wet suit with dry-suit zippers?

[beni]

Hello guys!

I'm in the process of getting my first wet-suit, that will be used mainly in lakes and in the Adriatic Sea.

I came across a very cool looking Hollis 7mm semy-dry suit with diagonal back zippers and 2 pockets. The price is double compared to regular bare wetsuit, but since it has 2 pockets already (and it looks very cool, etc) I'm still considering to buy it.

I haven't tried it on yet, because the guy at the dive shop didn't recommend it but now I'm having second thoughts.

My main concerns are:
1. diagonal dry suit zippers - probably requires buddy to close/open
2. I would definitely want to have pockets on my suit, but wouldn't that interfere with wearing another layer of thermal protection (shorty for example?)

I need your advice guys! Should I consider getting one or should I just forget it and go with a regular 7mm suit and glue pockets on that one. Thanks!

 

[SangP]

I can't find anything on the suit online and Hollis gear doesn't have it so where was this advertised?

If you're going to be diving in cold waters why not just get a dry suit:
Mares Ice Fit 4 Drysuit reviews and discounts, Mares
or you could get something custom
Freezing

The 4mm neoprene is basically 7mm compressed to 4.

There are also some reasonably demo/returned dry suits:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/sear...Search=fromSearch&PAGE=2&PageSize=96&sortBy=5

SangP

 

[beni]

As far as I know it's only available in Europe (from what I've heard it's because US market for semy dry is very low).

Eventually (in the near future) I will definitely want a dry suit, but I feel like starting with a wet suit would be more appropriate, but maybe that is just a biased preconception from my part. Anyways: I like to get wet if the water temperature allows it

Thanks for the tip on the dry suits though. They look pretty nice for a very good price but I would hate to order something like that from the internet without trying it on first. I've seen an oceanic dry suit at a very good price at my LDS, so I will probably go with that one once I feel ready for it ^_^

 

[SangP]

Europeans lol... I meant that in a good way !

I rather be dry then wet but here in Asian I want to be cool not hot.

SangP

 

[Jim Lapenta]

It looks like the suit comes with pockets. If you wanted to add an additional layer you'd just put it underneath the suit.

 

[fjpatrum]

Those types of suits tend to be very difficult to get in and out of but they are warmer than a "standard zip" suit. They are also a lot more difficult to "open up" to cool off if you're getting warm, which may or may not be a consideration for you. I don't personally like them, but I know people who do.

I assume the velcro is for some sort of zipper cover or hood to velcro onto the back/arms of the suit?

And like Jim mentioned, layering can be done underneath if you want to be able to access those integrated pockets.

 

[beni]

It looks like the suit comes with pockets. If you wanted to add an additional layer you'd just put it underneath the suit.

I assumed wearing a layer underneath would make things extra tight, but probably I just need to find the right size suit.

Do you think it would be possible to zip/unzip it without any aid?

 

[ltmjapan]

Hi all...I'm moving to Italy and will be getting back into diving. It has been a long time since I started. I will start my experience in the Adriatic Sea. What type and thickness of dive suit/s should I consider?

Anyone have opinions about the best type of dive gear for a beginner?

Thanks

 

[fjpatrum]

Beni, I've only seen a couple people who could manage doing those zippers without help from someone else and those people were, shall we say, limber.

Personally I don't think the pockets are worth it, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Hockeynut]

I assumed wearing a layer underneath would make things extra tight, but probably I just need to find the right size suit.

Do you think it would be possible to zip/unzip it without any aid?

I use to zip and unzip my semidry which had the same zipper location. I had a loop on the zipper and put that on the latching knob for my tailgate. Then I'd spin and zip myself in. Opposite direction to get it open, obviously.