Leaking neoprene seals - what can be done??

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (dave archer @ July 14 2003,16:20)]As for the hand cream, the neop divers in my club use KY - not sure which is the more embarrasing

Some of ours use vets lubricant. Works a treat (I'm told).

Good luck 2nd time around Dave.

Adrian

[Jay]

For neoprene neck seals, the actual seal is quite long (ie looks like its made for a giraffe). If yours is like this, are you folding it in on itself? (you should be)

[Digger]

I was just wondering if you might have blown the neck seal outward. I usually have mine turned in bya  good few inches, as it's nice and long. If i put far too much air i the suit and move to an upright position, the force can pull the seal out if you really go for it. As it was a new suit, maybe you've got a lot of air floating around getting your weighting bang on? Just another idea really.

I must say, I find the neoprene neck seal much more comfortable than the membrane ones I have used, and I think you'll find that there's a lot of places don't like putting a latex seal on a neoprene suit, as it can be a right pain to build up the layers properly.

I'd go for a neoprene neck and latex wrists given the choice, but that depends on whether they're going to last like the neo ones do. I find them all round indestructible, and that's with Digger abuse level set to maximum!!!

As for restricting blood flow to the brain, thanks Daz. I'll let you know if I'm feeling dizzy any time soon. Maybe I should take it off. No, must familiarize myself with my equipment. Mind you, wearing my drysuit to watch the telly is getting a bit hot...

[andy2tanx]

Just to add to Jay, and I know I may be teaching you to suck eggs, but I didn't know this when I got a neoprene seal!!, but yo need to fold the neck down inside towards your neck.  Then you need to put a bit of air in your suit, whilst standing, this then ensures a ring of air around your neck thereby creating a seal!!!

Apologies if this is all old hat to you, but remember, the only stupid question ( therefore, answer) is the one you didn't ask!!!

hth
andy

(who is pretty fed up that he has to go to Wales on a (non-diving) trip on Sunday....

[Doug Parker]

If it's a Northern Diver neoprene suit, your best bet is to tell them to keep it the next time they are repairing it or trying to make it how you wanted it in the first place.  Never again will i get made to measure stuff from a company that doesn't speak (read) English.  

[Seadart Bob]

<font color='#000080'>Hi Dave
I’ve got an “O” three neo suit.
Got them to change the cuffs a couple of years ago.
I didn’t get on to well with my neo cuffs so change them to this :-cuffs
Never had any problems with the neck seal. Always tucked well in.
If you have a job sliding your hands through the cuffs.
Nick some of those poly type gloves that they supply at petrol stations, at the pumps.
Put them on just prior to sliding your arms through the sleeves and you will find that
the hands will slip through the cuffs quite easy. [Just a little tip]
HTH
Cheers
Bob

[dave archer]

Thanks again all.
I'm impresssed by ND customer service - they are replacing all seals with MTM neop seals for free, despite it being an off the peg suit. When I measured I found my wrists are 13mm smaller than my suit, and my neck is 20mm smaller, so hoping that new seals with sort it. But got to reserve final judgement until I have a dry drysuit

Adrian - shades of A Country Practice

Jay + Andy - yep, folded inside about 2 inches, with some air in.

Andy - shame about your trip. I absolutely won't mention that I'm off to Barcelona for a long weekend, diving

Digger - hadn't blown the neck back out. Agree more confy than a membrane neck (if dry!). Probably better without the garrott?

Doug - sorry your ND experience wasn't good (if I'm understanding your post right).

Bob - nice cuffs! Nearly went O'Three until I decided to save some cash - time will tell if that works! Nice tip about the gloves, thanks.


Next update in a few weeks once I get suit back and back in the water...
Dave.