Trilam Drysuit for a student: Bare Trilam Tech or Seaskin Nova
- Thread starter ReillyP
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Yes, indeed. VERY high quality.
Gandalf-the-Diver
Contributor
Hey Reilly, I am over in Victoria. I ordered a Trilam Tech Dry, and I actually did my OW in my own suit. 250 dives on it now. I wore the tech boots out and had them replaced with neo socks, and I now use rock boots. Most of my dives are shore dives, if I was going to be primarily boat diving, the tech boot option is nice. My regrets ordering my suit; I did not opt for custom sizing. Big mistake, the stock size has just a little too much length in the legs. My other regret was not having the customer replaceable neck seals put on. I put Si Tech dry glove system on mine, one pocket (largest avail) and a P Valve. otherwise, I love my Bare. I have no knowledge on the other suit you mention.Hi there,
I am a newly certified advanced open water diver in Vancouver Canada. I've done 13 dives this year on a rental BARE tech trilam 2XL and don't have many complaints. I had issues putting fins on until I bought fins with a spring strap but have no issues donning or doffing those in the BARE.
I am entering a marine biology program this summer where I will be diving frequently and need to get myself a drysuit so I am not freezing my butt off in a 7mm all day.
I am ~6'2" and currently 290 lbs but I do fluctuate, my heaviest ever was 312 and that was on purpose and doubt I will get back to that again, when getting in shape for a competition I have gone all the way to 230. The tightest part of the BARE 2xl for me was my legs and glutes when squatting.
I have a quote from my local dive shop for a BARE tech trilam with added pockets and changeable wrist and neck seals but I noticed the seaskin nova with the same upgrades would be 1/3 the price if I factor shipping and expect customs.
My question is, is the local service center and quality of the BARE really worth the price of 2-3 seaskin novas? Will I be kicking myself in a year if I buy this BARE now?
Past that, what other considerations should I take into account for the suit? I am hoping to only buy it once and have it last at least 5 years as I am on the budget of a student here.
Also, I think I am set on socks instead of fixed boots.... I just think everyday use could end up rather smelly and the inability to flip it inside-out to air or clean is a deal-breaker but please let me know if I am misinformed!
I will also be picking up the Halo 3D as an undersuit and am hoping that allows me more flexibility and less lead when compared to the multiple layers I wear now.
If anyone else has any suggestions I am all ear
Cheers,
Reilly
Gandalf-the-Diver
Contributor
I got a Nova suit and have been very happy with it. The only changes I would make is getting the telescoping torso and not having the warm neck collar (not needed since I changed over to a neoprene replaceable neck seal). Boots vs socks tends to stir lots of debate! I have owned suits with both and I end up preferring boots over socks. With socks I had to be very careful not to have any creases in the material under the wet boots or I could end up with a painful bruise after a long dive. I’ve also misplaced my boots and had others do the same, diving with just a sock doesn’t work well! A well fitted boot on dry suit has minimal air bubble and is comfortable. I’ve never really noticed any ‘smell’ to the dive boot either.
I agree that having a heating system is very beneficial to dive comfort in the colder waters here in Michigan/ Great Lakes region. They are pricy but after I got mine, I was kicking myself for not doing this sooner. I have the Light Monkey external battery and vest, along with heated glove liners which are used almost every dive. During the winter I add in heated socks to keep the toes warm. I used to use heated pants but saw minimal benefits from them. I dive a rebreather so now I finish my dive when I’ve seen the whole wreck or don’t want any more deco, not when my hands are too cold to move my fingers!
I agree that having a heating system is very beneficial to dive comfort in the colder waters here in Michigan/ Great Lakes region. They are pricy but after I got mine, I was kicking myself for not doing this sooner. I have the Light Monkey external battery and vest, along with heated glove liners which are used almost every dive. During the winter I add in heated socks to keep the toes warm. I used to use heated pants but saw minimal benefits from them. I dive a rebreather so now I finish my dive when I’ve seen the whole wreck or don’t want any more deco, not when my hands are too cold to move my fingers!
Gandalf-the-Diver
Contributor
Absolutely; I much prefer the Tech Boots I HAD on my suit. I am however, primarily shore diving, climbing in over some gnarly rock formations. I wore a hole in my Tech boots. Switched to the neo sock and rock boot, mainly because the rock boots hold up way better in the conditions I dive. I only have to buy new shoes, as opposed to sending my suit away for new boots. If I was primarily boat diving, Tech boots, hands down. I am also diving the same conditions as OP. I live on the south end of Vancouver Island and his research station is on the west coast of my island.
Great feedback to hear. I have dove a 2XL BARE tech trilam for 13 dives this year and think its nearly perfect. I am going to try it on one more time with a Halo 3D under to see if I need custom sizing.
I think I am going to order the BARE today but only if my LDS tells me I will have it in hand before I leave. If they can't do that I will just go with the seaskin as I don't want to pay more money for a suit and still have to pay a bunch of money to get it to me.
I am definitely going with changeable neck and wrist seals and socks + rockboots as BC diving can be rough on the feet.
How did you know the suit had too much material in the legs/ arms? Was it blatantly obvious or did someone have to point it out to you?
Gandalf-the-Diver
Contributor
Anything with custom, will take longer than that? What shop are you using in Van? The other thing you can do is check with other shops. I know Rockfish here in Vic has a virtually new .2XL they have as a demo, could poss sell at a reduced price. They are affiliated with Ocean Pro Divers.
