Which dry suit?

[lucy]

I haven't been diving in the UK for nearly 4 years but recently decided to join my local club. I used to dive in a 13mm neoprene northern diver suit but found movement very restricted. I'd like to know which suits are recommended (is a ND vortex suit better than a oceanic flexi? )and any other general advice anyone has on picking up a cheap dry suit.

Thanks

[Fiona]

Blimey Lucy I didn't even know they did 13mm neoprene suits, my first one was a 4mm compressed and others in the club had 8mm, no wonder you find 13mm restrictive.

Where in the country are you based, if you are in the north I would suggest a visit to Divers Warehouse in Bradford and have a look at the Otter suits.

I havent had ND diver suit for a few years and I don't think I would again as they aren't made in the UK anymore.

[JamesW]

O Three are good you can get hold of these 2nd hand.
Thanks:rolleyes:

[Argo]

OK, at the moment I don't need a dry suit......... I am possibly biased but believe that If your going to buy one and consider diving a lot. Then buy one that is going to last, e.g. Otter, DUI or Viking, I dive with a pro 1000 when its really cold :eek:
It all depends what you want from your suit. The one thing to remember though is that they all, at some point in time, tend to get a leak or hole! Thats why I personaly like the Viking, as opposed to the trilaminate, self repairs are easy. So take your time looking around and ask as many people as you can..........

[ahar]

I haven't been diving in the UK for nearly 4 years but recently decided to join my local club. I used to dive in a 13mm neoprene northern diver suit but found movement very restricted. I'd like to know which suits are recommended (is a ND vortex suit better than a oceanic flexi? )and any other general advice anyone has on picking up a cheap dry suit.

Thanks

Bet you're nice and warm in the 13mm...

I would advise against looking at a 'cheap' dry suit. I know they are really expensive, but I'm sure it would be worth it to save up a bit longer and get a good quality one - it'll last you a long time, probably fit better and cost less in the long term. I made the mistake of getting a 'cheaper' drysuit and ended up paying out piles of cash getting leaks fixed etc.

Some people really like neoprene, but the ones I tried seemed really restrictive, and their buoyancy can change with depth as the neoprene is compressed. Some people really like them, but I would only go for a compressed neoprene or a membrane.

No matter what suit you get, the best thing you can do is get one that fits you really well. It should allow you to move freely, but not be baggy. You may find an off the peg size will fit you, but some people just don't fit into the standard sizes and you could do a lot worse than to get a made to measure one, or buy one from a company that will alter it for you.

The best thing is to try a few and see which one you prefer - if you're a member of a club see if you can borrow different types and try them out in the pool

[o2 Steve]

Blimey Lucy I didn't even know they did 13mm neoprene suits, my first one was a 4mm compressed and others in the club had 8mm, no wonder you find 13mm restrictive.

Where in the country are you based, if you are in the north I would suggest a visit to Divers Warehouse in Bradford and have a look at the Otter suits.

I havent had ND diver suit for a few years and I don't think I would again as they aren't made in the UK anymore.

Sure she dont mean a 13mm semi (rash vest, 7mm steamer and a 5mm shorty)

Anyway - so this is wher you've been hiding Fi!! :D

[iain aitchison]

Dear Lucy,

my wife bought the most basic possible suit from ROHO (Robin Hood Watersports) on offer, with a AP valves inlet valve and simple cuff dump. She has used it and not over cared for it for about 10 years now. It was one of the cheapest combinations possible. It still looks and works great. The latex on the seals has been replaced once but that is it. Came in a duffle bag and with a repair kit. She chose a furry commercial fleece, again just about the cheapest on the list and has been devoted to using it since. I would say it is the proof that more investment is not always the way to go. Just not too tight a fit is important as the material has no stretch.

I am devoted to my Otter Brittanic and it will take a sound beating too.

Talk to Roho..they sometimes have amazing offers too.

regards
Iain