How cold does it have to be?

[Bob DBF]

Another thing to consider is what kind of conditions you have when you come out of the water. I dive wet, I dive the ocean here in NorCal down to 9C or so, however if I come out to cold, overcast, and windy conditions I'm not likely to make dive #2 because there is no way to warm up after the dive unless I get out of the suit and get into a hot dry vehicle.

I have never considered diving dry because the ocean here remain around 10C year round, however in your situation I would be shopping for a drysuit.


Bob

 

[mfrymus]

Oh, my bad. It's more of a 2000 d

You either got really cheap semi dry or really top of the line drysuit to get to $4000 difference?

Oh, my bad. The difference is more around $2000 CAD, not $4000

 

[Aqua-Andy]

The best way to save money on a drysuit is not to purchase a wetsuit first. I still bet you could be into a drysuit and diving year round for under $2000CAD. You will be much warmer and happier.

 

[runsongas]

look for a used drysuit too. if you get lucky with sizing, that can save a lot. i bought a used usia drysuit off CL to ditch the 2 piece.

 

[mfrymus]

And what if you're diving in warmer waters? Like the tropics?
You can't wear a drysuit, can you?

 

[rivers]

And what if you're diving in warmer waters? Like the tropics?
You can't wear a drysuit, can you?

Yes you can. My drysuit has travelled the world with me. Trilam suit, with just a light base layer for warm water is perfect. Strip the suit halfway in between dives (just like you would a wetsuit), and you're golden.

 

[AJ]

And what if you're diving in warmer waters? Like the tropics?
You can't wear a drysuit, can you?

Sure you can. A trilam suit does not provide any warmth, so you could use it even in tropic waters like Bali and Thailand. No problem. Neoprene dry suit could pose a problem at those temperatures.