Drysuit for Pacific Northwest

[MikeHoncho]

This is going to sound weird, but I took two dry suit classes. I wasn't comfortable enough with my dry suit knowledge and skills after the first one (PADI), so awhile later I took another one (SDI). In fact, during the first one I had considerable trouble during the first pool dive because of a tight neck seal. Usually I think specialty classes are a waste of time. But for me, and I think this would not be the case for very many other people at all, this is what I needed for dry suit.

I took two also. The first was the most money I spent on nothing I've experienced. Essentially swimming around in my suit in a pool for about 20 minutes. It took me a couple dives after certification to learn that you actually can dial the exhaust valve when I was manually venting every time (I should have read the manual to my suit). The second was a half day lecture with two open water dives. I learned more in that half day than I did in my whole OW. Platforms and instructors are everything and my second class was at about 50 dives in my suit.

 

[admikar]

Ah, sorry. I meant to say nobody makes a field-replaceable NEOPRENE neck seal. Sadly, this one is still not neoprene....

(I use Latex seals now that are field-replaceable. )

Did you miss this one?

Drysuit for Pacific Northwest

I live in Portland, Oregon, and am slowly getting back into SCUBA diving. I went to Edmunds Underwater Park north of Seatle, WA, a couple of weeks ago and did a shallow dive with my 7mm open-cell spearfishing suit. It was doable, but by the end of the dive, I was chilly and done for the day. I...

scubaboard.com

 

[Seaweed Doc]

Nova Drysuit Customisation Options - Quick Neck system with Silflex seal

Cool!

 

[h2o_hamilton]

Ankle valves have to be one of the dumbest things I've heard of on a drysuit... I assume it's for people who just never dive in trim.



I have a 20 year old cf-200 that has a bunch of dives on it. I think that suit is going to basically last forever. The trilams will eventually become porous and start leaking.


You mean like this one? Neoprene Neckseal for Sitech Neck Systems


yes

I’m truly trying to fathom how an ankle dump would function…

 

[noads99]

Have a look at the latest Santi Avatars if available in your area - great value and excellent range of sizes to fit most.

 

[covediver]

Drysuit specialty class is definitely worth it. In the nearly 25 years I have been coldwater diving in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Great Lakes, I have owned two drysuits. The first was an entry level suit, the Bare Nexgen which fit me just fine. My second suit was a custom-made DUI suit, which has many more bells and whistles and also fits me very well. I would check off the rack suits before going custom unless the extra cost is not an object.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I’m truly trying to fathom how an ankle dump would function…

I think it all has to do with the fit of the suit and the under garments ability to retain air. My Bare fits very snuggly with my Weasel Extreme. I find my feet (bootie with rock boots) getting airy over time when taking video or photos causing feet high trim. Due to the suit fitting tight, I have to go fully vertical to move the air back to the shoulders and lower back. I have to close off my exhaust valve on my shoulder to do so. Having ankle valves would eliminate the need to going fully vertical. I wouldn't add them to my suit due to additional fail points but that would be the application which you probably already know.

 

[Zach The Diver]

I live in Portland, Oregon, and am slowly getting back into SCUBA diving. I went to Edmunds Underwater Park north of Seatle, WA, a couple of weeks ago and did a shallow dive with my 7mm open-cell spearfishing suit. It was doable, but by the end of the dive, I was chilly and done for the day. I think that for me to embrace SCUBA up here fully, I will need a drysuit, and get the proper training. What should I expect to spend to get a drysuit if it isn't custom-made? I have looked at Seaskin suits, but it takes months to get one. Perhaps it is worth it. What other suits should I consider that don't cut corners regarding durability and safety? Also, have any of you found a competent diver to train you in a pool and then go with you in the open water rather than get a specialty certification? From what I've seen, there are some key areas regarding safety and trim that one needs to read about and practice.

Generally speaking I’d recommend a Santi product, and I use the Avatar. It’s their “budget” option and still absolutely excellent quality and comfort. I still use it since moving to the SE US from the PNW.

I’ve personally heard suspect things about Seaskin but I’ve never dove one personally.

Hollis is also good.

Another thing- and this is just me- but if you’re going to drop money on a dry suit pay for quality and for custom-fitting. Comfort goes a long way on a dive and proper fitting enhances safety and functionality of a dry suit. Take the time to do it the right way once and you won’t have to worry about getting another dry suit for a very long time assuming you take good care of it.

 

[Zach The Diver]

The new avatar 102 suit might be a good choice for you it has 14 sizes and they’re available might be able to drive up there and try them on

https://8diving.com/products/santi_men_s_airon_drysuit

I second this recommendation, and I also second that you go to 8 Diving and have them set you up. Those guys know what they’re doing.

 

[rjack321]

I’m truly trying to fathom how an ankle dump would function…

The same as a cuff dump, if you dive in trim with your feet over your arse they dump. They basically force you to swim at an angle. Worst product design choice ever.

I had one, 20 years ago. Was awful and I can't believe the market hasnt spoken to Apollo to discontinue these