Drysuit advice

Wrekindave · 13 January 2014, 20:02

Hello I am looking to buy a drysuit having never owned or used one before.
Any advice would be useful. Is a convenience zip a good idea? Without one is it a hassle to have a pee?

kerny · 13 January 2014, 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrekindave

Hello I am looking to buy a drysuit having never owned or used one before.
Any advice would be useful. Is a convenience zip a good idea? Without one is it a hassle to have a pee?

Be looking to pay around £270-£300 and you won't go wrong. Convenience zip is a good idea wish I would have bought one with it fitted.

Crewsaver do some decent suits

but avoid Black Shadow

A1an · 13 January 2014, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

but avoid Black Shadow

Don't listen to him, he's just jealous.

kerny · 13 January 2014, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Don't listen to him, he's just jealous.

You have joined the gang then I see Alan

Wrekindave · 13 January 2014, 20:19

Funnily enough the only one I can find coming in at my max budget of £300 with convenience zip is a Gul Code zero. It only comes in Black!!

treerat · 13 January 2014, 20:22

Big question that one.

How long are you likely to be in it? Long time? Then a pee zip or pee valve are great.

A couple of hours, man up and hold it

Rear zip, front zip or over the head bib style. Bib means pure self donning. Rear is easiest to get in and out of but needs some one to help, front zip I find a pain to get in and out and can be prone to leak before a rear one, they do however mean you can pop the bottom for venting or weeing.

Breathable or not? Breathable allows any sweat to vent off, it will not stop you sweating. Base layers can help in this by moving the sweat. In time the pores will block and fail anyhow so is it worth the extra cost? Some will say yes, other may not.

Neoprene or membrane? Neo has it's own warmth properties, membrane allows you to pick your warmth via base layers. Neo can be less flexible but stronger and resistant to abrasion.

Seals? Neo can be more comfortable, latex has better waterproofing. Self changing or glued on. Self change is simple but they can be lumpy and get in the way.

Boots - membrane socks, built in boots, latex socks, latex ankle seals? Ankles seals are ok when tied in with neoprene boots but can leave cold spots. Latex socks allow any sort of boot to go over, cheap to repair but prone to breaking / splitting. Membrane socks are great but usually mean you need to go up a size. Built in boots are common and seem to work well. I have three suits, one of each.

Do you need a full suit? Dry trousers and dry cag can be more comfortable. Dry trousers and coat works well too.

It usually comes down to price - what can you afford and what is available locally. Needs to fit well to be comfy and safe to wear.

Decathalon have some good prices on Gul suits at present, these are also available on the net. Two of mine are Polar Bears and are MTm - they are great but not cheap. My lightweight is a Typhoon and really is cheap and cheerful but great for a short hop and easy to throw on.

Good luck.

PeterM · 13 January 2014, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrekindave

Funnily enough the only one I can find coming in at my max budget of £300 with convenience zip is a Gul Code zero. It only comes in Black!!

Close enough !

Seriously - the black shadow get some stick on here ( all part of a running joke) .....

I got mine 'lightly used' ( in F8 in a SIB ! ) and love it - not looked back. So handy for wading about / jumping in etc.

kerny · 13 January 2014, 20:25

Like treerat says front zips are best, some drysuits here....

Mens - Drysuits Surface Sports - Drysuits - Crewsaver Underfleece - Snap Stick Sticks Wax Wetsuit Dry

A1an · 13 January 2014, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

You have joined the gang then I see Alan

Initiation was a bit tough!

I was looking through Lomo's website and as far as I can see they have made their own drysuit, albeit a kayaking one, with comfort zip!

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/Drysuits-Surface.html

MustRib · 13 January 2014, 20:28

My advice ..
Try to get a bright coloured suit....yellow/red - try to avoid black or grey.
Make sure it has some reflective tape/panel
A convenience zip is good and if you plan to be out on the water for some time you will be grateful you have it.
If you boat by yourself, make sure you can fully close the main zip on the suit by yourself.
I prefer neoprene/glideskin seals to latex. If you pick a suit with latex socks/feet then carry a carpet square in your car to stand on if you are putting the suit on in a car park/outdoors.
Make sure you get a good quality undersuit/thermal layer.
now... just wait for the Black Shadow boys to come along and try to convert you to the dark side !!

(colour wise!)

Festinghouse · 13 January 2014, 20:38

NO NO NO you must at all costs resist the forces induced by the black shaddows - they know nothing! dont get sucked in, they will only lead you astray

Wrekindave · 13 January 2014, 20:45

It seems I may have to increase my budget to avoid being lured into some sort of cult!

Ovey · 13 January 2014, 20:46

The Gul Code Zero is breathable, has a pee zip and has a new u-zip over the shoulders. I saw it for £325 at the boat show and it looks & feels the business!

It's currently £299 (I think) on www.ardbay.co.uk which is the cheapest I've seen it.

kerny · 13 January 2014, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrekindave

It seems I may have to increase my budget to avoid being lured into some sort of cult!

It'll be well worth it

Festinghouse · 13 January 2014, 20:51

no doubt there will be a scruffy brummie along shortly eh steve?!

kerny · 13 January 2014, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festinghouse

no doubt there will be a scruffy brummie along shortly eh steve?!

He's taking his time

mick · 13 January 2014, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

Be looking to pay around £270-£300 and you won't go wrong. Convenience zip is a good idea wish I would have bought one with it fitted. Crewsaver do some decent suits

but avoid Black Shadow

Feck off

Pikey Dave · 13 January 2014, 20:56

A friend has asked me to advertise these, might be up your street:-

1. Crewsaver hyperdry pro drysuit. Neoprene neck and cuffs. Front zip. Latex socks. Red and navy. Size medium. With crewsaver under fleece size medium.
2. Typhoon racer xts b/e. Latex neck and cuffs. Back zip. Latex socks. Electric blue and navy. Size medium.
Also got a couple of life jackets.
1. Crewsaver 50n buoyancy aid en393. Medium/large. Red and navy.
2. Yak 50n buoyancy aid en393. Medium/large. Red and black.
They are about 8years old & have been used for light dinghy sailing. I've not seen them, but they are supposed to be in good condition. They are looking for £50 each for the drysuits + postage & a fiver each for the buoyancy aids. PM me if you're interested & I can put you in touch with the seller.

tony t · 13 January 2014, 21:07

Listen Dave what ever you do don't buy a Black Shadow drysuit or drive a Landrover and you will get along fine on here

Wrekindave · 13 January 2014, 21:11

Thanks for the offer but I'm 6ft 3 and I think medium might be a little tight!