I have a 5mm wetsuit I use in the pool (and will likely use if I ever do any warm climate rec dives). I find the drysuit less restricive.
Though I have a Diving Concepts trilam suit and mostly like it, it's not without "issues." The current issue is a defective exhaust valve (won't auto dump). It was supposed to get replaced when I sent it in for a new neck seal, adjust the fit and add a pocket - didn't get done. The new valve (warrenty item) will supposedly be waiting for me when I get home. Another issue is the placement of the valve - it's on the bicep, so requires a 1/2 roll to the right to vent. There is an option for a forearm dump, but Shoulder dump was not an option. Yet another issue was the "custom" fit. It's been "adjusted" twice and is still pretty big on me. On the other hand - no problem with it being restrictive! And as long as I keep only enough air in it to keep the squeeze off, the largeness doesn't bother me once I'm submerged.
Dry gloves are seriously good thing! I like being able to raise my hands to get a shot of warm air to my fingers! So far, I've dove in water down to 36F and been able to stay warm. I could not imagine doing this in a wetsuit, then exiting the water to sub-freezing temps plus a wind chill factor:cold:
I guess I don't notice the drag - my doubles are more of a factor here than my drysuit.
Training - yes, get that. Be aware though, that you may be taught to use the drysuit for buoyancy, leaving the BC empty. I found that doing this left a big, moving bubble of air that messed with my stability, so I started using my BC for buoyancy and try to keep only enough air in the suit to keep the squeeze off.
As far as care - yes, dry suits require special attention, but will last a LONG time if you do.
To answer one more question - in my not always humble opinion, I would stick with shell type rather than neoprene. It's lighter, dries faster, offers more mobility. I use the standard undies year round, but add Argon when the H2O temps are below 46F as well as thicker polypro and an extra glove liner at <40F.
Though I have a Diving Concepts trilam suit and mostly like it, it's not without "issues." The current issue is a defective exhaust valve (won't auto dump). It was supposed to get replaced when I sent it in for a new neck seal, adjust the fit and add a pocket - didn't get done. The new valve (warrenty item) will supposedly be waiting for me when I get home. Another issue is the placement of the valve - it's on the bicep, so requires a 1/2 roll to the right to vent. There is an option for a forearm dump, but Shoulder dump was not an option. Yet another issue was the "custom" fit. It's been "adjusted" twice and is still pretty big on me. On the other hand - no problem with it being restrictive! And as long as I keep only enough air in it to keep the squeeze off, the largeness doesn't bother me once I'm submerged.
Dry gloves are seriously good thing! I like being able to raise my hands to get a shot of warm air to my fingers! So far, I've dove in water down to 36F and been able to stay warm. I could not imagine doing this in a wetsuit, then exiting the water to sub-freezing temps plus a wind chill factor:cold:
I guess I don't notice the drag - my doubles are more of a factor here than my drysuit.
Training - yes, get that. Be aware though, that you may be taught to use the drysuit for buoyancy, leaving the BC empty. I found that doing this left a big, moving bubble of air that messed with my stability, so I started using my BC for buoyancy and try to keep only enough air in the suit to keep the squeeze off.
As far as care - yes, dry suits require special attention, but will last a LONG time if you do.
To answer one more question - in my not always humble opinion, I would stick with shell type rather than neoprene. It's lighter, dries faster, offers more mobility. I use the standard undies year round, but add Argon when the H2O temps are below 46F as well as thicker polypro and an extra glove liner at <40F.
