drysuits

[heimer]

does any one have any comments on northern diver drysuit? Appreciate any opinions.

Thanks

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

My custom Cortex took four months from the time I ordered it to the time I received it, and it fit me very poorly. The legs were too long, and the torso was too tight, especially in the shoulders. In fact, I sold the undergarment that came with it to a friend and it fits him nicely. I'm 5'9", 245 lbs. ... he's 6'1" and less than 200 lbs. Nice job with those measurements, eh? BTW - I had the measurements done three times, so I know what they received were accurate.

I've had the suit for seven months, put about 150 dives on it, and it leaks like a sieve ... mostly due to the fact that the fit was so poor that it put undue strain on the seams.

I suspect that if it had fit properly my impressions might be different ... but overall I would say it's the worst scuba gear decision I ever made.

I'll be replacing it shortly with a DUI.

Based on my experience ... and those of other divers I know who purchased ND suits, I'd say if you can fit into an off-the-rack size it's a decent suit, but if you need or want a custom fit, look elsewhere.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[hardhat]

does any one have any comments on northern diver drysuit? Appreciate any opinions.

Thanks

A couple of years ago I tried to look into getting a suit from Northern Divers and was unable to get them to answer me back. I tried on my own as well as through the shop I work for , no answer back. So I would have to say stay away from them, because if they cann't even answer a simple e-mail, I can only imagine how great their after purchase service would be. None igsistant.

 

[heimer]

Thank you for your response. They have a US distributor now called UTC sports. This relationship is new. Hopefully things will change.

A couple of years ago I tried to look into getting a suit from Northern Divers and was unable to get them to answer me back. I tried on my own as well as through the shop I work for , no answer back. So I would have to say stay away from them, because if they cann't even answer a simple e-mail, I can only imagine how great their after purchase service would be. None igsistant.

 

[heimer]

Thank you for your response. It is too late, I have already ordered mine. I am getting one off the shelf. They have a new US distributor, and I dont expect to wait that long. Plus I am not doing custom. I hope that I have better luck than what you have described.

My custom Cortex took four months from the time I ordered it to the time I received it, and it fit me very poorly. The legs were too long, and the torso was too tight, especially in the shoulders. In fact, I sold the undergarment that came with it to a friend and it fits him nicely. I'm 5'9", 245 lbs. ... he's 6'1" and less than 200 lbs. Nice job with those measurements, eh? BTW - I had the measurements done three times, so I know what they received were accurate.

I've had the suit for seven months, put about 150 dives on it, and it leaks like a sieve ... mostly due to the fact that the fit was so poor that it put undue strain on the seams.

I suspect that if it had fit properly my impressions might be different ... but overall I would say it's the worst scuba gear decision I ever made.

I'll be replacing it shortly with a DUI.

Based on my experience ... and those of other divers I know who purchased ND suits, I'd say if you can fit into an off-the-rack size it's a decent suit, but if you need or want a custom fit, look elsewhere.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[hardhat]

Thank you for your response. It is too late, I have already ordered mine. I am getting one off the shelf. They have a new US distributor, and I dont expect to wait that long. Plus I am not doing custom. I hope that I have better luck than what you have described.

I wish you luck, it was the US distributor that I was trying to get information on the these suits but they could be bothered to reply to any of my quiries. Let us know how you make out okay? and what you think of the suit once you have it, okay?

 

[heimer]

I just wanted to let you know of my experiece with my new drysuit. I got a stock Cortex suit. It took about 2 weeks. Sure, a custom suit would have probably a better fit, but I dont think that I could have gotten a better fit in a stock size. So far, everything is working great. I have about 7 dives on it and I am dry and warm. Hope that you have a better experience with your new suit.

My custom Cortex took four months from the time I ordered it to the time I received it, and it fit me very poorly. The legs were too long, and the torso was too tight, especially in the shoulders. In fact, I sold the undergarment that came with it to a friend and it fits him nicely. I'm 5'9", 245 lbs. ... he's 6'1" and less than 200 lbs. Nice job with those measurements, eh? BTW - I had the measurements done three times, so I know what they received were accurate.



I've had the suit for seven months, put about 150 dives on it, and it leaks like a sieve ... mostly due to the fact that the fit was so poor that it put undue strain on the seams.

I suspect that if it had fit properly my impressions might be different ... but overall I would say it's the worst scuba gear decision I ever made.

I'll be replacing it shortly with a DUI.

Based on my experience ... and those of other divers I know who purchased ND suits, I'd say if you can fit into an off-the-rack size it's a decent suit, but if you need or want a custom fit, look elsewhere.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[heimer]

I have 7 dives on my new suit. It took about 2 weeks to arrive. I got a good deal on a stock suit. I fit pretty darn good into the med. Sure a custom would probably be a better fit, but right now, I cant complain. I am dry, warm, and have full range of movement. So far, I am very happy with my first drysuit. Just letting you know how it is going.

I wish you luck, it was the US distributor that I was trying to get information on the these suits but they could be bothered to reply to any of my quiries. Let us know how you make out okay? and what you think of the suit once you have it, okay?

 

[Bob3]

I used to be a ND dealer, all the custom suits I went through fit extremely well.
Most of the suit makers do have the practice of just making modifications to stock suit panels, & not do a "made from scratch" assembly.
Most all the suits I had cut were for folks that REALLY needed custom cuts so getting a call from them asking "are you SURE of that measurement?" was pretty normal.
I had the same lack of communication problem from them before, so I'm looking forward to checking out the new guys. Maybe we'll be doing business again.

Too bad the dollar's exchange rate is so downright crappy though, but that topic belongs in the "whine & cheese" forum.