Seaskin Ultra drysuit review

[RobPNW]

Did anyone get the "Tech boots"? They are an upgrade to the standard attached boot. In the pictures they look similar to a full sole cold water wet boot but I assume slightly bigger in width and length to accommodate socks inside. Does that sound like an accurate description? Can anyone speak to the size and width of these tech boots? I typically wear a size 9 (US) EE hiking boot. So my feet are a little wider than normal. I'm hoping these are forgiving enough in width and length in order to accommodate undergarments to also accommodate the width of my feet.

 

[lexvil]

Did anyone get the "Tech boots"? They are an upgrade to the standard attached boot. In the pictures they look similar to a full sole cold water wet boot but I assume slightly bigger in width and length to accommodate socks inside. Does that sound like an accurate description? Can anyone speak to the size and width of these tech boots? I typically wear a size 9 (US) EE hiking boot. So my feet are a little wider than normal. I'm hoping these are forgiving enough in width and length in order to accommodate undergarments to also accommodate the width of my feet.

I always go with neoprene socks, that way I can choose whatever shoe I want.

 

[stuartv]

I just mailed my Ultra back to Seaskin on Saturday. I got the regular boots. They didn't have the Tech boot option when I ordered my suit.

My right boot has had a tiny leak since the suit was new. It's weird because it seems like it only leaks when I first get in. I'm thinking that it's pulling water in when I get some squeeze on the suit and then when I start pumping some air into the suit, it's enough to keep any more water from coming in.

The last time I dived the suit, I also had an issue with the left boot. When I got out and was walking around, it felt like I'd grown an air insole in the left boot. It had a big squishy air bubble that (I guess) was between the inner sole (really, a neoprene sock) and the outer sole (the rubber outsole).

With both boots having problems and not being able to find the leak in the right boot, I decided to mail it back and get them to deal with it. If they decide to replace the boots, I have asked for them to be replaced with the Tech boots.

I'll update after they receive the suit and let me know something.

 

[BoltSnap]

I just mailed my Ultra back to Seaskin on Saturday. I got the regular boots. They didn't have the Tech boot option when I ordered my suit.

My right boot has had a tiny leak since the suit was new. It's weird because it seems like it only leaks when I first get in. I'm thinking that it's pulling water in when I get some squeeze on the suit and then when I start pumping some air into the suit, it's enough to keep any more water from coming in.

The last time I dived the suit, I also had an issue with the left boot. When I got out and was walking around, it felt like I'd grown an air insole in the left boot. It had a big squishy air bubble that (I guess) was between the inner sole (really, a neoprene sock) and the outer sole (the rubber outsole).

With both boots having problems and not being able to find the leak in the right boot, I decided to mail it back and get them to deal with it. If they decide to replace the boots, I have asked for them to be replaced with the Tech boots.

I'll update after they receive the suit and let me know something.

As I have told you before, you should have gone with an O3 suit

 

[stuartv]

As I have told you before, you should have gone with an O3 suit

And you still haven't given a valid, logical reason why... Are you suggesting that O3 NEVER ships out a suit with ANYTHING wrong with it?

 

[BoltSnap]

Are you suggesting that O3 NEVER ships out a suit with ANYTHING wrong with it?

Not as far as I know, not BOTH boots that are bad.

 

[stuartv]

Not as far as I know, not BOTH boots that are bad.

 

[tech3324]

I liked @stuartv description of his Ultra as "a compressed neoprene suit will also let me get away with minimal undergarments. I.e. I wanted to be able to use it like a wetsuit, but be dry and warmer." I have the same objective in a minimal suit just for boat diving in water temps of 50-60°F, and came up with this build:

Step 1: Seaskin Ultra, all black
Step 2: Convenience Zip with Velcro Flap, Light Monkey Non-Balanced P-Valve, main zipper Velcro Cover
Step 3: All neoprene seals
Step 4: All Sitech Valves
Step 5: Neoprene Socks
Step 6: Kelvar Knee Pads (no stitching, no logo)
Step 7: Braces
Step 8: Bellows Pocket or Flat Pocket (1x)

Add: 150gsm Undergarment

I'm uncertain about two options:
Is the main zipper cover worthwhile as protection or does it tend to be in the way when using the zipper?
I've never had a drysuit with pockets, will the Bellows pocket go flat when not in use, or should I just go with the Flat pocket option?

Appreciate any comments.

 

[stuartv]

I would not get a P valve and a convenience zip. I would just get a P valve.

I would not worry about pockets that are not flat when they’re empty. Pockets can be very handy.

No downside to the zipper cover, in my view.

 

[tech3324]

Thanks Stuart, I'll take your advice on the zipper cover & pockets.

I currently dive with a P-valve, but for the sake of simplicity I'm thinking the convenience zip alone could be sufficient on the Ultra. I added the P-valve just as a placeholder should I change my mind in the future. Is there something else about convenience zips that makes them undesirable? Tnx