Question Would there be issues servicing a Japanese-made dry suit in the US or Canada?

[MacDuyver]

Thanks to another thread, I'm looking to take the plunge into dry suit diving this winter.
The Dollar is really strong against the Yen, so I'm trying to get this from a Japanese vendor if I can.

Looking around, I'm interested in a few that are Japanese made, and the prices are very competitive.

I've never bought a drysuit before, but I'm starting to think down the road, a couple years from now when I'm in Seattle.

What kind of maintenance should I expect to do annually on it?

Do I have to take a dry suit to a tech to get it serviced, or is it something I can do myself?

Looking at the pictures and promo materials, it looks like the covers just pop off and expose the valve and spring. Are drysuit valves specialized things, or are they more something any decent tech would be able to service?

 

[Boarderguy]

Are they comparable to Seaskin? Fully custom and fully loaded for about $1500... most independent shops that offer drysuit repair can work on any suit provided you're not concerned with warranties from the oem. There are also shops that you can ship your suit to in the states for repair if needed.

 

[lexvil]

Think of it more along the line as, maintenance and repair as there really isn’t and “service” required.

my last Seaskin arrived at $950 and I do add quite a few accessories but nothing unnecessary, if you get something like sitech valves and seal systems you’ll be good to go just about anywhere for repair.

 

[scubaozy]

Serviceable parts are usually valves and they are usually produced by global brands such as apeks, si tech.. So there is not much to worry about the service, any tech can do it. Mobbys is a Japanese brand, suits I have seen so far had good workmanship. If I am not mistaken, they also make suits for Mares. As long as it fits and has the features you want mij is not at all a bad thing.

 

[Boarderguy]

my last Seaskin arrived at $950

I just did a build that exactly matches mine that I ordered last year and it came out to $1550 shipped.

 

[lexvil]

I just did a build that exactly matches mine that I ordered last year and it came out to $1550 shipped.

Mine $1163 US, I bought my last one at or near the best exchange rate I’ve ever seen.

 

[Boarderguy]

Mine $1163 US, I bought my last one at or near the best exchange rate I’ve ever seen.

I think mine was $1275 ish last year. Rates have gone the wrong way for buyers here.

 

[lexvil]

I think mine was $1275 ish last year. Rates have gone the wrong way for buyers here.

Still $1.22 is not bad, last years $1.08 is unlikely again.

 

[runsongas]

if you get wrist/neck user replaceable seals, you pretty much can do the normal maintenance yourself.

non-warranty service shouldn't be an issue as a good drysuit repair outfit can still work it if you need new neoprene socks or a zipper replacement.

the caveat is if it fails prematurely and you need warranty service, you would have to send it back to japan vs if you got something with a local dealer that you can go through.

 

[broncobowsher]

As others stated, if the consumable/serviceable parts are worldwide suppliers, no issues.
If they are a local Japan vender that nobody has ever heard of before, things can get dicey.