leaky Santi drysuits?

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

I have read a few posts about Santi's developing leaks specially the emotion model. I also know someone who has a Santi and it has gone for repair for the same problem. I am wondering how common are leaks with Santi suits? Any Santi users having leaks to deal with?

 

[C Dub]

Have an Emotion with over 300 dives, no leaks. Also an Elite with 30 dives and no leaks.

 

[ffdiver]

I had a few pin hole leaks that were easy enough to repair. The turbo boots leak along the Velcro too. And I had the tizip fail after 2 years.

 

[AJ]

All suits leak in the end. It's not a matter of keeping you dry, but how long?

I did 250 dives with my E-Lite. T-Zip replaced because of leaks, but no other problemes. Even original seals.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

All suits leak in the end. It's not a matter of keeping you dry, but how long?

True but if one particular suit has the reputation of leaking more than usual then it needs to be addressed.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I have seen the comments you are referring to about leaky Santis. Mine was brand-new when these comments started popping up. If I understand correctly, Santi stopped using the Tizip in the E-Motion and perhaps other suits because customers were experiencing leaks, and now uses a metal YKK. If I understand correctly, that is believed to have solved the problem. I have not had leaks (yet), but I guess it's only a matter of time. I am treating my Tizip with kid gloves to extend its life as long as possible.

 

[ffdiver]

The Tzips were only one of the problems causing leaks. The boots were another and thats aside from pin holes which can happen in any suit.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

So Santi is not using their trademark plastic zippers anymore? I was a bit skeptical of them from the beginning.

 

[boulderjohn]

I have an eLite for several years and the only leaks I had were on two occasions when I did not fully close the Ti-Zip. I am now way more careful about closing it than I was on those two occasions.

I do not have boots--just the neoprene souls. The reason I did not get the boots is that I have a shoe fit problem caused by Morton's Neuroma in one foot. If my boot is too small, it can be excruciatingly painful, and that pain can linger for months. I have no Santi dealer near me, so I had to order mine online and could not test it. I therefore played it safe.

I got mine from Dive Right in Scuba, which sells a wide variety of brands. Consequently, I think they can give you honest advice.

 

[AJ]

So Santi is not using their trademark plastic zippers anymore? I was a bit skeptical of them from the beginning.

They use plastic YKK zippers now. No problems for more than 100 dives.

About every suit leaking sometime: yes due to wear and tear every suit will leak in the end. Is not normal for a relatively new suit to leak? No, absolutely not! It should be adressed by the manufacturer. Santi did with my suit.