Receiving Opposing Drysuit Info

[10X]

I'm new to diving, having been certified for less than one year, and with 22 dives so far. I have an AOW certification.

I talked with the LDS that I do business with, discussing whether to purchase a wetsuit or a drysuit. I was told that I should not go to a drysuit until I have perfected my buoyancy. They suggested a Henderson Hyperstretch.

However, I stopped into a LDS in my hometown recently and the instructor/owner there told me that there shouldn't be a problem going to a drysuit, at any time. He said I would probably be able to master the drysuit in about 10 dives.

He also offered up a Bare Nex-Gen drysuit, Bare insulated underwear, and rock boots, all for $700. He said he was stiffed by a guy after he special ordered the suit and would like to get rid of it because he had been holding it for 2 years.

Now I don't know whether he was just trying to sell me a suit or my LDS wants to sell me a wetsuit, then a drysuit.

What's your recommendations on when to go to a drysuit?

 

[lamont]

Don't bother waiting to go to a drysuit. The first LDS is just trying to sell you more gear. I don't know if what the 2nd LDS is offering is really what you're looking for, but definitely shop for a drysuit.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

TAKE THE DEAL!!! Its a good price for a pretty good drysuit. Wetsuits stink, drysuits rock!!!

 

[scubasean]

TAKE THE DEAL!!! Its a good price for a pretty good drysuit. Wetsuits stink, drysuits rock!!!

Ditto on the take the deal part...if it fits properly.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Ditto on the take the deal part...if it fits properly.

Yes, of course. Thats very important... If it doesnt fit, its not going to do you any good.

 

[theskull]

I agree with the dry suit choice, and would like to add that 10 dives will give you familiarity with the dry suit, in the same way that your 4 Open Water Certification dives gave you some familiarity with how to dive.
It will take 30 or 40 dives to MASTER the dry suit. The good news is that with your level of experience it was going to take you another 40 dives to master your buoyancy anyway, so you might as well do both at the same time.

Have fun diving, and go slow--make lots of easy and shallow dives in these next 40 dives.

theskull

 

[fgray1]

Maybe he might want to take a dry suit course with a instuctor. Unless he want to end up Dead.
With only twenty dives uner his belt he could be in a world of crap Fast. You guys act like there's nothing to throwing the dry suit on and jumping in the water with it. There are things to consider. Like a flooded suit, Bouyancy technics as well as seal failure. Anyone of these could get you killed if you don't know what to do. Just like a failure of any of the other equitment. If you going to give advice give complete advice.
Just one mans opinion
Fred

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Thanks Fred for bringing that up, I dont think any of us have adequately addressed the training issue. Yes, of COURSE, take a drysuit class. Using a piece of equipment without being properly trained in it first, can be an invitation for disaster...

Seek out a qualified instructor for the drysuit class, if you do purchase the suit...

 

[Dry Diver]

Drysuits are the only way to go. But be careful who you buy. Stay away from the bigger companies, because they don't back their products. Make sure you get a lifetime warranty on your seams. The only companies I know that offer this is USIA, and Oceanic.

I'm new to diving, having been certified for less than one year, and with 22 dives so far. I have an AOW certification.

I talked with the LDS that I do business with, discussing whether to purchase a wetsuit or a drysuit. I was told that I should not go to a drysuit until I have perfected my buoyancy. They suggested a Henderson Hyperstretch.

However, I stopped into a LDS in my hometown recently and the instructor/owner there told me that there shouldn't be a problem going to a drysuit, at any time. He said I would probably be able to master the drysuit in about 10 dives.

He also offered up a Bare Nex-Gen drysuit, Bare insulated underwear, and rock boots, all for $700. He said he was stiffed by a guy after he special ordered the suit and would like to get rid of it because he had been holding it for 2 years.

Now I don't know whether he was just trying to sell me a suit or my LDS wants to sell me a wetsuit, then a drysuit.

What's your recommendations on when to go to a drysuit?

 

[theskull]

Fred--I too thank you for your addition. Training wasn't part of the question but is definitely part of the answer. Must get coaching to dive dry safely.

Dry Diver--Surely you are a disgruntled customer who once felt slighted to make such a ridiculous statement as "the bigger companies don't back their products." How do you think they got to be the bigger companies? I have had dealings with White's and DUI and have interacted with dozens of divers who have also had such, as well as with Diving Concepts, and have heard of nothing but stellar service. Can components of suits fail or be defective?--rarely, but yes, and every report I have heard has resulted in prompt repair or replacement, mostly at little or no additional cost regardless of length of the warranty.

theskull