Front Zip or Back Zip

[Frankie Price]

I'm thinking of getting a new dry suit in the new year after six years of good service from my Azdry.
I can't make my mind up whether to stay with a rear zip or go for a suit with a front zip.
I've never dived in a front zip suit but have dived with many people who do.
What are the benefits of a front zip compared to a rear zip?
Be interested to hear any views before I make my decision and part with the wonga.

[wilbo]

Originally Posted by Frankie Price

I'm thinking of getting a new dry suit in the new year after six years of good service from my Azdry.
I can't make my mind up whether to stay with a rear zip or go for a suit with a front zip.
I've never dived in a front zip suit but have dived with many people who do.
What are the benefits of a front zip compared to a rear zip?
Be interested to hear any views before I make my decision and part with the wonga.

Self donning
better flexibility (if shutdowns are your required thing)
typically a little more expensive

to name a few

[PeeBee]

Independance, and no one but yourself to blame if it aint fully done up.

[Scuttler]

Front Zip Pros:
Can get in and out yourself
Less Likely to restrict your reach for shutting down valves
Easier for when that call of nature on dry land occurs

Front Zip Cons:
More expensive to replace than rear zip
Although the same maintenance as a rear zip is required it takes longer due to the extra zip teeth
Need to be more careful when packing the drysuit to ensure the zip is not stressed

Rear Zip Pros:
Cheaper than front zip to replace
More common than front zips so more likely to be stocked (although this is changing I believe)
Takes slightly less time to clean/lube the teeth
Easier to pack rolled up because the zip sits across the back

Rear Zip Cons:
Unless you're seriously double jointed or the zip is really loose you need a buddy to get you out
Can restrict access to valves for shutdowns





No doubt there are others I haven't covered

[Frankie Price]

Cheers folks.
Looks like a front zip it is then.
The Otter Britannic seems to be the favourite at the moment.
Will be keeping my Azdry as back-up though.

[wilbo]

Originally Posted by Frankie Price

Cheers folks.
Looks like a front zip it is then.
The Otter Britannic seems to be the favourite at the moment.
Will be keeping my Azdry as back-up though.

or consider the Protec or Polarbears suits.. both are also very good..

[Garf]

Originally Posted by Scuttler

Front Zip Cons:
More expensive to replace than rear zip
Although the same maintenance as a rear zip is required it takes longer due to the extra zip teeth
Need to be more careful when packing the drysuit to ensure the zip is not stressed

umm

More expensive to replace than rear zip - you must have been unlucky, my LDS quotes me the same price.
Although the same maintenance as a rear zip is required it takes longer due to the extra zip teeth - err, ok. Maintenance for me takes about 30 seconds to lube it. Haven't really noticed it costing me time, but I don't have a stopwatch with 100ths of a second
Need to be more careful when packing the drysuit to ensure the zip is not stressed - got to pick you up on this. Undo the zip, roll the suit into a little ball, wheres the problem. You can stuff the arms in anyway you want as it doesn't stress the zip - unlike with a shoulder zip.

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by Garf

umm

More expensive to replace than rear zip - you must have been unlucky, my LDS quotes me the same price.

Or lucky ....I use a rear zip. Price ranges from £71 - £162 depending on zip length and whether it's heavy duty (6bdm) or standard (8bdm).

[warmwaterdiver]

Originally Posted by Garf

More expensive to replace than rear zip - you must have been unlucky, my LDS quotes me the same price..

would have thought the actual zip cost would have been more, plus theres a third more work in a front zip, so I'd imagine £+

[warmwaterdiver]

Originally Posted by Frankie Price

Cheers folks.
Looks like a front zip it is then.
The Otter Britannic seems to be the favourite at the moment.
Will be keeping my Azdry as back-up though.

get a Britannic, they're fantastic