Neoprene vs tri-lam

[coldwaterlloyd]

Neoprene , I love the smell of neoprene in the morning , actually I feel less bulky and clumbersome in neoprene due to the fact we need so much undergarments up here with tri-lam suits .
Neoprene suits just feel right in the water , op is correct about ten divers ten opinions , It really is a personal thing , whatever works best for the individual .
Should try to rent , borrow , steal before you invest .

 

[buddhasummer]

As we speak I'm trying to decide what suit to buy I need a MTM due to my odd proportions. I'm tossing up between an O'Three and a Santi. I'm worried about sealing issues using a neo as I have a pencil neck and skinny wrists with pronounced tendons. The Santi would break the bank and possibly result in a divorce which I would survive as long as I'm diving dry.

---------- Post added November 6th, 2013 at 02:08 AM ----------

Just in case you're reading this honey, I'm joking.

 

[antattack]

Stretchy neoprene dry suits are relatively inexpensive, and they have drawbacks, but they are more forgiving in the mobility and fit department than a shell suit.

An inexpensive shell suit, even it it is made to measure, may limit your range of motion. My inexpensive bi-lam suit was made to measure, but the design of the panels prevents me from reaching back and grabbing the valve on my tank. This doesn't happen if you buy a top of the line Sante suite...

On the other hand, my inexpensive bi-lam suit is fifteen years old and has hundreds of dives on it. I'll say this, they are tough- and dry. My neoprene dry suits were always a bit on the moist side.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

IMHO go with a neo. Easy to learn, slick in the water, will take the abuse, very much cheaper usually around 1/4 of a trilam, off the shelf sizes because of their elasticity, no additional cost for expensive undergarments, etc.

Just do yourself a favor, either way you go, get one with socks instead of a suit with boots. When the boots wear out, and they will, you will have to have them replaced. With socks you can decide on any shoe / boot that you like to include Converse shoes that a lot of divers like as well as size. Why is size a sticking point? Because when winter hits you can change to a larger boot when weraing thicker socks and opposite when diving dry during the summer.

 

[spoolin01]

As we speak I'm trying to decide what suit to buy I need a MTM due to my odd proportions. I'm tossing up between an O'Three and a Santi. I'm worried about sealing issues using a neo as I have a pencil neck and skinny wrists with pronounced tendons....

The Apollo Bio Seal wrist and neck underseals will solve that.

 

[buddhasummer]

The Apollo Bio Seal wrist and neck underseals will solve that.

Cheers, was actually looking at them recently. Over here in Japan they are a little exy but if they do the job they say they do then I guess it's worth it.

 

[Belce]

Currently I have a neoprene dry suit with neo seals and dry gloves work. I have the Diving concepts ring system. While diving concepts is no more, there are kubi rings that are very similar.

However for my next suit I am getting a trilam mainly for the better flexibility.

 

[spc751]

I am diving a compressed neo suit and am getting rid of it. It is too heavy, too bulky, takes too long to dry and restricts my movements even with very light underwear. I tried a trilam and loved it. The trilam that I am looking at is 2/3 the price of my compressed neo. I also kind of like the Whites Fusion. With it you can have a tough outer skin (the Bullet), a very light skin (the sport), or something in between (the Tech) and swap between them depending on where you are diving. You can even get a Fusion One for $999 including boots.

You will never getting everyone to agree on what suit to buy. You have to read all the comments, try one a few different suits. Do some test dives. Maybe do a duysuit class then rent several different suit and see what you like best.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

You will never getting everyone to agree on what suit to buy. You have to read all the comments, try one a few different suits. Do some test dives. Maybe do a duysuit class then rent several different suit and see what you like best.

Good advice and I guess that is why I have one of each. As I stated before, "for me the dive makes the decision on which suit I use."

 

[ajtoady]

Currently I have a neoprene dry suit with neo seals and dry gloves work. I have the Diving concepts ring system. While diving concepts is no more, there are kubi rings that are very similar.

However for my next suit I am getting a trilam mainly for the better flexibility.

If you are lacking flexibility in a neo suit, it more than likely does not fit you properly. My Seasoft moves and if necessary stretches with me. As far as warmth and durability goes, no complaints. I wear 100 gr under suit in 34*F water and remain warm for dives that will last as long as 1hr 10 minutes. Biggest problem with any drysuit is the need for a PEEE vavle!!!!