Drysuit seals: do you use talc, KYJelly, something else?

[King Kong Matt]

I know people have mentioned that they use various things to prevent ripping their latex seals. I would just like to get a consolidated set of opinions in one place as to what everyone seems to prefer.

As a new drysuit diver, I am REALLY afraid about ripping my seals. Need all the help I can get.

Thx,
Matt

 

[Dryglove]

I was always told to clean the seals with mild soap to remove skin oils.I use baby shampoo in that department.Keep them coated with pure talc powder.Make sure it is pure and has no fragrances.Keep your seals out of UV light during storage.Also dont store out in the garage where it is exposed to car fumes and whatever else is stored out there.

I have also seen drysuit seal protectant in dive shops.I have seen no long term reports as to wether this stuff works or not.It kinda looks like armorall when applied to the seal.Makes the seal real glossy.Does anyone else know if this stuff is good or bad?

 

[nickjb]

Here is what I sometimes do when I think about it (Usually at least one of these things gets missed )

1. sprinkle talc on the inside of the wrist and neck seals
2. carefully ease the seals on. Don't tug it on like putting on a sweater
3. dive (DO NOT MISS THIS STAGE)
4. rub ky jelly on the back of my hands before removing the suit.
5. fold the suit up carefully to protect the seals.

 

[DivingGal]

nickjb once bubbled...
Here is what I sometimes do when I think about it (Usually at least one of these things gets missed )

1. sprinkle talc on the inside of the wrist and neck seals
2. carefully ease the seals on. Don't tug it on like putting on a sweater
3. dive (DO NOT MISS THIS STAGE)
4. rub ky jelly on the back of my hands before removing the suit.
5. fold the suit up carefully to protect the seals.

Gotta love #3

I just use talc around the wrists when I'm putting the suit on or taking it off.

As lal7176 mentioned, use talc without fragrence. I had a fun time tracking some down locally -- it turns out that you can find it "behind" the pharmacy counter. Very, very inexpensive btw.

 

[lucid]

-
Are Drysuit seal really that fragile? Have any of you ever tore one? I ask because it takes quite a bit of tugging to get mine on. Next question, My hands are a little puffy after diving in my dry suit. Could the seals be a little tight? I am really afraid of trimming them to much becaus they keep ALL of the water out now.

 

[DivingGal]

Latex seals are rather "fragile" . Yes with proper care, they are not likely to tear.

With inattention however, a finger can go through while you're donning the suit, or small holes can occur through inproper storage.

Neoprene are more durable, but not as comfortable (IMHO).

 

[Garfish]

Another option and what i use for /on my seals is regular Cornstarch.. It can be purchased easily at any supermarket. Check with some folks at a regular pharmacy and they stated that cornstarch was a little more slippery than regular talc.
It works real well. .Another is babypowder.

This is what "white's advised to use on their latex seals.

Safe diving:

 

[Hallmac]

My hands are a little puffy after diving in my dry suit. Could the seals be a little tight?

Yea! they could be. It really doesn't need to be real tight. When properly fitted the seal should be snug but not restrictive. Sounds like the seals are slowing the return flow of the capillarys.
Try trimming half a line at a time. Put it on and wait ten minutes or so. Ask yourself do I know it there. If your wrist does trim the next half and repeat. It is a long slow process when it becomes comfortable fill the tub with bath water and stick your arm in while wearing the seal rotate you wrists and make a fist a couple of times. You will find a point where you will just barely feel the seals and it is still dry. GO SLOW VERY SLOW!!!

Believe it or not You will find a point where it feels like you could wear the suit for several hours without discomfort. Small restrictions could add to increased chance for DCS hits due to restricted off gassing.

I bet your real close to where you want to be. An added benefit to proper fit is the seals will not be as likely to tear because they don't have to stretch as far.

Hallmac

 

[rds4640]

I use 50/50 generic baby shampoo and water for my wrist seals while out diving. I do this because I like to take my suit half off between dives. If I use talc it become an ugly paste when I apply it after the first dive when the suit is wet. With the solution of shampoo/water it squits on very easily from a small squirt bottle. I also squirt a little on when I take the suit off. This makes the wrist seals slide right off. I don't use anything on the neck seal while diving. I find I can easily slip it over my head without any lube. As for after the dive I rinse the suit and seals well, let dry and apply non-scented talc inside and out on the seals. I then put the suit in a duffle bag (DUI drysuit bag) and put that bag into a heavy duty plastic bag (they have rolls of these at curbside check-in at the airport, help yourself). This will keep out the chemical oders that can break the latex down. I store my suit like this in my garage because my heater in my house pumps out more carbon monoxcide than my car when I start it up and drive it out. I have always done this and my seals are going on to their fourth year of use and look like new. A lot of care goes a long way. Also, if you do take your suit off halfway between dives I would suggest that you fold your wrist seals into the sleeves of your drysuit. This will protect them from getting nicks when you walk around or bump into things.

 

[Wreck/Tec]

I basically use PURE TALC, no perfumes and such. Nothing that would harm the Latex. For my neck seal I use baby shampoo on my hair to help it slide over easily, on and off. My OSS has over 140 dives on it and I have yet to replace a seal! I also wax the zipper every time!
Wreck/Tec