Wtd - Cheap Drysuit

[Paul Dayment]

Hi All

I've been diving with a wetsuit through the summer and am now considering carrying on through the cold season, but having dived in 5°C water last April (survived two quarry dives, and could just about feel my fingers), don't think I want to be staying wet for much longer! Ideally I want a crushed neoprene drysuit but beggars can't be choosers.

I'm working on the principle of get a cheap second hand job, learn to dive in it, and from it and get a second suit that will correct all the problems from the first one, I am looking to spend as little as possible within reason - I'd even take a ND suit (maybe)!

Having lost out on e-bay for a ND origin 800, a C-Skin, and a ND divemaster, there is a beaver one on e-bay that may fit me, but I'd rather buy from someone who will just say 'its ok, needs a new neck seal, but is watertight'. Plus having never heard a good word about Beaver anything, not sure I'd take that risk!

If anyone has an old/spare suit laying around that they'd be willing to part with I'd be open to offers (price and colour (I'm a tart) dependant)!

I'm 5'7, 39" chest, size 8 feet, 33" waist, and about a 31" inside leg. Anyone have anything that may do the job, let me know!

Thanks in advance!

[Ron MacRae]

Paul,
IMO the single most important thing about a drysuit, other than being dry, is that it fits you well. I.e. doesn't have folds etc where air can get trapped and cause boyancy issues.

If you're thinking about buying 2 suits in quick sucession might be better to think about a single made to measure suit. Some can be had reasonably cheaply. What is cheapest in the short term may not work out cheap long term.

Ron.

[ChristianG]

If you're thinking about buying 2 suits in quick sucession might be better to think about a single made to measure suit. Some can be had reasonably cheaply. What is cheapest in the short term may not work out cheap long term.
Wise words.

Learning in a suit made for/bought by another simply means that you will need to learn again when the "new one" comes along. Maybe you won't have to learn as much, depends a bit on whether you have to re-learn in a neoprene or a trilam, but learn you will.

[garethwoodruff]

Loads of the students I help teach go out and buy second hand drysuits, occasionally someone gets a bad deal, mostly they are ok and do the job.

£400 will get you a new compressed neoprene seaskin which is made to measure, and just wear some woolies / thermals underneath. Not the best suits by any reason, but reasonably good vlaue for money.

If your budget does not stretch to that far then get some advice, either buy a suit and try it on first or alternatively buy an off the peg second hand and check the sizes according to the manufacturer. Get an instructor to go along with you.

Ebay can be expensive, you might be better asking on the forums, particularly yorkshire divers which is a vastly busier (but not superior) site.

Good luck.

gareth.

[Paul Dayment]

Thanks for the advice, I've also posted on YD. I understand fit is the key to a decent drysuit, and if it's cheap enough but doesn't fit i can keep looking and sell it on at cost. I can use it to figure out what I like/ dislike (pocket locations, rear zip/ front zip, latex vs neoprene seals etc.). Having never used a drysuit I may end up hating it, and don't want to spend £500 for something I may only use once or twice!

Plus I can use it to learn how to change the seals etc as I like the idea of being self sufficient where possible, but wouldn't want to try it on a brand new suit!

[garethwoodruff]

Thanks for the advice, I've also posted on YD. I understand fit is the key to a decent drysuit, and if it's cheap enough but doesn't fit i can keep looking and sell it on at cost. I can use it to figure out what I like/ dislike (pocket locations, rear zip/ front zip, latex vs neoprene seals etc.). Having never used a drysuit I may end up hating it, and don't want to spend £500 for something I may only use once or twice!

Plus I can use it to learn how to change the seals etc as I like the idea of being self sufficient where possible, but wouldn't want to try it on a brand new suit!

Great thinking there, very sensible :)

[Andy (treerat)]

Have a look at the Polar Bear web site. They have a number of suits in the sale box. Might be able to get anew one at the price of an ebay 2nd hand one.

[Dean coote]

Ive just advertised a cheap avon suit on here.
The Royal navy suits are pretty bomb proof and yourll have fun fixing it ?
Size four will fit you well.

[JimmE]

PM Sent :)

[DRW]

Ive just advertised a cheap avon suit on here.
The Royal navy suits are pretty bomb proof and yourll have fun fixing it ?
Size four will fit you well.

Indeed. Avon built them to last and they had an excellent reputation.

There was a thread about Avon suits over a year ago on this sub-forum which seems to have split the membership along age lines:

http://www.bsacforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=108354

[mick millane]

where are you located

I have an old Otter Extreme for a few beer tockens

I'm located in Teesside but do travel a little

PM Me if interested

Mick