Otter britannic config

[Turtleburp]

Seeds of doubt and all...

I was told by JJ that telescopic was only for std suits and then in my most recent email that the sitec valves have been found to be less reliable and that they are fitting Apeks

"At the moment we only fit Apeks valves as we have found them more relyable."

Hmmm exactly the opposite to what I have heard. Maybe relyable means wet as an otter's pocket, (pun intended) which is the reputation the lp apeks dump has.

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Turtleburp

"At the moment we only fit Apeks valves as we have found them more relyable."

Apex had a problem but they fixed it. I have both Apex tall dumps (always were good) and a current low profile Apeks which is just as good.

I doubt if you can get the dud ones now even if you tried but the story will last longer than the problem. *sigh* But I suppose this is how it should be so they don't ever risk letting a leaky dump escape again.

[JStop]

Originally Posted by Turtleburp

Seeds of doubt and all...

I was told by JJ that telescopic was only for std suits and then in my most recent email that the sitec valves have been found to be less reliable and that they are fitting Apeks

"At the moment we only fit Apeks valves as we have found them more relyable."

Hmmm exactly the opposite to what I have heard. Maybe relyable means wet as an otter's pocket, (pun intended) which is the reputation the lp apeks dump has.

I had an issue with a SiTech valve. It stuck open on the way down to 60m, inflating me like a balloon. Luckily I got things back under control and the underpants weren't too bad.

This was put down to a faulty batch. It was replaced F.O.C. and has been perfect ever since. My DUI has Apex and no bother at all.

Both are good quality valves.

[hazey]

Just a note about the heavy duty seals on my Britanic. Being a girlie with small wrists I found the heavy duty cuff seals hurt my wrists too much. Was glad when they finally wore out so I could replace them with the ordinary ones.

But I have to say, I love the suit and it is a perfect fit.

[Turtleburp]

Thanks to you all for words of advice!
Suits are ordered and will arrive early next year.

[hyweldavies]

I've got a similar (Otter) drysuit to the Britanic: slightly stretchy membrane, but rear zip, and other minor differences. Whilst I would almost certainly buy another Otter suit, I would make a few changes. I would definitely have pockets on the sides as you suggest - mine are on the front, but on the sides would (I imagine) be rather better - and some kind of flap would be better than the zips too. I've had braces added (worthwhile) and have changed to neoprene seals (neck and cuffs) and find them a good deal more confortable and I expect will be more robust. I can't comment on the bellows extension malarky, but can't really imagine why I'd want one. Both the valves are Apeks and work perfectly. I think the shoulder one is not quite in the right place, as I have to lean a bit to let the air out. Still, it isn't far off.

The bloke in the shop in Bradford was very helpful and patient when, as a new diver, I went up to order one. I had to wait a long time as they were busy, but once it was my turn I had his full attention, and all the time I needed while everything was explained. All in all, very happy with suit.

Hywel

[daz]

Originally Posted by Turtleburp

"At the moment we only fit Apeks valves as we have found them more relyable."

Just to clarify, I was looking for a Sitec dump valve and spoke to Otter about this.

Apparently they were less than happy with the Sitec inflation valves, so they decided to just go with Apeks for inflation and dump valve (Which if Apek have fixed the problem they had with some low profile units, makes sense).

So it appears the sitec dump valves are fine, my sitec inflation valve did go into a bit of a slow inflate once but it has been fine since I stripped it down and cleaned it all. (I'll probably swap it for the apeks one on my old suit when I get chance)

Daz