How low can you go?

[e14724]

Hi

More of a follow on from a previous thread..

Im fairly new to diving and as yet havn't dived the in UK. Ive bought most of my gear, but Im starting to worry about having bought a 5mm semi-dry Waterproof Lynx. I'm aware that as a brand that they are good quality, but realising that most UK divers are using Drysuits, have I made a fatal error? For an extra few quid I am able to get a 5mm hooded over shortie specifically designed for the Lynx. So hear is the big question....What temps or time of year will I be able to dive in the UK? (Oh.. forgot to mention I also have a good few years of Ginsters insulation if you know what I mean)

Cheers

Nick

[Jay]

To be honest, I'd start looking at a dry suit. Most UK divers use one year round because it is not pleasant being cold on a dive.

[dave archer]

Yep, what Jay said.
But worry not, your 5mm will be spot on for winter Red Sea or Med trips

Dave.

[e14724]

Looks like the kids presents are going back to Santa!!!

[e14724]

What would you guys recomend for a first time Drysuit buyer, without wanting to sound really thick what are the main differences to be aware of, and pro's and con's of each?

The advise is much appreciated, Ive only just discovered this site, and already have picked up quite a bit...

Nick

[ardhill]

Well,

With the extra 5mm shorty and hood you should be able to dive in the UK in the summer with that outfit. You can see quite a few divers with a 7mm 2 pce or double layer 5mm suits in the UK.

OK, most of them are fairly new divers or fair weather divers, and many of the divers on this forum (who post regularly) are experienced all year round divers.

So, in my opinion, you can wear the double 5mm in the warmer weather for simple recreational diving, but don't jump in the sea this Saturday in it!

If you do decide that you want to dive in the UK all year round, then a dry suit is the way to go, but be sure that is what you want - they don't come cheap.

[e14724]

Sounds like good advise, I will have a crack at the UK in the warmer months in what I have. I will have to do a drysuit course in the near future though, getting twitchy....

Cheers guys for the feedback

[dave archer]

Originally Posted by e14724

What would you guys recomend for a first time Drysuit buyer, without wanting to sound really thick what are the main differences to be aware of, and pro's and con's of each?

The advise is much appreciated, Ive only just discovered this site, and already have picked up quite a bit...

Nick

Two main types of drysuit...
- membrane (thin, wear heavy undergarments)
- neoprene (thicker, less heavy undies)
Neither is better than the other, personal preference.

Drysuits are expensive. Vary from cheapest (£320 ish, Typhoon IIRC) to top range (£1000 - £2000, O3, DUI etc).

Then add about £100 for undies - don't skimp on these, wearing a t-shirt and trackies under a drysuit is like paying for a great central heating system but beng too tight to ever switch on the hot water

Problem is as ever, buy cheap = buy twice, but buy expensive and you'd better find you love UK diving for years to come...

Personally I did a few UK dives in hired suits, hated the ill fitting suits (a good fit is absolutely key with drysuits) but loved the UK water, so forked out on reasonable suit (£500). Now love the suit as well as the UK water, and miss it when diving wetsuit in warmer places.

Had my time again I'd probably go for a £800-900 suit, as my £500 one is less well made and having to patch up the odd leak.

But I still look at the wetsuit UKers shivering in the wind on the boat after a dive and shake my head - drysuit IS the way for UK, unless you are a double hard bastard with ice in his veins

Dave.

[recurve]

In time honoured tradition, I'll disagree.

I depends SO much on your bodies morphology. My advice would be to try a dive in the conditions you are going to be diving in, and make your decision from there.

Just recently done dives in Stoney, with a water temp of 7C, and surfacing while it was snowing, and was comfortable in a 7mm semi dry two piece, with dive times up to an hour. Coolest part for me was the surface interval, but fleecy trousers, jacket and hat kept me warm.

If I was genuinely cold, I would expect to shiver (unless I was too cold even for that, and I don't think I was that bad) and there was no sign of that.

Now I realise I am atypical, but it does go to show that not everyone needs a dry suit. I would never make the assumption about what you NEED without more information.

[divingniknaks]

I think Mr Archer hit it smack on the head there.

One guy you could talk to without a huge sales pitch is Denis at Predator.

www.predator-wetsuits.co.uk

He will give you good honest advice and IMHO quality suits at reasonable prices.

Overall advice is whoever you go to, dive dry it's soooooooo much nicer.

HTH

PS Just seen Phil's post - now he's a double hard bast*rd