Thorvald Natvig
Registered
I'm newly certified, and I know I need a lot more practice and training. I do my ocean training in Monterey, and I freeze easily, so I do it in a drysuit. I'm currently losing weight, so I had originally decided to keep renting drysuits until my measurements stabilize. After some mixed experiences with rentals, I'm looking for an alternate strategy without too severe economic impact. Beyond what was taught in the drysuit course, I know very little about drysuits, so I'm hoping someone can help me 
For context, I'm currently 6'1" 240lb, and well on my way to reach my goal of about 200lb in a year. I'll probably do about 6 local trips over the next year. Rental rates vary, but average about $75/trip, so the rental option is about $450.
I've pondered getting a custom seaskin and undergarment without any additional options. Cost seems to be about $600. The thought is to use this for a year, then replace it. If I go this path, would compressed neoprene or trilam be more forgiving about weight loss? Would it still be usable or comfortable at the end?
I've looked at buying a off-the-rack drysuit and undergarment. The thought is to use it for a year, then sell it as used. Any recommendations for drysuit+undergarment with the lowest value loss over 12 months?
Last, I've looked at buying a used suit. This is the path I'm least comfortable with, since I don't know anything about judging the state of maintenance of a used suit, and it can be hard to check the fit. Many of the offers I've seen are also more expensive than the seaskin option. Are there any guides for buying used drysuits?
Are there other options I should consider?
For context, I'm currently 6'1" 240lb, and well on my way to reach my goal of about 200lb in a year. I'll probably do about 6 local trips over the next year. Rental rates vary, but average about $75/trip, so the rental option is about $450.
I've pondered getting a custom seaskin and undergarment without any additional options. Cost seems to be about $600. The thought is to use this for a year, then replace it. If I go this path, would compressed neoprene or trilam be more forgiving about weight loss? Would it still be usable or comfortable at the end?
I've looked at buying a off-the-rack drysuit and undergarment. The thought is to use it for a year, then sell it as used. Any recommendations for drysuit+undergarment with the lowest value loss over 12 months?
Last, I've looked at buying a used suit. This is the path I'm least comfortable with, since I don't know anything about judging the state of maintenance of a used suit, and it can be hard to check the fit. Many of the offers I've seen are also more expensive than the seaskin option. Are there any guides for buying used drysuits?
Are there other options I should consider?
