Santi Dry Suit Options

[OkiMike]

Here's another article here you may have run across. Some varied opinions.

DIR and Drysuit socks/boots [Archive] - ScubaBoard

You may also Google for Santi E.Lite drysuit reviews. I think there are some up on John Kendall's site as well as on DIRx or Yorkshire Divers by Gareth Burrows that have closeup pictures of the boots or that talk about them.

 

[mulla]

Thank you once again for all the info and external links.

Yer I've read that archived ScubaBoard thread, that's why I'm still unsure as to which option I should opt for. Only two person that I know owns a drysuit, the DM and my instructor. I didn't really want to drill them for too much info if I'm not purchasing it from the shop they work for. But I will ask their opinion on boot choices.

Yep read those reviews and seen the photos too. Think I really need to touch it to realise how tough the boots are.

I've got the online retailer to price me up options and quote. Getting closer to ordering now! And the shock when I see the credit card bill

Oh just wondering if you work for any dive operators in Okinawa? We are planning a trip there probably next year. Might bookmark you and get a few dives in with you when we go there.

 

[OkiMike]

I do not have a shop here in Okinawa, but did co-found a dive club (Okinawa Underwater Explorers) that organizes dive projects/trips, logistics, and extends help to visitors coming in who need rental assistance, advice, or otherwise.

Please PM here if you think you'll be coming.

 

[Sas]

Is it possible to simply get integrated "Neoprene Socks" and wear my wetsuit boots over them? I gather the Neoprene Socks is "waterproof" as well else it doesn't make sense I guess. Sorry for the newbie questions, you've been most helpful in this.

Yep this is no dramas. I have my suit set up like this. I much MUCH prefer it to integrated boots and find it easier to fin in softer boots rather than stiffer ones. I do shore/rock entries as well and have had no dramas.

 

[mulla]

Thanks Sas for the confirmation. I'm beginning to think that a drysuit has more options than purchasing a car :S

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Thanks for the great info on Santi suits. I'll be buying one soon, since my water temperature is about to change. ;-)

The choices for option are many.

-Mitch

 

[OkiMike]

Yep this is no dramas. I have my suit set up like this. I much MUCH prefer it to integrated boots and find it easier to fin in softer boots rather than stiffer ones. I do shore/rock entries as well and have had no dramas.

That's what I'm saying. At least as far as DUI and Santi suits are concerned, the integrated boots ARE the softer option. Everything about them is soft except for the sole, which has nothing to do with finning and everything to do with hiking, stepping on rocks, reef, etc. That's WHY we get them! Everything up to the sole is soft "sock-like" neoprene.

Separate boots are as hard or soft as you want them to be, I suppose, and vary by manufacturer. DUI's rockboots are, as they sound, anything but soft.

 

[jimbosa99]

Just got a santi e-lite with the flex boots. The boots are really thick soled. I have to agree that it is going to take a lot to tear or wear through those.