Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[admikar]

In my experience, silicone will not stretch as much as latex.
You can see in my pictures how untrimmed seal is slightly choking me, hence redish face.
I cut 2 rings. Trick, as with latex, is sharp tool (I use scissors), take your time and do not leave sharp corners, especially sharp dips in your cut line. Cut as close as possible above ring.
Still on original neck seal, tore one of the wrist seals by being stupid.
IMO, less you have to strech it, less chance you have to tear it up. That goes for both donn/doff and how it sits on your body.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I had the exact same circle of trialam material which is the exact size of a dump valve. I also figured it was to be used as a patch but I know nothing about drysuit repair.

Clean well, glue patch on both sides, roll with a roller... done. It is almost too easy (more prep than anything).

Would ya’ll mind touching on trimming the neck seal? Where’s the balance between comfort and proper sealing? How do you test the seal at home? Bath tub? Is the seal over or under the Adam’s apple?

I wear mine over the Adam's apple. I've never cut one either. I'm 5'11" with broader shoulders, I think a fairly healthy size neck?.. but I'm ok with a little choking here and there

 

[admikar]

@rob.mwpropane just a little?
You sick, sick, sicko!

 

[admikar]

Forgot to answer: I wear my seal below Adam's apple. That might be the reason I need to trim it.
I found there is more probability seal would leak if above. I guess it has something to do with size and shape of apple. Also, don't need to worry if shaved or not.
I also found it alows more head rotation without twisting the seal.

 

[Boarderguy]

but I'm ok with a little choking here and there

@rob.mwpropane just a little?
You sick, sick, sicko!

He preferred internal choking vs external

 

[admikar]

Maybe, but this particular choking is external in nature

 

[Boarderguy]

Maybe, but this particular choking is external in nature

Similar results so he may just be making due.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Similar results so he may just be making due.

Hahahaha.. you got me!

Scuba and some auto erotic asphyxiation, what more could a guy ask for!

Back OT, I don't "feel" choked, but I do remember feeling that with my 1st suit / seal. I think you just get used to it? Like it's slightly uncomfortable at 1st and then it's fine. I say dive it at least 8 or even 10 times before trimming. I don't know anyone that routinely trims them, but I do know some people who wish they hadn't.

The great news is if you ordered spares they're cheap enough from Seaskin.

 

[admikar]

It's not a big issue if I overtrim, since my buddy has bigger neck.
+ I do have a spare.
++ I can bulk up to grow into it?

 

[mje113]

I have latex and cut two rings and mostly regret it. When I first tried it on felt like I was choking, face turned red. And no, not in a sexual way. Once in about 20 dives I turned my neck in an odd way and had a very cold stream of water pour in. Also, a recent instructor said it looked a bit too big. Overall it's fine but I probably should have just left it alone.