Any tips on buying a Seaskin drysuit?

[KDH]

Hi all, this is my first post so go easy!

Just passed BSAC OW, and currently diving in a semi-dry. Although all seems fine so far, been advised to get drysuit if want to continue diving into new year.
From reading various reviews, have decided on a MTM Seaskin, especially as my build isn't OTP.
I've heard my short, stocky physique might favour the freedom of membrane suit. Is there any truth in that?
As I have obviously no idea or preference, would it be worth the 2hr journey north for proper fitting and consultation? And, has anyone got any tips (seals/pocket options) for when placing order?

Thanks all

[Prometheus]

If it's only 2hrs away I would opt for the personal measure and discuss what you want. I have a Seaskin Neo and 'aint the tallest person.

[Naomi S]

I chose the membrane Nova with following specs.

Warm neck - for tucking hood bib into
zip cover - tidier and looks cool
sitech dry gloves - toasty warm hands is the best thing ever
neo socks - ankle flexibility for modified kicks
halcyon pockets on the side - these are the nuts
apeks valves with repositioned dump valve for horizontal ascents
seatech inflator nipple - means my wing and drysuit take the same hose

I am extremely happy with it but if I was buying again I would get a neo neck cos the latex gives me hangmens neck on salty dives. I would also get the sitech shoulder dump as my apeks low profile one is an irritating pile of poo.

[The Duck]

Tips? - Get measured at the factory.

Physique has nothing to do with suiting membrane (or neoperene), it's the fit that counts. A badly fitting suit, no matter what material, will not be any use to anyone.

My personal preferences are;

Front entry (this is standard on Seaskin membranes)
Big pockets, one on each leg, on the sides.
P-Valve
Neopere neck seal
Latex wrist seal with dry gloves
Socks & rock boots
Knee pads

[The Duck]

... seatech inflator nipple - means my wing and drysuit take the same hose.

Good point , I'd forgotten about that

[Scimitar Diving]

Ditto what these guys have said. Seeing a lot of these suits on the boats now and nobody has had a bad word to say. So impressed I have one on the way myself. If possible go up there, speak to Brian and let him measure you up properly. He will also advise you on what you need. For example, its probably not worth buying a P-Valve at the moment as you wont be spending long hang times in the water. That alone will save you about £120. Big pockets is probably a good addition though.

[KDH]

Thanks all, this is brilliant!

My thinking now is:
Definitely visit factory.
Membrane.
Neo kneck seal/latex wrist seals.
Lots/halcyon pockets.
Seatech inflator nipple.
Sitech shoulder dump.

Looking forward to arriving at factory looking like I know what I'm talking about, and if all combines to make perfect suit, will pass this new found knowledge.

[Naomi S]

Glad we could be of service

Welcome to YD btw

[Digger]

I'd go to the factory and get measured - I don't think there's any dark art to measuring up for the suit, but it removes any argument that the measurements you sent were wrong

Personally, I went for a neo suit, and given my time again I think I'd do the same. If I was spending a lot of time on RIBs and/or travelling with drysuit, I'd have gone for membrane. I might think about going for membrane now to get a front entry suit, Seaskin don't do front entry neo, but it's a minor thing.

My suit: My first new drysuit - Seaskin Ultra

Digs.

[PeeBee]

One other thing, to consider, undersuit. As I dive all year round I like the flexibility of multiple layers so that I can adjust the thermal layers depending on water temperature so I use the fourth element artics, base layers and so on. Whatever you choose you should take with you and be measured up wearing it so that the fit allows for the thickest under suiting that you are likely to wear, and make sure Richard or Brian understand that you will be diving twins and want the full range of movement to allow for comfortable shut downs.

Oh yes and if you need to contact them pick up the phone, don't expect them to respond to emails.