Si Tech Neck Tite - Neck Seal Quick Exchange

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Yes, like ANY good manufacturer, they have been making improvements and newer versions do come out as they make slight tweaks to the product.

 

[divad]

Some additional data on the Sitech necktite ring system.

Apparently there are at least two versions of the necktite ring being manufactured under part number 60176. There is a significant difference between these two versions.

The differences are in the cross-sectional profile and the resulting stiffness/flexibility. Aside of looking at the cross-section, the more flexible version has additional lettering "patent pending SE08018467". This version is the more flexible version and only has two bevels instead of three between the top inner ring and the outer edge of the flange. Other than that, the dimensions appear to be identical. It also appears to have less wrinkling around the perimeter of the flange. It is obvious that these two versions were cast from different molds. It is unknown if one is a earlier version of the other.

If given a choice, the one with the "patent pending" on it would seem to be the better of the two due to the greater flexibility resulting comfort and less edge deformation which could lead to installation issues.

Thanks for the description and pictures. Apparently, I bought and installed the stiffer one this year and the stiffness has been bothering me a lot. I was considering taking it off, bending it, and re-installing it or just going back to a Zip-Ring. Did I buy old stock or the current iteration ? Does anyone know? Thanks.

 

[tech3324]

Yes, like ANY good manufacturer, they have been making improvements and newer versions do come out as they make slight tweaks to the product.

post #10

The one that is NOT comfortable and was reviewed above, is the OLD ring system, that has been available for a long time. The new one that I reviewed, and has the video at the top is the unreleased one....so please don't think they are the same

So are you saying that the less flexible version is the older version that you referred to in post #10?

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

post #10


So are you saying that the less flexible version is the older version that you referred to in post #10?

Well, considering post #10 is from 2010, I would think and I did just say that like ANY good manufacturer they update their products. So, yes, since 2010, the product has been upgraded. If you are going to compare posts, please inform people of the different YEARS that you are quoting and pulling for compairison

My post in 2010 should not have any impact on your post in 2012...as they are different products and as I said it has been upgraded since then.

Currently, the most flexible version and up to date model is in our inventory. If you had something installed last year, or in 2010, it is highly possible you have an old model....as the newer technology wasn't available then.

 

[divad]

Well, considering post #10 is from 2010, I would think and I did just say that like ANY good manufacturer they update their products. So, yes, since 2010, the product has been upgraded. If you are going to compare posts, please inform people of the different YEARS that you are quoting and pulling for compairison



Currently, the most flexible version and up to date model is in our inventory. If you had something installed last year, or in 2010, it is highly possible you have an old model....as the newer technology wasn't available then.

Intuitively, it makes sense that the middle bevel would make the ring stiffer. I want the more flexible ring. Do you have a close-up of the profile of the current ring on your DRISS site? I'm pretty sure that I bought and installed the older ring in 2012 and I don't really like it. Thanks.

 

[divezonescuba]

The rings in the pictures were purchased from two different wholesale sources in the second half of 2012. I would assume that any company that did patent a product would eventually put the patent number on the product. Hence there is reason to believe that the more flexible version with the patent number is the later version.

I ordered another necktite within the last few weeks or so from one of the two original sournces and received another stiffer non-patented version. This would lead me to believe that significant stock of the older stiffer non-patent ring is present in the distribution system.

The only way that I have determined that you can positively have the more flexible ring is to obtain one that has the patent number on it.

 

[tech3324]

Thanks for the description and pictures. Apparently, I bought and installed the stiffer one this year and the stiffness has been bothering me a lot. I was considering taking it off, bending it, and re-installing it or just going back to a Zip-Ring. Did I buy old stock or the current iteration ? Does anyone know? Thanks.

My experience was similar to yours. I had the Neck Tite system installed in late 2010 and removed a month later because it was unacceptably stiff in my Fusion suit. I contacted Si Tech and they sent me a copy of the installation instructions for the neck seal which state "If preferred, the neck ring can be curved from its original flat shape..." with instructions on how to do that. Unfortunately the shop that installed my seal was unaware of those instructions so I never had that option.

It's difficult to tell, but it appears there have been two or more revisions to the Neck Tite, beginning in 2010, so it's possible that you and I could both have the older, less flexible systems. I attached the instructions I got from Si Tech. Hope this helps.

---------- Post Merged at 05:15 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 05:07 PM ----------

Hence there is reason to believe that the more flexible version with the patent number is the later version.

Do these pictures of the neck ring from the Si Tech website match either of the versions that you have? See Figures 1.3 & 1.4: http://www.sitech.se/files/documents/products/60000/neck tite manual.pdf

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

The rings in the picture were purchased from two different sources in the second half of 2012. I would assume that any company that did patent a product would eventually put the patent number on the product. Hence there is reason to believe that the more flexible version with the patent number is the later version.

I ordered another necktite within the last few weeks or so and received another stiffer non-patented version. This would lead me to believe that significant stock of the older stiffer non-patent ring is present in the distribution system.

The only way that I have determined that you can positively have the more flexible ring is to obtain one that has the patent number on it.

Correct, they newest is only about 6 months old. We noticed the change as soon as we got them, and our distributor didn't even know there was a change until we pointed it out. If someone doesn't sell alot of them, I could see them having the older style still in stock.

Tech, we haven't curved a single one of the systems. If you just dive it a few times, and give it a little time (even storing on a hanger helps), it will do the same thing and be custom for the person wearing it. Of the hundreds we have installed, only 2 people ever had us take them out. Both people never gave it a break in time and asked us to remove it after the first couple dives or before even getting in the water. Maybe other removed themselves or had someone else take it out, but we have only had 2 people have use remove them and complain about it being too stiff. Typically, after 10 dives it breaks in and you get used to it....forgetting it is there.

The system has undergone changes, like anything. The current form is the best and most flexible....Next year, it may be even better. Who knows

 

[TSandM]

I have to say, if there is a more flexible system, I may someday get mine upgraded. I don't notice the ring system in terms of comfort in the suit, but it definitely impacted the flexibility that was the most delightful thing about the suit in the first place. I don't think it would be nearly the problem for someone with wider shoulders, but for me, the ring system impedes reaching my valves to a very noticeable degree. A "squishier" ring would be nice.

On the other hand, I swapped out my wrist seals from my "acceptable under dry gloves" to my "works in Mexico with bare wrists and reel work" set tonight. Took me less than five minutes. Love that! And I love being able to replace a neck seal on a moment's notice, too. No more two week trips to the dry suit hospital for seal replacement!

 

[divad]

I have, I think, the version in the first pictures.