Question Drysuit temperature and time limits in 13C and 24C water

[Wibble]

Dived a new Santi heated BZ400 with the 11mm thick hood in the 10C English Channel. Was wearing a Forth Element X-Core Vest with J2 rash vest and long-johns. Definitely feels much less bulky than the 5 or 6 layers with Santi heated vest I previously wore.

This made the two 2h dives each with 1h deco quite pleasant rather than the more normal shivering endurance.

Swapping the 8mm Waterproof hood for the 11mm Santi hood definitely made a difference.

Two weeks ago in the 9C water, I’d failed to charge the battery overnight between dives and the battery ran out on the second dive with 20-odd minutes of deco left. Obviously felt cooler in the BZ400, but not freezing.

Definitely see why the BZ400 has such a good reputation.

 

[grantctobin]

Definitely see why the BZ400 has such a good reputation.

If so, it's in a small circle. Certainly don't wash it, ever.

 

[berndo]

Yeah, washing those kills them in no time... sucks.

 

[noserider]

I am going to throw a grenade in here, if you are using a neoprene drysuit you can get away with thinner undergarments, something that despite 5 pages of discussion no one has mentioned.

In the UK one of the most popular drysuits is still the O'three MSF500 and we know just a little bit about cold water and drysuit manufacture

 

[Wibble]

If so, it's in a small circle. Certainly don't wash it, ever.

Not even after a serious catheter leak?

Nice to have a fresh undersuit occasionally. Heating still works.

BTW the thickness of the BZ400 meant it stayed around the nether regions and didn’t make it to the boots as thinner trousers would (do).

 

[grantctobin]

Not even after a serious catheter leak?

Nice to have a fresh undersuit occasionally

Try not to have a serious one of those, either

The quality of insulation of a BZ400 tanks very rapidly after a couple washes.

 

[Wibble]

Back to Bard/Rochesters rather than the Conveens for a few dives. Conveens may be more convenient, but Bard/Rochesters well and truly stick in place. Praise be for Apeel medical adhesive remover.

 

[Underwater Tourist]

I am going to throw a grenade in here, if you are using a neoprene drysuit you can get away with thinner undergarments, something that despite 5 pages of discussion no one has mentioned.

In the UK one of the most popular drysuits is still the O'three MSF500 and we know just a little bit about cold water and drysuit manufacture

Won’t be getting a neoprene suit

 

[berndo]

Nice to have a fresh undersuit occasionally.

That thinsulate stuff is almost like sheets of cotten wool. When it gets wet repeatedly it gets all clumpy.

 

[Boarderguy]

Back to Bard/Rochesters rather than the Conveens for a few dives. Conveens may be more convenient, but Bard/Rochesters well and truly stick in place. Praise be for Apeel medical adhesive remover.

Rochester wideband, skin prep, pull or off slowly. No need due a remover thingy