread it on yourself, or on the seals?

Thanks.

-Chris

I don't use talc or KY and do the same you do. As long as you don't put stress in a small area you should be fine. Check your seals for any nicks as thats where they will tend to tear.
Also a caution on using talc. It may accumulate if not rinsed out and work itself into your exhaust valve.

If you feel you need to use something, try Seal Saver made by Trident. I use this on my seals after the days diving and it works very well.

MD

 

[Mike Newman]

Please do be careful to observe any advice about products to use with your particular drysuit. Many do not recommend anything but talc as a lubricant / preservative. KY could be damaging to latex seals - frankly I don't know - but damage is not always immediately obvious and irreversible if it occurs.

You're doing everything just right so far as I can see - that seems to be the consensus. Just don't be anxious about rushing to suit up - it will take far longer to get to the water if you damage a seal!

 

[Mitten Diver]

Please do be careful to observe any advice about products to use with your particular drysuit. Many do not recommend anything but talc as a lubricant / preservative. KY could be damaging to latex seals - frankly I don't know - but damage is not always immediately obvious and irreversible if it occurs.

You're doing everything just right so far as I can see - that seems to be the consensus. Just don't be anxious about rushing to suit up - it will take far longer to get to the water if you damage a seal!

I have fat hands and have found that the wrist seals are tough to don and doff. My hands will barely fit through my Viking bayonet dry glove system. I have found that if I put my thin gloves on before I don the suit my hands slip through the seals much easier, and the seals slide off pretty easy after the dive as well since the glove material is still under the wrist seal. This will also allow for the mitigation of air to and from the gloves to prevent sqeeze.

Mitten Diver