Drysuit info wanted

nickl · 28 April 2006, 13:22

The ultimate spec for a drysuit according to Ribnet Forum is :-
Breathable
Neoprene seals
Fitted boots - without steel toecaps!
Front zip
.........................but does anyone know anyone who makes anything that fits this spec? Ravenspring might but they dont do neoprene seals and thats putting me off.
Alternatively does anyone know anywhere that DEFINITELY fits boots?
And lastly does anyone know anywhere in the Northwest that might stock whatever the answer is? - otherwise it's mail order

thanks

Nick

Andre · 28 April 2006, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickl

The ultimate spec for a drysuit according to Ribnet Forum is :-
Breathable
Neoprene seals
Fitted boots - without steel toecaps!
Front zip
.........................but does anyone know anyone who makes anything that fits this spec? Ravenspring might but they dont do neoprene seals and thats putting me off.
Alternatively does anyone know anywhere that DEFINITELY fits boots?
And lastly does anyone know anywhere in the Northwest that might stock whatever the answer is? - otherwise it's mail order

thanks

Nick

Nick

I am very much a Typhoon fan and here I would put the Typhoon WOSS on top of the list

dctucker · 28 April 2006, 15:54

My wife and her teammate just got some nice GUL suits for sailing, just as you described. They've been out twice this week, and both are very happy with them. Don't recall the model though, maybe this one?

Jono · 28 April 2006, 15:57

What Andre says.

.. but they ain't cheap and I'll hang on to my "Alpha" for a bit longer...

Tideway · 28 April 2006, 20:32

Northern Diver do some very good and customisable membrane suits with a variety of boot and seal options.

Also, Collins Nets, based in Bridport do good commercial suits, as do Hammond Drysuits in Dartford. Most are happy to customise them with pockets, labels/names, boot types etc... Neck and wrist seals can be latex or neoprene with any of these, and the zip location rear & front as desired.

There is a material called 'Cordura' (I think?) which is very hard wearing and we use for commercial use. It is v.good.

Typhoon are good and lightweight, but in my experience the inside leg seams are vulnerable to wear. But, I use them in a different application and have to walk around in them, so this may be unusual wear for the suit...

The breathable material can lose its effectiveness over time.

If you are getting a drysuit for Ribbing, then I would try and get a thermal undersuit (wooly bear, polar bear) in the package, you should get a discount if buying at the same time. The best one I have used is from Northern Diver, it is very thin and lightweight, but has a kind of tinfoil material in the insulation and it is fantastically warm!

You'll have to Google the brands as I don't have addresses, but N.Diver sounds like it may be nearer you than the other two!

cheers,

t

PS. If buying mail order, double & triple check the measurements that you send in, keep a copy of them and ring the company to confirm them. Having had suits from all of the above, they are all prone to cock ups!

donutsina911 · 28 April 2006, 21:49

Oceanic Aerdura Ti is the civvy equivilent of the Navy drybag - pricey but the muts nuts.

Andy_Rs600 · 29 April 2006, 21:30

Try here:

http://www.predator-wetsuits.co.uk/Drysuits06.htm

the best drysuits ever, and the service is totally custom (one man band in a shed). However, you will have to ring him and have a VERY long conversation if you're not using the suit for diving as that is what he usually makes.

andy

Ed the Duck · 30 April 2006, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickl

The ultimate spec for a drysuit according to Ribnet Forum is :-
Breathable
Neoprene seals
Fitted boots - without steel toecaps!
Front zip
.........................but does anyone know anyone who makes anything that fits this spec? Ravenspring might but they dont do neoprene seals and thats putting me off.
Alternatively does anyone know anywhere that DEFINITELY fits boots?
And lastly does anyone know anywhere in the Northwest that might stock whatever the answer is? - otherwise it's mail order

thanks

Nick

Without going to mega bucks highly recommend this drysuit..

http://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/produ...roducts_id=429

Have used the drysuit for two years and believe it's ideal for recreational boating. The neoprene seals aren't always a perfect seal but are so much easier to get on and off, and don't chaffe.

I would have prefered one with boots in, but use a seperate neoprene boot for now. When it comes time to replace the latex socks, I'll get boots added.

Was impressed by wetsuitoutlet's returns policy, original one didn't fit, had one sent out to arrive the next day, even before I had returned the first one!

Ed

Paul F · 30 April 2006, 13:53

The gull one with the flat zip is now the older style as the zips kept popping apart. They have now gone back to a normal zip.

If you get a Typhon earlier type as said ealeir dont expect it to last.
Paul

Narcosis · 30 April 2006, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_Rs600

Try here:

http://www.predator-wetsuits.co.uk/Drysuits06.htm

the best drysuits ever, and the service is totally custom (one man band in a shed). However, you will have to ring him and have a VERY long conversation if you're not using the suit for diving as that is what he usually makes.

andy

I can vouch for these suits, they are top quality, offers great service, I have had a custom membrane suit for 3 years now and it is still perfect, back shoulder zip, latex seals, soft neoprene boots.

stul · 01 May 2006, 08:13

Ars you interested in a good second hand suit,into diving myself have a couple of suits for sale ,if your interested need size,s
Stul