Semi-dry choice

[pondlife]

For me the problem is not so much the water temp but the air temp.
This time of year in the Med I use a drysuit as the air temp and water temp are similar at about 13 to 14 degrees.But in late spring the water temp is about the same at about 16 to 17 degrees but the air temp can be in the high 20's
I find if i'm in the dysuit I'm sweating me cods off on the boat waiting to get wet.
++Pondy++

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by Getafix

Can you give a bit more info on that?

Certainly. We had problems getting the zip to seal and it kept popping open. I'm not sure how old his suit is but I got the impression it was pretty new.

[Rob Evans]

I've had a Mares Isotherm 5mm for 5 years and it's pretty good apart from the krappenshite double plastic zips, which lost teeth like it was going out of style. Replaced them with a heavier-duty single one and it's great. I dive it in anything from 17deg+, that includes shore diving and short boat dives in the UK and I always come out of the water with a totally bone dry chest.
It's comfy, stretchy and warm & I'd heartily recommend it if it weren't for those damn zips. Dunno if they've improved them in a the meantime..

[Getafix]

Thanks all.

So the zips need looking out for,thats the sort of thing i was after.

Alan

[Clare Gledhill]

The plastic zip on the scotia doesn't have teeth to lose - Ive only dived in the suit four times but no problems.

[AirHog]

Waterproof Aquzor. 5mm semi. Similar to the Oceanic Shadow 5mm 1-piece but without the shorty and with a comfort zip on the neck for those times between dives when you need somewhere to push a cold hose down.
6mm spine pad, ankle and wrist zips and good seals (fold under for colder waters, leave out for warmer).

Have dived in temps 'down' to 17 degrees in it and been fine. Also a steal at around £140 when all the others were around the £200 mark.

Regards

Mark

[Jeremy H]

Hi Getafix

Do you want me to recommend the manufacturers of my wetsuit (After all It's lasted for ages) or are you going for one of those newfangled posh Isotherms?

regards

Jeremy

[Getafix]

Originally Posted by Jeremy H

Do you want me to recommend the manufacturers of my wetsuit (After all It's lasted for ages)

No thanks Jeremy, even Jacques would'nt be seen dead in that one !!

And Pi$$ off and get some work done !!

Alan

ps Has the O3 turned up yet ??

[Mark Chase]

Hi M8


I have the Waterproof Aquzor. 5mm semi and I think its pretty good. Its warm enough for what it is and a nice cut. The zips seem OK and none of the seems are uncomfortable. For the price its pretty good value. I have had my one about 3 years and its had a fair bit of abuse on the rocks at Gozo and in the wrecks but its still doing well but looking a bit tatty in the high were areas. Getting it on and off is a struggle compared to the slimy skin lined ones but I just stand on it and drag my feet out I am happy with it but if it had cost more I would have hoped it would be harder wearing.

ATB

Mark Chase

[Getafix]

Well,after considering my first options and everyone else's suggestions,true to form i ignored all of them and went for something completely different !

I bought a Pinnacle Arctic,which is 7mm with some 5mm panels(under arms,behind knees) to aid with flexibility,i worked on the fact that i'm never too warm underwater.Still a one piece,and it fits me like a glove,i must confess.......i look like sex on legs when wearing it !!!!
It has a more conventional wetsuit zip,but has a "batwing" inner neoprene lining,so water does not flush through and good wrist and ankle seals.It is a touch more difficult to get on and off because of it,but not much. I also managed to pick it(and the matching boots) up at a lot less than retail ! Just need to get it in the Med now.

Oh,and one more thing.......it has Merino wool lining.......mmmmm........Flossy !!

Alan