Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[drummerc]

Thanks for all the reviews and info on here. I just placed an order for my first drysuit with the intention to mainly use it in San Diego / Catalina. I ordered the 150 Thinsulate suit and some sweat wicking shirt/shorts which should hopefully be right for 55-75 degree water year round down here? I'll dive a 3mm wetsuit for vacation diving with the wife, and dont plan on anything colder than SoCal water for now.

I went full black (I did contemplate messing with green as well, but without real life pics, I didn't want to take the risk on the color being wierd).

Options:
Telescopic torso
Dry zip cover
YKK Plastic zipper
Trigon Pee valve
Quick Neck (siflex) - will swap out for neoprene at some point, but maybe dont need to at 55 degree water?
Avoided the warm neck due to intended swap above and easier fixing... should I have it added?
Siflex seals
Kubi cufffs and neoprene covers (90mm)
Move dump DIR
SITech valves
Inflation comfort patch
Neoprene socks
Knee (no logo), back and shoulder protection
40mm braces
Name badge, changing bag, bag badge
No logos/reflective tape
2x expedition pockets on outside seams

Total with undergarmets was ~1350GBP or about $1650 shipped @ 1.22 GBPUSD. I still need to pickup the glove side, neoprene neck and hood as well as some rock boots, so maybe another $350 or so, for about 2k all in (plus whatever import duties are in 3 months...).

I'm hoping to new year's resolution my way down 10-15lb by the time this thing arrives, hopefully the suit won't be too big if I manage to avoid beer for 3 months

 

[lexvil]

Thanks for all the reviews and info on here. I just placed an order for my first drysuit with the intention to mainly use it in San Diego / Catalina. I ordered the 150 Thinsulate suit and some sweat wicking shirt/shorts which should hopefully be right for 55-75 degree water year round down here? I'll dive a 3mm wetsuit for vacation diving with the wife, and dont plan on anything colder than SoCal water for now.

I went full black (I did contemplate messing with green as well, but without real life pics, I didn't want to take the risk on the color being wierd).

Options:
Telescopic torso
Dry zip cover
YKK Plastic zipper
Trigon Pee valve
Quick Neck (siflex) - will swap out for neoprene at some point, but maybe dont need to at 55 degree water?
Avoided the warm neck due to intended swap above and easier fixing... should I have it added?
Siflex seals
Kubi cufffs and neoprene covers (90mm)
Move dump DIR
SITech valves
Inflation comfort patch
Neoprene socks
Knee (no logo), back and shoulder protection
40mm braces
Name badge, changing bag, bag badge
No logos/reflective tape
2x expedition pockets on outside seams

Total with undergarmets was ~1350GBP or about $1650 shipped @ 1.22 GBPUSD. I still need to pickup the glove side, neoprene neck and hood as well as some rock boots, so maybe another $350 or so, for about 2k all in (plus whatever import duties are in 3 months...).

I'm hoping to new year's resolution my way down 10-15lb by the time this thing arrives, hopefully the suit won't be too big if I manage to avoid beer for 3 months

With exception of KUBI and the added protection and a few add on accessories it’s close to what I would order.

 

[Boarderguy]

I went full black (I did contemplate messing with green as well, but without real life pics, I didn't want to take the risk on the color being wierd).

Black is dull and you blend in with all the other off the shelf dull. Ask them for a picture of the green material or whatever other color you may like? I went with red highlights for my suit and it's fantastic. Red arms, pockets, and zip cover make the suit pop and looks great imo.

Avoided the warm neck due to intended swap above and easier fixing... should I have it added?

You'll be fine with out without it. I like mine for 45-55° and don't think I'd go without even for a warmer water suit. It also cleans up the look of the suit since the quick neck looks a little clunky.

I still need to pickup the glove side

Buy them from SS. They're cheaper than any other place I've found.

well as some rock boots

I went with Hollis boots sized in my normal street shoe size. They're designed for going over neo socks and fit well.

 

[Badger7]

For once, I completly agree with @Boarderguy above. Your suit is nearly the same as mine, and I have no regrets. Kubi vs Rolock is absolutely personal preference, both are solid ring systems. If you add/change anything to your order, might also suggest adding some spare wrist seals and maybe a spare neck seal, they are far cheaper from seaskin than anywhere else, and they have a great shelf life. 55+ degrees and you'll be absolutely fine regardless of which neck seal or with/without warm neck option.

As far as asthetics, I like how the raw neck ring ridges look right next to the raw corrugated inflator hose

If I had to do it all over again, I would personally do something this over all black. Grey or Green look like they might not be such "PRIMARY COLOR WOW!" and actually add some color in a non-annoying manner.

 

[Badger7]

Speaking of which, who's tried Seaskin's tech boots? Floaty at all in the feet or suit connection at the calf? Any challenges getting good ankle articulation when finning? Leak issues? Its entirely possible I might order a backup suit in the next year, and the only thing slowing me down from being the first in the water on a hot summer day of diving is taking the time to lace up my Altamas.

 

[admikar]

Nope, they are snug and soft.
TBH, I did not really understand what boots are standard option (same as Santi Enduro), I would go with them.
Way more durable and not that hard to use.