Semi-dry choice

[Getafix]

Hi all

Thinking of getting a Semi for diving the Med,using in temps of late teens to early twentys.Need to decide if it's worth it,or just lug the drysuit along( it's a bit weighty though) I'm looking at:

Mares Isotherm-T
Scubapro Scotia

Both are 6.5mm one pieces with a dry zip(i think),anybody had any experience with them(and best place to buy),or have another type to consider ? I only want one piece with a dry zip. Thanks for any advice in advance.

Alan

[nickb]

I have an Oceanic Shadow Titanium.
It's a two piece, and very versatile: a 5mm steamer and a 5mm shorty, giving you 3 variations which will cope with temperatures down to the low teens.
They also sell a 3mm version I believe.

[Fathoms Down]

I haven't ever used a semidry (always taken my drysuit with me when travelling) so this may be slightly less useful information, but I know someone who has an Isotherm-T and had a number of problems with the plastic zip last time I went diving with him. He also called me a git and complained that he wished he had brought his drysuit with him!

[Conor]

As above Oceanic 5mm Titanium 3 piece (it has a hood as well). cost me about £175, that with the drysuit & undersuits should cover me for any water temp I'm likely to encounter

[pondlife]

I dive the Med year round and use a Cressi ice 7mm one piece with the metal drysuit type BDM zip. It aslo has a roll over neoprene neck seal.

[Lynne]

Originally Posted by nickb

I have an Oceanic Shadow Titanium.
It's a two piece, and very versatile: a 5mm steamer and a 5mm shorty, giving you 3 variations which will cope with temperatures down to the low teens.
They also sell a 3mm version I believe.

Got the same (5mm version) and highly recommend it for versatility - mine came with a free hood too

Edit- recommend using oceanic titanium boots with the full suit as the boots are designed to fit against the seals around your ankles

[Clare Gledhill]

I have a scotia - it's warm enough for the UK in November (brrrrr) but then only when I wasn't dry suiting. I'll be taking it to Lanzarote in April though.

[Getafix]

Originally Posted by Fathoms Down

I know someone who has an Isotherm-T and had a number of problems with the plastic zip

Can you give a bit more info on that?

I think the Scotia has a plastic zip as well.........any problems Clare?

Yup, seen the Oceanic....not bad,but 2 piece.

Thanks Pondlife for the bit about the Cressi,forgot about them......metal zip is interesting,saw one in Tenerife,nice suit.

Alan

[Lynne]

Originally Posted by Getafix

Can you give a bit more info on that?

I think the Scotia has a plastic zip as well.........any problems Clare?

Yup, seen the Oceanic....not bad,but 2 piece.

Thanks Pondlife for the bit about the Cressi,forgot about them......metal zip is interesting,saw one in Tenerife,nice suit.

Alan

The oceanic is more versatile because it's a two piece - only needed the full suit plus hood in tenerife in december, used the shortie in gozo in august and both in swanage without hood (arrghh the uk lol) in July (and was WAY too hot!)

[Getafix]

Yes i know,but i've tried 2 piece and did not like it much,which is why i asked for 1 piece advice.

I've already got a 5/3mm wetsuit(21-22C had me worrying about my gonads ) and 2 drysuits,but this temp range is just between them,i could just get a bigger shorty to fit over my wetsuit,but i'm not keen on 2 piece.

Alan