Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[Sbiriguda]

I am finding it difficult to get the right measures...
The first measurement was taken by my best half. Then I double checked and asked a taylor. I found the measures very different and I asked another taylor and measures were different from both measurement 1 and 2. Then I got measurement number 4 made by a different taylor, different measurement again LOL
Tomorrow I will call the company in England on the phone to ask some advice

 

[stuartv]

I had my girlfriend (at the time) measure me for my first suit. We just followed the instructions on the measurement sheet they have that you can download and print out.

She measured me again about a year later, in prep for ordering my second Seaskin. The measurements were very close to the ones from a year prior. I believe the differences were due to my personal expansion, rather than imprecision in the measuring.

I would be more likely to try your second half than a tailor. I would think that a tailor is used to taking specific measurements in specific ways. Their way may work fine for the garments they are making (or having made). But, that doesn't mean that they do their measumrents the same way that Seaskin wants them done.

Just for one example, how do you measure inseam? A tailor MIGHT measure it from crotch to ankle. Another tailor might measure it from crotch to floor. You need to take the measurements the way Seaskin wants you to. Wearing the garments that Seaskin says to wear while measuring.

 

[Sbiriguda]

I would be more likely to try your second half than a tailor. I would think that a tailor is used to taking specific measurements in specific ways. Their way may work fine for the garments they are making (or having made). But, that doesn't mean that they do their measumrents the same way that Seaskin wants them done.

Just for one example, how do you measure inseam? A tailor MIGHT measure it from crotch to ankle. Another tailor might measure it from crotch to floor. You need to take the measurements the way Seaskin wants you to. Wearing the garments that Seaskin says to wear while measuring.

Before making the measurement I printed both the measurement sheet and the tutorial with all the passages with pictures. The different measurements are very similar on all the voices except underarm seat and wrist to wrist. I will call tomorrow because obviously there is something I am missing

 

[Sbiriguda]

How about computer straps on one or both arms, or trilobyte strap, or knife strap? Did you get them? Do you think they are useful?

 

[Sbiriguda]

In the meanwhile I called them in the UK. To check the measurements we have agreed that I will make videos when I take the measures, I will send the guy I contacted the google drive links and he will check from the videos that the measures are taken correctly.
Now, the Brexit. In the event of a no deal Brexit, there are 3 impacts:
1) the difference in value added tax Italian IVA vs English VAT = 22% - 20% the difference of 2% THEY WILL REFUND IT
2) customs paperwork costs: shipping to Italy is about 50 euros vs 80 euros in Switzerland, so there would be a 30 eur difference AT MY CHARGE
3) customs duties AT MY CHARGE. On those he said they have no idea because different states classify drysuits under different product categories. Depending on the product category and the applicable laws custom duties might vary significantly. He tried to make an estimate and said that according to him it could be 12% of the total cost. Unless an agreement is reached and they do not put duties

As for me, I think they will not put custom duties between England and the EU and they will come up with some last-second deal as they already did several times. I could not order earlier as I intended to do but it doesn't matter. If they will charge me custom duties it's ok anyway. My first impression is that their customer service seems adequate and I appreciate Seaskin refunds the VAT difference

 

[FluffyRabbit]

Thanks to everyone sharing their information in this thread! This has been a great resource. I’ve been diving in San Diego with a 7mm wetsuit and the water is getting colder as we get closer to winter. I haven’t actually gotten cold enough to call the dive or sit out a second dive, but I would certainly be more comfortable and enjoy myself if I was warmer. I’ve started to think more about getting a drysuit, and while it might not come in time for this season, I’ll be moving to the Bay Area next July and it would be nice to have over there.

I’ll probably want the Nova because I want to have just one suit that is future-proof and versatile for a wide range of temperatures, lighter for travel, and with a front-zip. For reference, I am about 5’ 6” and 150 lbs. Here’s what I’m thinking in terms of the options:

Step 1: All black
Step 2: Main Body Dry Zip Cover, YKK Plastic Dry Zip, Fitted SiTech Trigon Pee Valve
Step 3: Quick Neck with SilFlex Seal, Warm Neck Standard, Kubi Fitted Dry Cuff System, Supplement for Siflex Seals with Kubi
Step 4: DIR Dump, SiTech Valve System, Comfort Patch
Step 5: Compressed Neoprene Socks
Step 6: Kelvar Knee Pads
Step 7: Fully Telescopic Torso, Change Mat Bag Upgrade, No Logos, No Reflective Tape
Step 8: Bellows Pocket on both legs, Computer Straps Patches on both arms

I’ll probably also pick up the 250g undergarments with the hole for P-valve, the shorty undersuit, socks, the base layers, the warm neck hood, and the dry glove side of the Kubi system.

Couple of questions/discussion points for the hive mind:

-The main body dry zip cover seems like a good idea, but I wonder if it’s just adding unnecessary bulk to the suit. What do you guys think?
-SiTech Trigon Pee Valve or the Light Monkey Tinkle Valve?
-Would I want neoprene covers for the Kubis? Seems like most people in this thread aren’t getting it
-I did go with kelvar knee pads since it seems like a place that would get more wear and tear, especially in more challenging shore entry/exit conditions. However, I’m leaning towards not getting reinforcement elsewhere since I heard the base material is fairly stiff as it is
- Is the reflective tape on the suit actually useful? I feel the suit would probably look nicer without logos or the tape
- I would like to keep a 6’ DSMB attached to a 100’ spool in one of the pockets – are the standard bellows pockets going to be big enough? Since I’m on the shorter side, I am trying to avoid the larger pockets.
-I would like to potentially be able to take the GUE Fundamentals class in this drysuit for my skills development – is this configuration “DIR-approved”?

Any other feedback or advice is also appreciated. Thanks a lot!

 

[in too deep]

First impressions, looks well made. Nice stitching with no glue residue.
Ultima dry gloves fit perfect with the QCS rings.
The neck ring is more flexible than their first gen.
Heater bulkhead fits correctly.
Decent sized zippered pockets but not overly huge where they make the suit look baggy.
Underwear fits well. I’m glad I added the extra garment room and telescopic torso. The suit fit feels good but would not want any less room, maybe because it’s MTM they naturally feel more snug.
Will be diving Friday and Saturday and will post more then.

I did 3 dives with my new suit.
1st dive was about an hour and was a little awkward getting used to it.
Dive 2 was 50 min and a better dive.
Dive 3 was 85 min and very good. Originally I had the suspenders adjusted too tight, adjusting them for dive 3 pulled it all together.
Comfortable, warm and dry.
Whoever is contemplating ordering one just do it, you won’t regret it!

 

[azstinger11]

First dive with my new seaskin nova and seaskin undergarments today. Total and complete flood of the suit. Even after sloshing stuff out getting it off, poured about 6-8 pitchers of water out. I’ll investigate further tomorrow, initial best guess is that seaskin didn’t install the neck seal correctly. Buddy saw a steady stream of bubbles from near the base of my neck (on my back). Since they also didn’t include the neck seal tool ordered one from dive right in, to fix it (if that is the root cause). Buddy checked my neck seal post dive and it wasn’t rolled or anything else.

anyone have any washing recommendations for the undergarments since they are totally and completely soaked through?

 

[Marie13]

What works for me with anything- turn them inside out, gentle wash, cold water, hang to dry. Not a ton of detergent. I’m assuming they’re fleece?

 

[azstinger11]

What works for me with anything- turn them inside out, gentle wash, cold water, hang to dry. Not a ton of detergent. I’m assuming they’re fleece?

Thinsulate? Not sure if that counts as a fleece?