[Helen F H]

i have a Seac Sub membrane suit.  Never EVER EVER get one.  They could be sold to Tetley after a year.  Im onto the second set of seals, it has had two holes in it, a new zip and all new valves.  I got it in July 2001 and it has done about 80 dives, which is, in my opinion CRAP value.  When the zip went, i worked out that for the number of dives i had done, it would have been cheaper to hire a suit for each dive than to use my own.  I would go for a northern diver suit.  Go through a well established dive shop so if you have any probs they can argue for you with ND.  Get some lube for your seals (not talc as it can irritate your skin, and can be bad for the rubber if it is scented).  KY is expensive, so go to your vets and ask for Lubrel or Vetlube.  It should set you back about £4 for a 500ml bottle and will last you well over a season.
As for trimming the latex seals, stretch them first, only cut as a last resort.  A pyrex bowl for the neck, and a can of coke for the wrists.  Leave it in overnight.  You might need to do this several times to get it right.
If the seals dont last you at least two years complain like mad.  I have a drycag for kayaking that is about 10 years old, it has the original seals in it, is battered to buggery but doesent leak.  Anyone who tells you seals need replacing more often is trying to get you to part with your cash.  Look after them with silicone seal saver after every dive and they will last ages.  Lastly, if any bits start going, use aquasure or similar stuff to get them.  At the join between the boots is a fave, also the seams around the knees.

Good luck