Question Which brands make the best made to measure drysuit?

[jellycatsdad]

One nova one ultra, the first nova had a zipper replacement after 2 or 3 years and I got tired of chasing some leaks after 8 years, a great exchange rate prompted ordering a new nova. I prefer diving the ultra but hate the back zip enough that the nova ends up getting used most of the time.

The first one is still in use but I haven’t kept up on its status.

If Seaskin made the Ultra as a self-donning, front-entry option, it would be a strong contender as a “budget/entry” drysuit. I can’t get over the look of a neoprene drysuit for that reason mainly, but I’ve seen people in back-entry trilams(Waterproof) and they look a little less dorky but it’s still awkward to deal with.

 

[lexvil]

If Seaskin made the Ultra as a self-donning, front-entry option, it would be a strong contender as a “budget/entry” drysuit. I can’t get over the look of a neoprene drysuit for that reason mainly, but I’ve seen people in back-entry trilams(Waterproof) and they look a little less dorky but it’s still awkward to deal with.

I probably get in the water to early to go to the fashion shows, mostly concerned with being dry and warm, with that said I would really like it if they made a front zip ultra.

 

[Rich1280]

Have you asked Seaskin to make one? I know they have made a back entry trilam as a budget option for local University groups. I'm pretty sure O'three do front entry neoprene, but that's not a budget option I don't think.

 

[gregbenson314]

Have you asked Seaskin to make one? I know they have made a back entry trilam as a budget option for local University groups. I'm pretty sure O'three do front entry neoprene, but that's not a budget option I don't think.

In their FAQ section they say:

Why don't you do a front entry neoprene drysuit?

The honest answer to this is that we have tried many time to make front entry compressed suits, but never been entirely happy with the results. We either get a suit that is great when you are wearing it but near impossible to get in and out of or put and extending torso system around the middle of it and end up with 9mm of neoprene around the hips kind of defeating the object of a compressed suit. We have a plan that may get round this but it is at the R+D stage and would not want to inflict it on to paying customers at this stage.Sorry to be negative on this one. The Nova and Ultra suits went through this process before we put them on the market.

 

[Simpel]

I think the contact person you have is more important than the brand
For example, I have heard from many people that they had trouble with Kallweit.
I have a dealer around the corner from me who has a lot of experience with measuring and I do everything through him.
I've never had any problems
He was also able to have things changed on the suit, which was supposedly not possible on the Boot.
The procedure with him is.
We meet for a coffee and he measures me up
The suit is sent to him, we meet again and if he or I are not satisfied with the fit, the suit goes back.
My wife now has her second suit through him.
I have the first
Two more of my friends have bought from him and are absolutely satisfied
Another friend who bought directly from Kallweit reported problems.

another reason why we ended up at kallweit is that they were one of the few who also made customized undergarments at that time

 

[lexvil]

Have you asked Seaskin to make one? I know they have made a back entry trilam as a budget option for local University groups. I'm pretty sure O'three do front entry neoprene, but that's not a budget option I don't think.

I have, they refuse to and so far have held fast on that. I have heard O’three will make one but haven’t looked further into it.

 

[Chris-Wood]

I have, they refuse to and so far have held fast on that. I have heard O’three will make one but haven’t looked further into it.

I have an O'Three front entry RI1-100, unfortunately it doesn't fit me so well (my fault).

 

[lexvil]

I have an O'Three front entry RI1-100, unfortunately it doesn't fit me so well (my fault).

Other than fit, assuming it’s not so bad that it’s unusable, let know more about it.

 

[Chris-Wood]

Other than fit, assuming it’s not so bad that it’s unusable, let know more about it.

I bought it used, wore it in Egypt with just base layers and it was fine. I can't wear any thicker thermals so pointless for me here in the UK.

I used to own a rear entry RI2-100 (2 actually), and I loved it.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

@Erik H - Next time you are diving have a look at everyones drysuits. What you may notice is that they are all nearly identical in design, panels, stitching and valves. Usually the main difference is the label.

Drysuits are just waterproof bags. I doubt many divers can tell the difference between drysuits from different brands when underwater.

Sporting manufactures however need to convince you, the sophisticated diver who demands the best, that their simple product is somehow vastly different from near identical products from other companies. Hence their focus on marketing and inventing dubious 'technology' (a rocket or computer is 'technology'. A valve, fabric or common stitching method is not: even if they do give it a three letter acronym with at least one 'X').

My current suit is a Scubaforce (German premium brand - worth adding to your list), but my next one is likely to be a Seaskin at half the price, as I really don't see a worthwhile difference. You will likely get a broad spread in your poll as folks vote for the one to two suit brands they've owned: reflecting how common a suit is, not how good they are relative to each other.

As @Simpel mentions having a local drysuit maker can be more important than brand as you can ensure correct measurement, a good fit and can get adjustments and repairs done locally. Do remember all drysuits become wetsuits eventually. If I was you would look at some Swedish companies first such as Waterproof (or maybe Viking..).

The next most important feature is what additions do each company allow: will they fit dry gloves of your preferred brand? do they allow choice between Sitec or Apek valves? do they allow user-replaceable silica neck and wrist seals? can they make the suit in banana yellow? etc... Knowing what you want to add to your suit can help narrow down a supplier.

Cheers
Rohan.