Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[JohnnyC]

There's a good story posted about DUI inventing the telescoping torso. I don't remember if it was posted here or on DUI's site or maybe another forum. But it's a pretty hilarious detailing of the invention of the telescoping torso. Lots of colorful imagery.

Anyway, if it had been offered when I ordered my Seaskin, I would have gotten it. I was probably one of the first SB'ers who had one. If that gives you an idea of how well it's held up based on age....

 

[BoltSnap]

If you get a front zip drysuit, get the telescoping torso.

Otherwise they just make it long in the torso so you’ll actually be able to get in and out of it. This sucks because it doesn’t fold the same way every time and you have to futz with it. When I ordered my drysuit, it was not an option. It is the only part of my seaskin purchase that I wish were different.

Get the telescoping torso option. Do not question this. Do not argue. Do not make excuses. Just get it.

You think that this applies to a compressed neoprene suit also? I am probably getting an O3 but with a front self donning zipper. They have the option for a full telescoping torso or not. O3 says that the full telescoping torso adds bulk and buoyancy with the folds. It doesn't make a difference in price however.

 

[JohnnyC]

I would ALWAYS get a telescoping torso. Personally, I think the additional bulk of the torso on my Seaskin is more than it would have been if I had a telescoping torso, but it's a membrane suit, not a crushed neoprene. I think the additional "bulk and buoyancy" is a pretty bold overstatement. If that's the difference that makes you wish you had gone with another suit, either they're doing it wrong when they make the suit, or the diver is making a mountain out of a molehill.

If I can deal with the extra material on my suit while diving with a rebreather and enough stages that I need a leash and a scooter, anyone can deal with a telescoping torso. It's not like the telescope adds a spare tire to the thing, even out of crushed neoprene.

 

[stuartv]

@stuartv Is your drysuit regular or TLS torso? Would you recommend TLS option?

Mine is telescopic. I have not tried a membrane suit without telescopic - and don't want to. I think @JohnnyC has it figured out there. On a membrane suit that is not stretchy, I would always get a TLS.

You think that this applies to a compressed neoprene suit also? I am probably getting an O3 but with a front self donning zipper. They have the option for a full telescoping torso or not. O3 says that the full telescoping torso adds bulk and buoyancy with the folds. It doesn't make a difference in price however.

I had a Bare XCS2 Tech, which is compressed neoprene with a front zip. It did not have a telescopic torso, nor even the "extra" bit in the middle like what Seaskin does if you don't specify TLS.

The compressed neoprene was stretchy enough that, at least for me, it did not need a telescopic torso or even, really, extra room in the middle. It was definitely a little harder to get over my head than a membrane suit with a TLS. But, it was totally doable.

So, on this, JohnnyC and I disagree.

If I were getting another compressed neo suit, I would not get a TLS on it.

 

[BoltSnap]

The compressed neoprene was stretchy enough that, at least for me, it did not need a telescopic torso or even, really, extra room in the middle. It was definitely a little harder to get over my head than a membrane suit with a TLS. But, it was totally doable.

So, on this, JohnnyC and I disagree.

If I were getting another compressed neo suit, I would not get a TLS on it.

What is the problem with TLS neoprene vs. membrane?

 

[StefinSB]

Just tried my seaskin Nova for the first time and it’s great. Valuewise unbeatable. I got the telescoping option. Only thing I have slight trouble with is closing it myself as it’s difficult for me to hold the suit to get the zipper started. My last suit was a waterproof D7 and although it was manufactured great it never fit me well.

 

[stuartv]

What is the problem with TLS neoprene vs. membrane?

Neoprene is thicker. I feel like it would result in annoying bulk. Bulk that is unnecessary, because it is stretchy.

Membrane is thinner, so 3 layers in that band around the middle is not as annoying. And because it is not stretchy, the TLS is necessary, for a front zip, in order to get it over your head.

 

[superheavydeathmetal]

The TLS is necessary, for a front zip, in order to get it over your head.

I have a front-zip without the telescoping torso, and while it is certainly not the easiest suit to get on, the TLS isn't necessary.

If I could do it over again, I probably would go with a back zip to minimize any extra length in the torso, make it easier to roll up, and make it easier to get on since I probably couldn't get mine on by myself, anyway.

 

[stuartv]

I have a front-zip without the telescoping torso, and while it is certainly not the easiest suit to get on, the TLS isn't necessary.

If I could do it over again, I probably would go with a back zip to minimize any extra length in the torso, make it easier to roll up, and make it easier to get on since I probably couldn't get mine on by myself, anyway.

My bad. I should have said "some extra torso length is necessary." The Nova has that, even without the TLS option.

Some other membrane drysuits are stretchy (e.g. the Bare SB, I think). Those can be made to fit and be donnable, without including telescoping or any extra length. If the suit has no stretch at all, and if it fits correctly and has a front zip, it pretty much HAS to have some extra length to be able to get over your head.

Neoprene (compressed or not) does not need any extra length as the stretch will accommodate getting it over your head. At least, in my limited experience...

@JohnnyC pretty much nailed why I would always get a telescoping torso in a non-stretch membrane suit - even over the Nova non-telescoping design.

I will also not buy a back zip. I have had 3 drysuits now. All with a diagonal front zip. I have always been able to don my own suit without any help, including now with my Seaskin. I would not give up that ability. I kind of like the TLS anyway because the design means it can still fit well whether I'm wearing only a base layer or a thick undergarment. With the Bare suit I had (compressed neoprene), it fit well with a base layer, but was a bit snug in the crotch with a thick undergarment. The alternative, of course, would be a good fit with thick undies and being baggy in the crotch with only a base layer.

Seaskin has some tips on donning the Nova, including how to get it zipped by yourself. Though this is my 3rd front zip suit, I still found their instructions helpful.

Drysuit Tips - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits

Also, one other tip: I stupidly assumed that my plastic zipper came lubed from the factory, so I didn't need to lube it myself right away. I am a total slacker and have had it and been diving it for over 6 months now (though only 17 dives in the Seaskin) and I just this week lubed the zipper for the first time. It really slides a LOT easier now! Also, with a previous suit (also plastic zipper), I think the instructions said I only needed to put lube on the zipper down at the dock area (the end where it fully closes). The current instructions had me put a dab of lube on each side every 10 cm or something like that. I was REALLY surprised how much easier it slides after lubing it per the directions.

 

[StefinSB]

[snip]

Seaskin has some tips on donning the Nova, including how to get it zipped by yourself. Though this is my 3rd front zip suit, I still found their instructions helpful.

Drysuit Tips - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits

Also, one other tip: I stupidly assumed that my plastic zipper came lubed from the factory, so I didn't need to lube it myself right away. I am a total slacker and have had it and been diving it for over 6 months now (though only 17 dives in the Seaskin) and I just this week lubed the zipper for the first time. It really slides a LOT easier now! Also, with a previous suit (also plastic zipper), I think the instructions said I only needed to put lube on the zipper down at the dock area (the end where it fully closes). The current instructions had me put a dab of lube on each side every 10 cm or something like that. I was REALLY surprised how much easier it slides after lubing it per the directions.

I lubed the zipper before first use ;-). It’s the metal zip though, maybe that is why it’s a bit more involved. In any case, not a big deal as I usually do not dive alone.