Drysuit advice

[cgsac]

My partner is looking to buy a drysuit, in a week or so. She is interested in the Northern Diver Cortex. She is a slim build, however, I have been told (idle chat) that the suit only comes in a male shape/build. Are there any (female) opinions on the suit. As an alternative any ideas (same as above) ref: the Oceanic HD400 would be most appreciated.
If anyone has any alternative to recommend (not expensive end of market) I'd be very grateful. We're trying some on next week.

Thanks in advance.

[Phil Laughton]

Hi,
If your partner is looking for a dry bag they are not form fitting, even if MTM, as they are cut to accomodate a thick undersuit. A neoprene drysuit should be MTM, and as a undersuit isn't normally used will fit closer to the wearers shape.
Whichever suit your partner chooses she MUST be fully trained in using it before she goes into open water.

Phil


=My partner is looking to buy a drysuit, in a week or so. She is interested in the Northern Diver Cortex. She is a slim build, however, I have been told (idle chat) that the suit only comes in a male shape/build. Are there any (female) opinions on the suit. As an alternative any ideas (same as above) ref: the Oceanic HD400 would be most appreciated.
If anyone has any alternative to recommend (not expensive end of market) I'd be very grateful. We're trying some on next week.

Thanks in advance.

[David Walker]

As an alternative any ideas (same as above) ref: the Oceanic HD400 would be most appreciated.
If anyone has any alternative to recommend (not expensive end of market) I'd be very grateful.

Wouldn't go for the Oceanic HD400 - it really is the bargain basement end of the market, and although relatively cheap, you'd be better off paying another ?100 or so and getting something that will last. Our club's got more than one of those, and all have leaky seams, and very very thin latex seals (when you're looking, compare the seals on a cheap and expensive suit - you'll feel the difference).

No specific recommendations - I personally love my Gates / Hunter CBX450, wouldn't change it, but not many places have them. You should be able to see and feel teh difference in quality when you're looking, just don't get the really thin flimsy ones would be my advice - they spend all of their time leaking or in the shop being patched up.

David