Drysuit information please

[ibiza boy]

hi guys

i am looking into buying my first Neoprene Drysuit.

what should i be looking for???

i have a Membrane drysuit so i know drysuit use etc.

basically i have been offered the northern diver CNX25
cross body zip or back zip, which is the better option for zips?

all the catalogues say the same and i would like personal experence

thanks

[Rob Dobson]

What is it about your membrane suit that you don't like - i.e why the switch to neoprene?

Neo tends to be a lot warmer, but also heavier, often (but not always) more restrictive in terms of movement and depending on the type and thickness of the neoprene they can be very buoyant and have compress quite dramatically.

I would always go with a front loader / self donner as I like to be able to get myself in and out of my suit and I don't like the zip across the shoulders. That's just my preference...

[Scuttler]

I have an O'Three hypercompressed neo. It's awesome. I have a rear zip which does restrict movement slightly more than the membrane suit I used to have but not so much that I can't reach valves (which was a consideration).

The front entry zip supposedly gives you a better range of movement but when they go they're more expensive to replace.

Personally I'm happy with my rear zip but it would be nice to not have to rely on others to zip me up or let me out!

[ibiza boy]

in reality rob it's the warmth that i am after.

this suit i have been offered is 2.5mm hypercompressed with resin and all the bells... the makers say it is the most flexible suit etc.

i find with my membrain that it is rather restrictive and nips a lot, and i cannot keep warm no matter what i put under it....

scuttler thanks for that mate opinions count always

[Mark Chase]

Be warned 2.5 hyper compressed resin injected is more membrain than neopreen in the warmth stakes.

A truley warm neo suit is the MSF500 from 03 and they are cheep. Rear zips are less prone to damage but restrict movement. Front zips work best with telescopic torso or you need extra material to allow you to get in the damed thing.

ATB

Mark

[The Duck]

Have a talk with O'Three. I've got one of their RI custom suits with front entry zip. Very nice

[Tommy]

2.5mm will really make no difference from your membrane. I also have an O three suit and am very happy with it. I had a Northern diver membrane before, but the difference is massive ! I would never go back ! Also the build quality is much better on the O three, my Northern Diver started to show wear after only 50 dives. Treat yourself to being warm, there is nothing worse than being cold when you are diving !

[biggadiver]

will just throw a different view in here,
i have several drysuits and use both a ndiver cnx2ri & bare 2.5mm for diving in northern norway, scapa flow and the austrian lakes in winter and even with a cheapo undersuit on i have never been cold even on loooong dives.

both suits have worn very well considering how i treat my kit, my 'o'three on the other hand was sent back after 6 months i did'nt bother replacing it.

a new suit worth considering is the latest suit from oceanic called the comfodry or something like that, tried one at the weekend in my local shop and was so impressed by the comfort & quality it will be the next suit i buy and at £499 definately worth the money and some.