Comfort Zip - Horizontal or Vertical

Bittentobuggery · 21 September 2004, 19:56

Whilst putting on my Typhoon Alpha drysuit the other week, I tried to help one of the socks over my heel, only for a clutch of rubber to come away between my thumb and forefinger, thereby leaving a hole the size of an apple in the heel.

I phoned Typhoon today who informed that it was not covered under any warranty and the replacement cost would be £19 per sock. I figured I'd get them both done at the same time, in case the other sock was also about to perish.

I asked them to quote for fitting a comfort zip at the same time, for which they quoted £ 50, but asked if I wanted it to be vertical or horizontal. OK, leaving aside the Chinese gags, what is the advantage of having a horizontal zip ? Is it something to do with the size of the seals ?

Also, with delivery costs of £14 there and back, that brings the total cost to £ 102, which seems a bit steep. At this price, is it worth repairing; it is perfectly serviceable apart from the hole in the sock, if a little difficult to get in and out of. Is there anything else I should be looking at ?

ashbypower · 21 September 2004, 20:00

Hi, If it's not covered by warranty, then I'd suggest that you take it along to a dive Shop. Most cover repairs and MoD's. Worth a try

Brian

John Kennett · 21 September 2004, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiteshoes

I asked them to quote for fitting a comfort zip at the same time, for which they quoted £ 50, but asked if I wanted it to be vertical or horizontal. OK, leaving aside the Chinese gags, what is the advantage of having a horizontal zip ? Is it something to do with the size of the seals ?

I don't think I've ever seen a vertical one. Horizontal works fine. Don't know if it makes much difference either way . . .

Quote:

At this price, is it worth repairing; it is perfectly serviceable apart from the hole in the sock, if a little difficult to get in and out of. Is there anything else I should be looking at ?

Get boots instead of socks. In fact Typhoon still have a pair of my wellies I sent them about five years ago for a drysuit they never made me . . .

John

Rogue Wave · 21 September 2004, 20:52

I think you'll find the horizontal comfort zip is only normally fitted to the drysuits sent out to the Asian market

ashbypower · 21 September 2004, 20:57

[QUOTE=Rogue Wave] I think you'll find the horizontal comfort zip is only normally fitted to the drysuits sent out to the Asian market [/QUOTE

Mark Halliday · 21 September 2004, 22:01

Cap'n Shoes

Andark at Swanwick will do it for you. They resealed my Typhoon suit, neck, wrists, socks and all. £50 as far as I remember.

Nasher · 21 September 2004, 22:07

If you slide down a banister with a horizontal zip it'll go

Blub Blub Blub Blub Blub all the way down.

The old jokes are always the best, Those that don't have a clue what I'm on about can PM me to find out.

Nasher

Nick Hearne · 22 September 2004, 08:07

I think you will fined that sitting down with a vertical zip will be very uncomfortable, they do not flex terribly well!
The horizontal zip will just sit in the folds as you sit or bend over!
Nick

Scary Des · 22 September 2004, 08:34

Why not diagonal or for that matter slightly to the right or left

des

Jelly · 22 September 2004, 08:35

Go for the horizontal zip, might not the most comftable when using it for its intended purpose, BUT you will be able to sit down, dry zips are not the most flexable of structures.
If you notice the horizontal is standard on all (ones that I've seen) flight dry suits.
Also get the hard boots and make sure you spesify the right size to inclue thick socks as cold toes spoils the fun. Last time I checked they didn't make reinforced toes on the hard boots which is a pity, especially if you drop an anchor or race mark weights on your toes!!
Rgds
Jelly

TIM · 22 September 2004, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I think you'll find the horizontal comfort zip is only normally fitted to the drysuits sent out to the Asian market

PLEASE fill me in I am a bit Slow !!!!!!!!

I have a Ravenspring... boots and horizontal zip.... I dont think a vertical zip would work because it wouldnt bend properly.........

I am concidering getting my boots taken off for 2 reasions... 1. they mark the boat with black stripes.... 2. i cant water ski..... well learn how, at the moment .

Rogue Wave · 22 September 2004, 08:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIM

PLEASE fill me in I am a bit Slow !!!!!!!!

.

There no delicate way around putting so I'll PM you

Bittentobuggery · 22 September 2004, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I think you will fined that sitting down with a vertical zip will be very uncomfortable, they do not flex terribly well!
Nick

Ah so deska.

Now I understand. Wouldn't want to antagonise the beast. Thanks all for your input

Bilge Rat · 22 September 2004, 10:53

Can a comfort zip be added to an existing dry suit, i have a cheapish HH dry suit and i wont wear it at the moment due to the fact that every time i get it on i need a pee, but its a pain to get off if i'm alone, so i tend not to wear it unless i know i'm going to get drenched or its freezing cold.

Jackwabbit · 22 September 2004, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilge Rat

Can a comfort zip be added to an existing dry suit, i have a cheapish HH dry suit and i wont wear it at the moment due to the fact that every time i get it on i need a pee, but its a pain to get off if i'm alone, so i tend not to wear it unless i know i'm going to get drenched or its freezing cold.

I know where you are coming from !

Yes this is something that can be done to most drysuits but its not cheap, the zip alone will cost about £50 plus the cost of doing it. The other thing to consider is whether your suit has any bulky seams in the way, because this could restrict where the zip can go.
Hammond Drysuits did mine Link to Hammond Drysuits