A good drysuit, on a budget?

[Twinsetmad]

Seaskins or Outeredge....get it made to measure ...you'll get a good one for the money you have to spend...there are lots of other things to think of too...

Pockets...
Front entry or across the shoulder zip...
Seals... Neoprene or Latex
Boots or Socks....
Cuff or shoulder autodump.

Display Products

[Ahoy]

A shout for Protec over in Wallasey. I got my MTM there (£500) and it is the business. Excellent after service too, for things I wanted customising.

S.

[pieater]

Another vote for Protec. Go to the factory (well the terraced house) in Birkenhead. I bought their top-of-the-range model for the money you're talking about. Combined with Xerotherm Arctics and shutdowns are a piece of piss. Honest. Unless you're deformed.

[Rod]

Originally Posted by Hooked_on_diving

thanks for the responses.

If I was to get a MTM drysuit from somewhere like SeaSkin, would I need to increase the dimensions that I put into the measurements boxes to account for an undersuit?

Also do you know if dealers of manufacturers like Northern Diver that have a MTM option will measure and order a MTM suit for you taking into account an undersuit?

Thanks again,
Matt

If you go to the London Dive show Northern diver will measure you up there and then taking into account whatever undersuit you want.

[Hooked_on_diving]

Thanks for all your input,

I think I will see if I can get myself down to Leeds as it is not too far away from me and have a look at SeaSkin drysuits. Thanks for all your help,

Matt

[PeeBee]

nother vote for Seaskin, great customer service if you have any problems afterwards. Talk through your needs with Richard and he'll give great advice wrt the suit you need.

[Treerat]

Don't forget Polar Bears, a fair way down as they are based in Cornwall but they do great suits a should be able to supply one in your price range.

Best bet is to ring them for a chat -contact details on Polarbears.co.uk

Andy

[hyweldavies]

I'm very pleased with my Otter membrane suit. The exact models change from time but Otter seem to be a good price / quality ratio. Mine is their de-luxe semi-stretchy material which is slightly nicer than the ordinary membrane, but not really by that much, so plain is perhaps better value. Undersuits - I still have the Otter one with the suit, which was quite a good deal as part of the package. I'm fine in it for my so far hour-long UK dives, though wear a medium fleecy vest underneath in the winter. I dare say Xerotherm or Weezles may be better but are more pricey. The underuit has a few minor features which aren't ideal such as knitted cuffs on the wrists which tend to soak the damp, but does the job OK. I think it was their "200" model

The suit is still pretty good after 5 years 120 dives, with only wrist and neck seals replaced so far, but may need a zip soon at least as a precaution. Regarding features, I would strongly recommend specifiying pockets on the sides not on the front of the legs. Mine are unfortunately on the front, which is a pain, though manageble. There's the DIR-ista extra drag argument, and to be fair there's something in this, but more importantly they are a nuisance when trying to climb up into a RIB as they catch, and also there's a considerable risk of breaking stuff whilst lifting heavy cylinders (twins). I've broken my spare masks this way; twice ! And two new mask costs more than the extra for side pockets. I had latex seals originally, but specified neoprene at replacement time and would not go back to latex. Apparently latex leak less on folk with scrawny necks and wrists, but my neoprene ones are Ok for me at least, and the neck in particular is much less uncomfortable to wear . A tight latex neck made me more prone to seasickness, though could just have been too tight.

So I can happily recommend an Otter stretchy membrane, medium-heavy neoprene boots, (preferably 2) side pockets with velcro flaps, and internal braces. Mine's got a shoulder (back) zip, and I've not felt the need for a front zip, but not used one.

I went up to Bradford to the shop, and they were extremly helpfull giving me (then a novice) all the time I needed to explain everything. I had to wait ages for my turn, but once I was seen, they didn't rush me and I probably had 100% attention for an hour. Well worht time and petrol from southern england.

I've not used anyone else's suits so can't compare directly, but the Otter does seem rather better made than some cheaper suits, and other than front-pockets (and sides can now be specified instead), am completely happy with the product, so have no desire for a pricier one if I bought again. Some of my gang have O-three or Body-glove compressed neoprene suits, and they too seem happy with theirs so Otter are not the only good make clearly.

I think the whole set was in the £500 to £600 range

No connection other than as a satisfied customer.

[tonhil]

I see that no-one has highly recommended Northern Diver. In my experience this is entirely appropriate.

I have had a good experience with an Otter suit.

[alrhem]

My northern diver suit is very very good!!!!

Its a thor commercial (so probably made by hunter/viking or avon anyway).

I am very pleased with my suit and im sure it will last a long time!