Drysuit

Dr Doof · 09 November 2010, 00:02

Going to go buy a drysuit to help keep me warm and dry through the winter months.

Budget is up to £1000.

Never owned one so not sure which to go for?

Can anyone recommend a particular brand or point me in the right direction of which ones to try or avoid?

Thanks.

Cypman · 09 November 2010, 07:02

If I had up to £1000 to spend on a drysuit I would opt for Musto Gore-Tex (MPx or HPX) but I am sure you will get lots of differing advice!!

Cypman · 09 November 2010, 07:18

Reference my last post, a kayaking colleague (who works in a chandlers) tells me that the new Gill Pro Drysuit is the best available. it is light but very durable. Needs the proper base and middle layers to be really effective and keep you warm. Well priced at £330.

Puffin · 09 November 2010, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypman

Reference my last post, a kayaking colleague (who works in a chandlers) tells me that the new Gill Pro Drysuit is the best available. it is light but very durable. Needs the proper base and middle layers to be really effective and keep you warm. Well priced at £330.

I bought one of these over the summer, very pleased with it. Easy to get in and out of, comfortable and plenty of freedom of movement in it. You can pick them up for less than £330, A quick Google just found one outlet selling at £250.

kerny · 09 November 2010, 11:40

I have a crewsaver hyperdry with a front zip , which I use on my kayak and rib , it cost £275 It's very comfy and does the job .The neck and cuffs are latex which is fine for the kayak, but for rib use I would recommend neoprene which is less restrictive and feels a lot better next to the skin. I would also look at getting one with a convenience zip which for obvious reasons makes things a lot easier and I'm sure with the money you are looking at spending you are not going to get a bad one anyway .

Starovich · 09 November 2010, 12:43

for that sort of money you can get a custom made one, perfect size, number of zips as required, and proper boots fitted (e.g. not thin rubber socks which are a PITA to get in and if you step on a sharp stone whilst getting it on you risk a puncture)

yellowmitch · 09 November 2010, 14:59

I have a custom one made by hammond drysuits.

Very good quality, very keen to help and totally customisable.

My advice howver, after having owned 3 or 4 different suits is to stay away from multi layer breathable fabrics as they will break down over time and the suit will leak.

Alan

Nos4r2 · 09 November 2010, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

for that sort of money you can get a custom made one, perfect size, number of zips as required, and proper boots fitted (e.g. not thin rubber socks which are a PITA to get in and if you step on a sharp stone whilst getting it on you risk a puncture)

I'd be leaning that way too. Ravenspring are a good option there, and it won't be £1000 either.

tompaddock · 09 November 2010, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Doof

Going to go buy a drysuit to help keep me warm and dry through the winter months.

Budget is up to £1000.

Never owned one so not sure which to go for?

Can anyone recommend a particular brand or point me in the right direction of which ones to try or avoid?

Thanks.

Personally, I've just purchased a new drysuit from Lomo (had never heard of them before either), it's called the Tornado.

(http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/Dr...face.html#a157)

Very good quality, and an absolutely amazing price.
I absolutely love it!

Pikey Dave · 09 November 2010, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by tompaddock

Personally, I've just purchased a new drysuit from Lomo (had never heard of them before either), it's called the Tornado.

(http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/Dr...face.html#a157)

Very good quality, and an absolutely amazing price.
I absolutely love it!

Ahh! now, there's a question begging to be asked. Have you actually bought the suit young Tom? Or is it the suit you would buy if you were buying one

tompaddock · 09 November 2010, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Ahh! now, there's a question begging to be asked. Have you actually bought the suit young Tom? Or is it the suit you would buy if you were buying one

No, it's a suit I actually own.
You think that if I had a choice, I'd wear a bright red fireman drysuit?! :P

kerny · 09 November 2010, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by tompaddock

No, it's a suit I actually own.
You think that if I had a choice, I'd wear a bright red fireman drysuit?! :P

It might go with the mistress

Dr Doof · 09 November 2010, 19:00

Thanks for all the advice.

I'll have a phone round and see if I can get custom made one up here.

SeaSkills · 09 November 2010, 20:22

You could try here for a custom suit; http://ndiver.com/site/products/drysuit_options.html

Pikey Dave · 09 November 2010, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Doof

Thanks for all the advice.

I'll have a phone round and see if I can get custom made one up here.

If you want bespoke, try John Womack jr at Otter watersports in Bradford. They are one of the largest drysuit manfs. in the UK & will make you a suit to your spec at a good price. As already mentioned, neoprene seals are more comfy for longer periods

m chappelow · 09 November 2010, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

If you want bespoke, try John Womack jr at Otter watersports in Bradford. They are one of the largest drysuit manfs. in the UK & will make you a suit to your spec at a good price. As already mentioned, neoprene seals are more comfy for longer periods

I would second that too Dave ,
All the times that i have had to deal with them for the past 20 years or so i have always had excellent service from them, not only do they make suits for diving but also dry suits for such as fire and rescue services ect ,,,even the red ones Lol,,

Having a dry suit for my 10 years old lad now makes life more enjoyable even in the winter .saves me doing a ,,st christopher with him on my back,, if we want to land and wade ashore on a beach , he can also stand the cold much for longer if fishing .

markymarkP · 10 November 2010, 08:09

Give Polar Bears a call in Launceston Cornwall

they will do a made to measure bespoke drysuit for you, exceptionally hard wearing, (they make all the forces and fire service drysuits) i have used them for years, and i have yet to have a leak! i must admit i abuse it a lot too! it wont cost you half your budget either

http://www.polarbearsq.com/recreation.asp

call them, and speak to Colin or Sue. they will look after you very well.

markymarkP · 10 November 2010, 08:14

they have a new one at £395 made to measure!

bargain!

http://www.polarbearsq.com/rec-produ...pid=656&cid=65

Downhilldai · 10 November 2010, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by markymarkP

i have used them for years, and i have yet to have a leak!

Should have paid extra for one of those 'slash zips' then.

Dr Doof · 10 November 2010, 23:41

Made to measure has to be the way to go then.

I thought it would cost a fortune but the prices seem very reasonable.

Thanks again for all the advice.