Otter Skin Drysuit- Whaddaya Think

[PeteT]

Hi All

I'm new to diving having just finished OW and looking to get properly kitted out. Well there's no point in waiting is there... or is there?

I've been recommended buying an Otter membrane and having looked at their website the Otter Skin would look best suited (no pun intended). I'm expected to dive the UK year round and also abroad when possible. For warm waters I don't mind getting a wetsuit aswell.

So the questions are: am I on the right track here, what should I look out for, and are the options such as pockets, front zips and telescopic bodies worth while.

Size wise I'm 5'8" - 5'9", 32 w + 40 chest. Is MTM worth looking at?

Ta, Pete

[hopper]

Pete,

Take a trip to Divers Warehouse (Bradford) it will only take you 10 mins from Halifax. They have 100's (or so it seems) for you to try on. If they cannot fit you from stock go to MTM but seems daft to not try first.

They must be able to fit anyone from stock, they mannaged with me!!!!

[littleH]

Originally Posted by hopper

Pete,

Take a trip to Divers Warehouse (Bradford) it will only take you 10 mins from Halifax. They have 100's (or so it seems) for you to try on. If they cannot fit you from stock go to MTM but seems daft to not try first.

They must be able to fit anyone from stock, they mannaged with me!!!!

me too. my suit was MTM for someone else who decided they didn't want it. I got £150 off and they made the legs smaller and changed the neck seal all for free can't fault them at all

[Lee B]

Originally Posted by PeteT

Hi All

I'm new to diving having just finished OW and looking to get properly kitted out. Well there's no point in waiting is there... or is there?

I've been recommended buying an Otter membrane and having looked at their website the Otter Skin would look best suited (no pun intended). I'm expected to dive the UK year round and also abroad when possible. For warm waters I don't mind getting a wetsuit aswell.

So the questions are: am I on the right track here, what should I look out for, and are the options such as pockets, front zips and telescopic bodies worth while.

Size wise I'm 5'8" - 5'9", 32 w + 40 chest. Is MTM worth looking at?

Ta, Pete

Pete I have a otter skin that fits your size for sale for £140, good condition, new seals, boots (they are size 8) it has a cuff dump, but if you prefare you can get that changed quickly. Same for the boots a fairly cheap alteration and away you go

[garethwoodruff]

I've had an otter skin for the last 6 years, its done 300 dives and apart from new seals and boots (Caused by too much walking up stoney cove car park ) has done very well. The suit has absolutely no wear by the look of it as well.

I would recommend one.

[ratcliffe]

I'd also recommend The Warehouse in Bradford. They certainly did me proud when I wanted kit. SDS in Sheffield were also very helpful when I popped in just wanting some advice.
As for the suit in question, its definitely one of the more recommended suits. I have never worn one myself, but would consider it if I need to get another.

[Little Pete]

If you're going for pockets I'd recommend velcro closed bellows type mounted on the outside of the thighs. I've heard from some that you have to really fight Otter to avoid front pockets but side is better in terms of stopping drag and is just as easy to reach.
Velcro is perhaps not as neat as zips but zips do jam on occasions so that needs to be kept in mind.

Front zip is your choice. I found that a lot of back zips were exposed and also made my arms lock up when I reached back for valves. Just my personal opinion as most people seem to get on with them fine. Do what works for you.

As far as undersuits go it depends how cold you get. A DUI or PB 400grm thinsulate is probably the warmest (though Weezles have their fans) but both a reasonably pricey. You might get a discount on an Otter Undersuit but their Sythulate is more bulky than the proper thinsulate stuff.

Hope it all works out well

[zepp]

for OTTER SUITS

[HelenP]

I was also thining about the otter skin drysuit. Does anyone know if there's anywhere more south then divers warehouse that has a good selection to try on??

Helen

[zepp]

I may be wrong, but I think that only Otter themselves stock them. I have never seen them in any other LDC.