HELP! Shoulder or front zip dry suit?

[ScubaDadMiami]

Whatever fits and works for you is what works. No harm in trying different styles on.

However, I would try to stay away from anything that will require a buddy to assist you for donning/doffing. Usually, that means a front zip will work for most people.

On the other hand, if the front zip fits poorly and shoulder zip is the only way to get a proper fit, I'd likely go with the proper fit as a priority.

There is a third thought: wait until you have the money and then get a proper, custom fit. Sucks paying out but will pay for itself in delight over the years. :07:

 

[metaldector]

On front zippered suit left arm goes in first so you can reach behind you with your right to get the right sleeve.
I personally have a rear shoulder trilam which always requires a buddie to zip up. I have no difficulty getting into and out of the suit. The only thing I wish I had (and will buy) are suspenders.

 

[rcontrera]

wmspdi wrote:
DUI and DC are the only brands he carries so I am locked in a DC suit now. What other dealers may charge for a suit is a moot point now.

Not a moot point at all! Give your LDS this email address, dive@ossystems.com, and tell him that I have arranged for him to order you a custom suit from OS Systems as a courtesy deal for Scubaboard.

I know I will take some heat from the local rep for dealing direct with a shop in his area, but us big guys gotta stick together!!

MAN!!!
That just didn't sound right!
:thinkingo

Hope that helped a bit on your decision.

Just my $.02

Ray

 

[limeyx]

Well I returned the stock Flex suit to the LDS, the shop owner took some new measurements and called Diving Concepts while I was there. DC said the problem was the stock suit didn't fit me through the chest... duhh!

The LDS took the suit back for a credit toward a new suit (no refunds) and the only other line he carries is DUI (out of the $$$ question). DC is sending an updated cataolge to the LDS with fitting instructions. They don't make the entry level Tri-lam I wanted in a custom cut, but they will make a custom cut in the next model up, and also in their entry level neoprene (not crushed neo). I am not sure which way to go. The neo "custom cut" is $140.00 more than the stock suit I returned, the Tri-lam is $340 more. Both prices are for custom cut dry suits, plus sales tax, but no under garments. DC say "when the suit is cut right either front or back entry styles will not be a problem". Any comments, advice or experiences I should know about?

I have been strongly advised not to get reg neoprene (at least crushed or tri-lam)
Usually the front entry saves you a bunch of $ (almost $600 on a DUI TLS350)

I'd go with the tri-lam or crushed as their buoyancy doesn't change with depth much (unlike regular neoprene)

 

[Mitten Diver]

On front zippered suit left arm goes in first so you can reach behind you with your right to get the right sleeve.
I personally have a rear shoulder trilam which always requires a buddie to zip up. I have no difficulty getting into and out of the suit. The only thing I wish I had (and will buy) are suspenders.

On my Andy's the zipper starts over the left shoulder and zips diagonally across the front to my right hip. starting with left arm I cannot contort enough to reach right arm back into suit. Your suit may be different, but as I posted previosly I need to follow my entry method.

Mitten Diver

 

[aquaoren]

I heard about it, but since DC hasn't updated their web site since 2000 it's not listed. I don't know about the pricing. DC is sending the LDS a new cataolge and info packge so we'll check it out when the packet arrives. That could be the suit the LDS quoted the custom price for.

No custom suits for the Z-suits, only stock size where you can shorten legs, arms and change bootes. AFAIK, They are very reasonably priced compared to the Ultraflex Pro.
Call NTD, they have them hanging in the store.