Drysuits: Bare vs. Viking...the final showdown

[Soggy]

I'm ditching the block of aquaseal I used to call a drysuit and am in the market for something inexpensive. I've found a used Bare ATR-HD for $800...2 years old and has new seals and zipper. Completely reconditioned.

...or...
year-old, new Viking X-Treme, $650.

My pro list
Bare ATR-HD
less baggy
tough material
front zip
pocket
awesome boots!

Viking X-Treme
It's new
It's new
exhaust valve is in better place
latex hood


My Cons list
Bare ATR-HD
It's used
it's used
exhaust valve is on the bicep and will require relocation
I'm unsure if a neoprene neck seal will work for me
limited range of motion

Viking X-treme
Baggy fit
unsure of material durability

 

[Dryglove]

I also own a bare ATR HD.Its a great suit.I sent my drysuit to www.drysuitrepair.com to have my valve relocated to my forearm.The charge is 35.00 to relocate it plus shipping costs.I should get my suit back sometime next week.

I was also worried about the neoprene neck seal but it works great especially if your a cold water diver as it keeps your neck warmer.

 

[Dectek]

Find out why it needed a new zipper after only two years? Was the suit used that much or abused?

 

[lakesdiver]

I've been really happy with my X-treme. As far as durability, it's stood up to the Great Lakes zebra mussels well.

 

[Soggy]

How about fit of the Viking X-Treme? I am 6'0", 150 lbs. I tried a size 3, which was WAY baggy on me. The suit I will be able to get is 3 Slim. How slim is slim?

 

[AzAtty]

AFAIK, the the "wide" is the version most commonly available in the U.S. I'm assuming the "slim" is the "standard" X-treme.

The sizing on the 3 standard is as follows:

Height: 176-188cm (~5'9" to 6'2")
Chest: 108-120cm (~42" to 47"

http://www.trelleborg.com/protective/

The sizing charts are there someplace.

 

[Soggy]

I saw those charts and was somewhat confused. Perhaps what I tried was a wide. I hope so. It was enormous.

 

[GP]

Check out this link. http://www.divesource.com/new/prod.html?id=279 You can get a brand new Bare ATR HD drysuit for about $816 US. The prices on their site are Canadian dollars. Makes it a no brainer to avoid spending $800 on one used when you can get a new one for about the same price.

 

[GP]

GP once bubbled...
Check out this link. http://www.divesource.com/new/prod.html?id=279 You can get a brand new Bare ATR HD drysuit for about $816 US. The prices on their site are Canadian dollars. Makes it a no brainer to avoid spending $800 on one used when you can get a new one for about the same price.

I should point out that sale only goes through today though. Then it jumps back up to around $952 US. Still a pretty good deal though.

 

[Soggy]

I'm dancing the dance of joy right now.

Custom suit in 3 weeks. ~$850. You all RULE!