Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[mwerle]

Based on what you've just said, I would suggest to give some consideration to getting the Seaskin compressed neoprene suit instead of the membrane suit.

Neoprene drysuits are really popular here with the Japanese, but all the gaijin (non-japanese) divers I've talked to don't like them and said a shell suit is the much better investment... with my DM heavily recommending the Seaskin. The neoprene ones also seem to be a right royal PITA to get into and out of in comparison (I like to be self-sufficient).
But thanks for the alternate viewpoint; something to consider indeed.

 

[stuartv]

Neoprene drysuits are really popular here with the Japanese, but all the gaijin (non-japanese) divers I've talked to don't like them and said a shell suit is the much better investment... with my DM heavily recommending the Seaskin. The neoprene ones also seem to be a right royal PITA to get into and out of in comparison (I like to be self-sufficient).
But thanks for the alternate viewpoint; something to consider indeed.

Yep, just something to consider.

If I only had 1 drysuit, it would be my Seaskin trilam. But, if I were only diving 15C and warmer, and not trying to fly with the suit, I would probably just have the compressed neoprene. I have had a compressed neo suit before (Bare XCS2 Tech). Both types have their pros and cons.

The Bare neo suit i had was front zip, so I could totally don/doff it by myself. Otherwise, the difference in donning/doffing versus trilam is not enough that that would sway me.

As I said earlier, it's the back zip on the Seaskin neo that is the one major thing that has kept me from ordering one so far. I do wonder if it's not possible to make a longer leash for the back zip and be able to open/close it myself (not leaving the leash extension on while diving, of course).

 

[laikabear]

If you get the Si Tech oval rings, you can add the Waterproof Ultima dry glove system later (yourself, at home). There is a long thread about the Ultimas on SB.

 

[broncobowsher]

If you stay with the membrane suit I will still recommend the Kubi. A light liner inside the glove will give you warm dry hands with so much dexterity you will hate diving with wet gloves.

If you are thinking of retrofit later, keep in mind the cost of the parts being cut off. Added labor.

 

[stuartv]

If you stay with the membrane suit I will still recommend the Kubi. A light liner inside the glove will give you warm dry hands with so much dexterity you will hate diving with wet gloves.

If you are thinking of retrofit later, keep in mind the cost of the parts being cut off. Added labor.

Yeah. In other words, buy once, cry once.

That said, from what I have seen (I have not actually used them myself), the Ultima ring setup is almost as good as the Kubi, and a fair bit less expensive. To ME, the Kubis are worth the extra money. But, I have no real critique to offer if someone goes with Ultima because it's a better fit for their budget.

 

[Compressor]

I have the Kubi on my suit as well and I think it's money well spent for the Kubi as mentioned.

 

[StyloMalo]

@stuartv Approximately how heavy is your Seaskin suit? How is the weight compared to your D9X? I usually fly to dive and need to know if the Seaskin is too heavy to pack easily. Thanks!

 

[stuartv]

@stuartv Approximately how heavy is your Seaskin suit? How is the weight compared to your D9X? I usually fly to dive and need to know if the Seaskin is too heavy to pack easily. Thanks!

Well, I am not sure, I will be happy to weigh them for you, but I am literally sitting on a plane right now on my way to the Bahamas for a week. So, it will have to wait...

 

[StyloMalo]

Thanks looking forward to it. You have fun & safe dives in the Bahamas!

Well, I am not sure, I will be happy to weigh them for you, but I am literally sitting on a plane right now on my way to the Bahamas for a week. So, it will have to wait...

 

[vladodessit]

Just got my Nova. I like it so far. Heads up on customs fees: FedEx sent me a bill for $101 for clearing customs. My initial reaction was "not terrible". Suit itself was charged at 4% for "Rubber clothing or accessory" Code 4013.90.0050, Undergarment was charged at 28% per code 6103.33.2000 "Men's or boy's Blazer or Sweater with 28% wool or less". I called FedEx at (866)728-8587, option 3. Explained the situation. I stated that 4% for suit was acceptable but 28% wasn't as it is not a clothing item but sporting accessory. She asked me if I knew the code that should be charged. I didn't. She asked me what I thought was the right rate. I said that probably 4% and I want to file a dispute. She told me she didn't want to file a dispute over $46 and she'd just give me a credit for that amount. I paid about $50.

After further research, however, I believe that the correct HTS code should be 9506.29.0080
"Water-sport Equipment, Parts And Accessories, Others" and be duty free.