Neoprene and Shell Suits

[RonMurray]

I am trying different dry suits before I take the plunge and I need some basic info on drysuit types and how thy should fit.

I tried a shell type drysuit (DUI) and it fit rather baggy. I expected this and didn't think too much of it. Wore a heavy undergarment with it.

However, tonight I tried on a neoprene drysuit. It fit much tighter than the shell suit. Is this normal? I doubt I could ever had worn much of an undergarment with the neoprene suit. Should it fit like this? Not as tight as a dry suit but nothing at all like a shell.

Also, any secrets to getting into and out of a back entry neoprene drysuit? I don't want to tear it up, but getting it on and off was a real chore. Not much different than a wetsuit.

Thanks for your advice...

 

[miketrance84]

A neoprene suit is supposed to fit tighter. You use a thinner undergarment because the neoprene is warmer than a standard shell suit.

I wish I had an easy way to get in and out of a back entry. The easiest way is a helpful buddy.

 

[spectrum]

A neoprene drysuit provides most of the insulation so you won't be wearing the big fluffy garment when using it. That means it can be cut a lot closer. The other factor is that neoprene can stretch to provide some extremes of motion. A laminate has no stretch so it needs to be cut to accommodate all motion as is.

If you are having a hard time getting into a back entry neoprene suit it may be too small.

This recent post may be helpful too.

Pete