Review Seaskin Nova drysuit

[inquis]

Just my opinion, get QCS oval rather than KUBI, you will have several dryglove types to choose from and than get Rolock 90’s and stop choosing.

Sidetrack - anyone have a line on where to purchase just the Rolock 90 glove-side ring & blue retaining ring? (Part #s 90-9707 (R/L) and 90-9901) My last shark encounter was a bit... exciting.



J/k, I apparently left them on the table at the dive site.

 

[lexvil]

Sidetrack - anyone have a line on where to purchase just the Rolock 90 glove-side ring & blue retaining ring? (Part #s 90-9707 (R/L) and 90-9901) My last shark encounter was a bit... exciting.



J/k, I apparently left them on the table at the dive site.

Oh damn, this and protecting the seal is why I always put the gloves back on as soon as I take my hands out. I would shoot Seaskin an email and ask if they will sell just the glove side or maybe Rolock themselves.

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

Sidetrack - anyone have a line on where to purchase just the Rolock 90 glove-side ring & blue retaining ring? (Part #s 90-9707 (R/L) and 90-9901) My last shark encounter was a bit... exciting.



J/k, I apparently left them on the table at the dive site.

I was very curious about this as well. It is super nice to have extra setups, or other size gloves. That’s what’s holding me up from upgrading from the Antares.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I got the antares seal system, its worked fine so far, common opinion is that they suck and will fail, I haven't had issues. I would order a full set of extra seals, nice to have if you rip one, can swap out super quick. I haven't used Kubi rings, however if they have a way to purchase just a second set of gloves and rings for the glove side I would do that. It is super nice to have a hot spare ready if something does rip, and you can do 2 different sized dry gloves based on what liner you will use. Also consider a hot neck, either one is fine, I have the standard version, that way you can tuck a hood, you will notice a difference in warmth at the neck if you don't do this at least I did the few times I wore my hood not tucked in. I wear US military surplus waffle tops and bottoms with wool socks and weasel extreme booties down to 60 degrees, stay pretty warm especially if working, that's like $50 instead of the amount seaskin charges. I have a Fourth Element Halo AR for colder and can combine both when temps are down in the 30's. I did take my waffles only down to 45 degrees on a working dive recently, didn't realize it was that cold below the thermocline, was manageable for the short time I was down (20 Minutes), was also amped up since I was working, YMMV. I would also recommend neoprene socks and rock boots, gives you more flexibility and if sizing is off you aren't screwed, I use Walmart brand knock off converse, rip the insoles out until its just fabric and rubber, drilled some holes, have worked better than any other rock boots I have used. If I wear them out, I just get a new pair for like $15. Also make sure to get a hood if you don't have one, and expect to maybe need a different fin, I found I didn't need the RK3HD that I figured I would, instead I have had great luck with the Dive Rite XT fins and they have fit my "rock boots" perfectly.

Anteras suit side system system will work with Rolock 90's or Waterproof Ultimas (for WHEN they fail you, lol)! You won't get the oval anymore... but you won't be wet and pissed off either!

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

Anteras suit side system system will work with Rolock 90's or Waterproof Ultimas (for WHEN they fail you, lol)! You won't get the oval anymore... but you won't be wet and pissed off either!

Do you guys find it difficult to put on the Rolock Gloves, I know with the Antares on occasion I have used super thick under gloves and actually pushed the glove out of the ring when putting it on. I’d also be concerned about the additional bulk, but maybe that’s not really warranted.

 

[MB NZ]

I'm considering a quick change seal system, but hated hard rings on a previous drysuit. Thinking about traditional neoprene seals. I don't use dry gloves.

 

[Boarderguy]

Kubi are fantastic. You'll only change gloves on very rare occasion and it's pretty simple with non-lined gloves. Lined gloves can be a challenge since you need to roll them inwards vs outward. Only once has my ring leaked and that was because I rushed to get in the water and didn't squeeze them shut equally.

 

[lexvil]

Do you guys find it difficult to put on the Rolock Gloves, I know with the Antares on occasion I have used super thick under gloves and actually pushed the glove out of the ring when putting it on. I’d also be concerned about the additional bulk, but maybe that’s not really warranted.

Not at all but if you are pushing the mounting ring out of system you may want to try bigger gloves.

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

Not at all but if you are pushing the mounting ring out of system you may want to try bigger gloves.

Yeah it was with a larger set of gloves, the issues was actually getting my hand through the glove ring on the Antares. Once it was through I was fine, but on occasion if I don’t nurse it, I would push the ring out. I’m looking into swapping over to Rolock 90s. Just trying to source the glove side rings cause I like to have 2 glove setups. Also do you guys dive the Rolock system without the gloves attached, any issues with sand or stuff getting into the exposed O ring?

 

[inquis]

do you guys dive the Rolock system without the gloves attached, any issues with sand or stuff getting into the exposed O ring?

No issues over the course of several years. However, I now switch over to the oval (QCS) rings when it gets warm enough for bare-handed dives (strictly as a precaution). It takes about 2 minutes to swap, so I figure why not?