Semi-Dry vs 5/7mm Wet Suit

[Oldbear]

Hello ScubaBoard,


I am looking at buying a Semi-Dry Wet Suit. How do these compare to a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit? And if I do settle on a Semi-Dry, what should I look for in the construction of one…any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

~Michael~

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Semi-Dry=wetsuit of a different name. A semi-dry is a wetsuit with water dams at the wrist and ankles and zipper, some go further and install a dry zipper. You will still get wet but just not as much. They will be a little warmer as the water transfer in the suit is less due to the seals, but nothing beats a drysuit in cold weather or water and the price of a semi-dry can be very close to a drysuit.

 

[AA3JY]

Semi-Dry=wetsuit of a different name. A semi-dry is a wetsuit with water dams at the wrist and ankles and zipper, some go further and install a dry zipper. You will still get wet but just not as much. They will be a little warmer as the water transfer in the suit is less due to the seals, but nothing beats a drysuit in cold weather or water and the price of a semi-dry can be very close to a drysuit.

I too am interested in a semi-dry as I currently dive a 7mm wet.. is the semi-dry generally more pliable then a 7mm?

 

[Jerry_]

Semi-Dry=wetsuit of a different name. A semi-dry is a wetsuit with water dams at the wrist and ankles and zipper, some go further and install a dry zipper. You will still get wet but just not as much. They will be a little warmer as the water transfer in the suit is less due to the seals, but nothing beats a drysuit in cold weather or water and the price of a semi-dry can be very close to a drysuit.

Andy gave the exhaustive definition of a semi dry versus a wetsuit. Now all depends on the temperature of the water where you are diving. If you feel that with a semi-dry you can go for a 5mm, then yes - but as Andy says, nothing is worth a full drysuit if you want to dive in cold water (I use a 4mm compressed neoprene drysuit for the winter period).