lets talk about gaiters....

[rhwestfall]

No, not :crocodile:, but DS gaiters. I've ditched my ankle weights, but want a little bubble control at my feet. What are you using, and what makes them something you like.... or, what do you think is undesirable of some you have used....

My DS is a "sock foot" style, and typically I am wearing Rock Boots.

Please chime in.

 

[yodelhawk]

Newbie diver here. Why did you ditch the ankle weights? They help me out a lot.Have never tried gators. like you looking for info.

 

[rhwestfall]

Newbie diver here. Why did you ditch the ankle weights? They help me out a lot.Have never tried gators. like you looking for info.

in the beginning, they were beneficial, but became a crutch which caused bad technique - they tended to knock me out of a good trip position, put my fins in the silt, and just didn't make me "happy"....

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use the Dive Rite gaiters and have been using them since the beginning. They have 4 quick release buckles and a flap that velcros over them. Not only do they help with air flow to the feet but they also have the added benefit of supporting my calfs. My dry duits have also been just a tad big in that area and the gaiters help streamline it. I can dive without them but since they do not affect weighting and I've experienced only positives from them see no reason not to use em.

I know one instructor that makes collars if you will that he puts around his ankles to restricy the flow. Makes em out of 1 inch nylon webbing and a quick release. That works for him but when tried I found it put undue pressure on the ankle and was very uncomfortable.

 

[Mud&Rox]

I love my DR gaiters.....if im in my DS I have my gators on....I cinch then tight when dropping down an anchor line head first and loosen em at the bottom before adding alittle the suit to get a little air/warmth to my feet. I had the OMS before these and they were a bit tall for my short legs...no complaints tho....

 

[elan]

I use halcyon ones and fin keepers.

Keep in mins though that gators do not give you control over the air in the feet. Only in the shin area. If you have space in the feet area gators will make it more difficult to control air in the feet as it will be harder for the air to escape.
If the suit is fairly tight in the shins you should be fine without them as tou have rockboots. If the shin area has extra material then the gators can help.
My 2c

 

[nimoh]

I have been thinking about getting gaiters for a while, one thing I wonder about is how easy it is to get air to your feet if your feet get cold, and after warming them up, can you get it out easily?

This is only an issue for my 35 degree ice dives, I think gaiters are probably a good idea for the rest of my diving

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Gaiters do not prevent air flow to the feet. They do however make it much easier to control and less radical when the exchange occurs.

 

[krawlings]

I use them I have the Dive Rite Gaiters I find that they help with my dry suit being baggy around the shins. I do not make them real tight but snug. this stops the ankles and shins from ballooning but still will allow the air bubble to move out of my feet

 

[SeaHorse81]

I do not make them real tight but snug. this stops the ankles and shins from ballooning but still will allow the air bubble to move out of my feet

To OP, what krawlings describes is the key: use of gaiters means you'll have a bubble to control that's only as big as your boot, rather than one that's as big as the whole lower leg of your suit. Smaller bubble = much easier to manage. Air can still get to and from your foot for warmth and loft, but will take a little longer to get there or to leave. Meanwhile, most of your air bubble is forced to stay in the main area of the suit with you, where it's easier to manage. I just tried these last week and was instantly sold. I don't even notice that they're on, but they make a huge difference in how easy it is to manage the suit.