In the past three weeks I have spent time with Whites (nearly an hour long conversation at DEMA), DUI (a full day at their PSD dive demo last Friday) and Viking (four hours yesterday).
They all make great dry suits. By that, I mean that they make suits that keep divers DRY. If that is your only goal, then your choice is not too difficult if you stick to one of the three brands.
If you are also looking for quality AND the ability to keep your divers safe, then it is prudent to ask additional questions. Just because a suit has reflective tape added to it and has "Public Safety Diver" stenciled on the back, chest and arm doesn't mean it is suitable for diving in polluted environments or those typically encountered by a public safety diver.
I know of at least one manufacturer that speaks about their suit being resistant to "penetration." What they do not state is the ability for the suit to resist "permeation."
Penetration and permeation sound similar but have two VERY different meanings.
Gasoline may not penetrate my newspaper wrapper but that doesn't mean I would want to dive in it! Just because liquid has not leaked through the suit does not mean that the chemical has not permeated through the suit and exposed a diver to risk.
What you should ask a manufacturer is for their "third party" data that states that chemicals will not permeate their dry suit material AND you might also ask for similar data that indicates that the valves, glue, seams and seals have been tested also.
Vulcanized rubber suits have a long history in the commercial, military and public safety diving communities. They have been tested for their ability to hold up in extreme environments, can last for years, and most (if not all) can be decontaminated.
Shop carefully and look at the "third party" independent testing that proves a dry suit is safe to use in the environment you plan to dive in. Check for permeation rates, not penetration.
I will also ask, if you need a bid price on your suit, please contact Dive Rescue International at 800-248-3483. We sell two brands that have a history of quality and being suitable for use in the public safety diving community.
Regards,
Blades Robinson, Director
Dive Rescue International
www.DiveRescueIntl.com
They all make great dry suits. By that, I mean that they make suits that keep divers DRY. If that is your only goal, then your choice is not too difficult if you stick to one of the three brands.
If you are also looking for quality AND the ability to keep your divers safe, then it is prudent to ask additional questions. Just because a suit has reflective tape added to it and has "Public Safety Diver" stenciled on the back, chest and arm doesn't mean it is suitable for diving in polluted environments or those typically encountered by a public safety diver.
I know of at least one manufacturer that speaks about their suit being resistant to "penetration." What they do not state is the ability for the suit to resist "permeation."
Penetration and permeation sound similar but have two VERY different meanings.
Gasoline may not penetrate my newspaper wrapper but that doesn't mean I would want to dive in it! Just because liquid has not leaked through the suit does not mean that the chemical has not permeated through the suit and exposed a diver to risk.
What you should ask a manufacturer is for their "third party" data that states that chemicals will not permeate their dry suit material AND you might also ask for similar data that indicates that the valves, glue, seams and seals have been tested also.
Vulcanized rubber suits have a long history in the commercial, military and public safety diving communities. They have been tested for their ability to hold up in extreme environments, can last for years, and most (if not all) can be decontaminated.
Shop carefully and look at the "third party" independent testing that proves a dry suit is safe to use in the environment you plan to dive in. Check for permeation rates, not penetration.
I will also ask, if you need a bid price on your suit, please contact Dive Rescue International at 800-248-3483. We sell two brands that have a history of quality and being suitable for use in the public safety diving community.
Regards,
Blades Robinson, Director
Dive Rescue International
www.DiveRescueIntl.com