Where to get a drysuit

[Speedhound]

I'm living in the US, and will be moving back to the UK before the end of this year, probably the end of autumn.

I'm looking to get a drysuit so that I can dive relatively warm and snug when I'm home.

Would I be better off getting a drysuit in the US, or waiting until I get to the UK? Is "Bare" a brand that is known/supported in the UK?


So far I'm leaning to a tri-lam/membrane suit, and I like the idea of fleece underwear not the "walking duvet" type.

I am happy to pay a bit more now for a better suit than have to buy a second suit later. My budget is about $1000 / 600GBP.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My thinking so far:
US: (probably) better prices. Good service and fitting available from my local, small LDS to get fit etc (but they only stock "Bare" brand). Get the suit here, to break it in before hitting the UK.

UK: Get the suit in the UK for local support/fitting in the UK. There also appear to be more options for drysuits than I've seen so far in the US. (Neoprene vs latex seals)Are "middle of the road" drysuits really that much cheaper in the US?

(Thanks for reading this far - sorry if I've rambled on too much ;) )

[Rick]

I'm living in the US, and will be moving back to the UK before the end of this year, probably the end of autumn.

I'm looking to get a drysuit so that I can dive relatively warm and snug when I'm home.

Would I be better off getting a drysuit in the US, or waiting until I get to the UK? Is "Bare" a brand that is known/supported in the UK?


So far I'm leaning to a tri-lam/membrane suit, and I like the idea of fleece underwear not the "walking duvet" type.

I am happy to pay a bit more now for a better suit than have to buy a second suit later. My budget is about $1000 / 600GBP.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My thinking so far:
US: (probably) better prices. Good service and fitting available from my local, small LDS to get fit etc (but they only stock "Bare" brand). Get the suit here, to break it in before hitting the UK.

UK: Get the suit in the UK for local support/fitting in the UK. There also appear to be more options for drysuits than I've seen so far in the US. (Neoprene vs latex seals)Are "middle of the road" drysuits really that much cheaper in the US?

(Thanks for reading this far - sorry if I've rambled on too much ;) )


my local dive shop Amphibian Sports in W Norwood is a Bare authorised dealer as well as Otter and other makes; they are also very very keen on prices

Call James on +44 208 761 2458

also what size are you as I know someone who has a virtually brand new Otter Brittanic membrane for sale

[Speedhound]

my local dive shop Amphibian Sports in W Norwood is a Bare authorised dealer as well as Otter and other makes; they are also very very keen on prices

Call James on +44 208 761 2458

also what size are you as I know someone who has a virtually brand new Otter Brittanic membrane for sale

Thanks, I'll give him a call.
I'm 5'11" 44-46" chest, 34-36 waist, about 16 stone - an XXL for my farmer jacket, XL for the bottom half.
Cheers, Brian

[PeteM]

So far I'm leaning to a tri-lam/membrane suit, and I like the idea of fleece underwear not the "walking duvet" type.

The thinsulate is are considerably warmer, more wind proof and more comfortable than fleece, look at brands like weezle. Also a thinsulate type still gives warmth if you fllood it a fleece does not. Fleece is old technology that is now obsolete. That's why few people in the UK use it any more.

I am happy to pay a bit more now for a better suit than have to buy a second suit later. My budget is about $1000 / 600GBP.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My thinking so far:
US: (probably) better prices. Good service and fitting available from my local, small LDS to get fit etc (but they only stock "Bare" brand). Get the suit here, to break it in before hitting the UK.

UK: Get the suit in the UK for local support/fitting in the UK. There also appear to be more options for drysuits than I've seen so far in the US. (Neoprene vs latex seals)Are "middle of the road" drysuits really that much cheaper in the US?

I seriously doubt you will save money buying in the States. £600 is an expensive suit in the UK. Good suits like Otters start from about £400 including a thinsulate, valves, hose etc. £600 puts you in the expensive suit range with suits like Otter Britanic, O3, Hunter etc. The reason is that as you said there are "more options for drysuits", virtually every one dives dry, hence loads of sales, hence loads of companies, hence loads of competition. However if you do buy in the States then I would not worry about service in the UK, most manufactures will do repairs and alterations to any suit, however any warranty repairs will still need support.

My advice would be to wait until you get here then buy.

[AndyDavis]

Another thought. Because every dives dry in the UK, there is a flourishing market for cheap second-hand drysuits on Ebay. If you are a regular size, then it can be very cost-effective to investigate what is available in the 'nearly new' market.

[Speedhound]

Hi Guys,
thanks for the posted and PM'd information. I think I'll get a suit in the UK, perhaps even have it sent here so I can get used to it before I get home "best of both worlds".
Cheers,
Brian