General Drysuit Question

[Spragg01]

Am shopping for drysuits and finding the options too many to really wrap my head around. What I need to figure out is what are good designs, materials, fit, seals, etc for under ice diving where I'll be kneeling, moving stuff around, etc (not going to be just hovering, need something fairly durable). Price between 1200-1800 USD. If there is already a thread on this topic, just point me that way.

Thanks,

 

[Dean810]

Am shopping for drysuits and finding the options too many to really wrap my head around. What I need to figure out is what are good designs, materials, fit, seals, etc for under ice diving where I'll be kneeling, moving stuff around, etc (not going to be just hovering, need something fairly durable). Price between 1200-1800 USD. If there is already a thread on this topic, just point me that way.

Thanks,

Wow, for what are talking about, I don't know of anything that would work better than a good old DUI CF200 crushed neoprene. It comes with latex seals and a front zipper. Very durable and the neoprene has a certain element of warmth to it. But it is a little bit past your price range. Maybe someone else on this board could give a more economical suggestion.

Do you dive dry now? You might try what I have been doing, renting suits then deciding from there what best suits your needs. Rentals are a pain on several levels, but they do give you an idea what works for you.

 

[jiveturkey]

Kneeling and moving stuff around? Are you talking about doing work in this suit?
What kind of work? This will make a huge difference in the type of suit to buy.

 

[Spragg01]

So, the job discription hasn't been written yet (starts in a year), but I will be doing primarily bio-tech work involving laying and setting transects and collecting various specimens in McMurdo Sound. Specimen collection will involve kneeling a bit, digging, prying, etc. Not super heavy work, but I'll be spending several seasons there and I'd rather have something pretty rugged in water that cold. Is that helpful?

Best,

 

[jiveturkey]

Wow! You're going to Antarctica? You are a very lucky individual. It's one of my dreams to just go there. But to dive will be an incredible experience.

As for a durability, you might want to go with a crushed neoprene like Dean said. Bare makes some great neoprene suits. My experience is with shells so maybe someone who knows more about neoprene will chime in.

 

[crlavoie]

Am shopping for drysuits and finding the options too many to really wrap my head around. What I need to figure out is what are good designs, materials, fit, seals, etc for under ice diving where I'll be kneeling, moving stuff around, etc (not going to be just hovering, need something fairly durable). Price between 1200-1800 USD. If there is already a thread on this topic, just point me that way.

Thanks,

I am also researching suits and the resounding response I get when it comes to durability is vulcanized rubber. It's not so much because it can take more abuse but because it can be repaired in minutes in the field using patch kits similar to the ones you used on your bike as a kid.... or "even" duct tape in a pinch (or so I'm told).

 

[theskull]

If I were going into that environment I wouldn't consider anything other than the DUI CF200. The crushed neoprene is extremely durable and abrasion resistant, and has some insulating properties of its own in addition to whatever undergarments you choose. The ZIP seals for wrists (and dry gloves!) and neck will also be a big plus since you will be remote from repair options.

That is an unforgiving environment, so don't make the choice based on price!

theskull

 

[texdiveguy]

Jon give us a ring at the 'shop'-- Surface Interval Scuba in Arlington and ask for myself or Debra and we can set you up with a BARE drysuit well within your budget...no problem. Alan
www.siscuba.com

 

[cecilb63]

Get a Diving Concepts crushed neo. Much less than the DUI and essentially the same thing

 

[The Kraken]

Spragg,
Check out the Bare XCD2 at Divetank.com. I think it's exactly the suit for which you seek.

the K