Drysuit Lining query

[DavidW_NZ]

6 months ago we ordered two custom made trilaminate drysuits from Canada. We decided on the type and make after seeing and examining two of the same make owned by instructor friends of ours who are also the New Zealand agents for the Canadian manufacturer. When the suits arrived several weeks later we were surprised at how difficult it was to get into the suits as the inner surface of each was “sticky” as in unfinished, not smooth, similar to fine sandpaper or rubberised fabric. Not having had drysuits before we weren’t sure what to expect.

No matter what we were wearing, polyprop, tracksuit/jogging pants, or similar we found the clothes we were wearing just became abraded, pilled and snagged by the action of the material against the inner surface of the suit. We found it was almost impossible to put these drysuits on if wearing anything without a shiny slippery surface. Eventually we bought Weezels which alleviated the problem to a small degree but the suits were still taking longer to put on than our wetsuits. The suits were eventually sent back by the import agent to the manufacturers for inspection and replacement

Over three months later (partially due to Christmas) we received the following email from the manufacturer:

“I have looked at both suits and they are indeed made with a grey internal laminate that was choosen by us for its non slippery nature and we still use it today in production. It has a finish that is not very sliperry and actually a little on the sandpaper side grit I would agree but we have made tens of thousands with no complains whatsoever with the exception of these customers… We are not prepared to remake the suits just for that reason.

So to my questions are – Has anyone else ever heard of this type of problem? Has anyone experienced or heard of a drysuit where the inside surface is not smooth to the touch? Can anyone tell me why you should want a non-slip surface on the interior of a drysuit?

Many thanks in anticipation for your feedback

David

[zepp]

I wouldn't say you need a slippery inner surface, BUT sure dont want one that's like sandpaper! Just a 'normal' texture, a bit like what a rucksack sort of texture if you know my drift...

[chrisch]

Are they BARE suits? They have a grey liner. Not at all "sticky" though...

Chris