rock boots or regular dry suit boots?

[H2Andy]

what are the advantages/disadvantages of the rock boots system over the
"conventional" boots that come attached to drysuits?

do you want one over the other?

are they both ok?

 

[jonnythan]

I use the Rock Boots and I don't really like them. They are awfully good at walking over rough terrain and rocks, but they're not as warm and it complicates dressing. They are good at covering up socks that are too big since you can cinch down the laces, though.

 

[H2Andy]

how do they complicate dressing? (the warmth issue is probably null for me)

 

[jonnythan]

You have to find them, pull them on over your drysuit socks, tighten the laces, wrap them around your ankle, and velcro them down... as opposed to, well, not doing any of that.

Do you have a drysuit now? What kinda socks do you use?

 

[SDAnderson]

The Rock Boots are big, stiff and cumbersome but great if you need to clamber over a rough entry. I own a pair but I've found that regular wetsuit boots fulfill most of the same functions without most of the downsides. Putting them on isn't a problem, just trim the laces so that you don't have to worry about long tails tripping you up. All-in-all, if you do a lot of shore diving and have some rough terrain to hike, you'll probably want the rock boots. If you don't, you'll be happier with an alternative.

 

[H2Andy]

thanks guys...

i have a TLS 350 right now, the the "attached" boots... but, unfortunately, the zipper
has started to leak. it's a 1991 suit, so changing the zipper is probably a waste of money. i was thinking of buying a new one.

the cheaper suits come with the rock boots, and i was wondering if there were
reasons to go with the (more costly) attached boots.

 

[jonnythan]

Turbo soles are apparently the way to go, but they require an exact custom fit leg and a very well-sized sock. The rock boots are probably the cheaper option because there's a huge room for error in sizing.

 

[RJP]

I much prefer the TurboSoles on the DUI suits to the RockBoots.

The RockBoots are/can be very uncomfortable unless they fit perfectly with the built in socks. The sock material can bunch up, fold over, and then cause discomfort.

 

[Quarrior]

Skip the Rock Boots and go get a pair of canvas high top Keds. Also, the boots that come attached to the suit are really clumsy to walk around in, unless you are lucky enough to have them fit exactly.

I had to have mine taken off.

 

[karstdvr]

Best thing I ever did was dump the DUI boots that come with the TLS and installed DiveRite 905 boots. After I did that quite a few other people have done the same,and haven't regretted it. The best secret for dry suit info is just south of you in Gainesville.