Drysuit Packages

Differences Between Neoprene and Trilaminate Drysuits

We must distinguish between neoprene and trilaminate drysuits to assess which suits our diving needs best.

• Neoprene Drysuits: These provide inherent insulation and can reduce or eliminate the need for heavy undergarments. They are durable but can be susceptible to compression at depth, which may affect buoyancy control.
• Trilaminate Drysuits: They are known for their lightweight profile and ease of movement. However, they do not offer thermal protection on their own and require layered undergarments to retain warmth. Trilaminate suits maintain their buoyancy characteristics at depth, as they do not compress.

Material Properties	Neoprene	Trilaminate
Warmth	High	Low (without undergarment)
Durability	High	Moderate
Flexibility	Moderate	High
Compression Resistance	Moderate to Low	High
Weight	Heavier	Lighter
Buoyancy at Depth	Variable	Consistent

Diving conditions, preference for range of motion, and need for insulation are pivotal in choosing between a neoprene and a trilaminate drysuit. Whether we are looking for a suit that is durable with a toughtex coating or a Kevlar reinforced boot for rough terrain, or require a suit more suited to travel due to its light weight and flexibility, understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

Selecting the Right Drysuit for Comfort and Performance

When we talk about maximized comfort and performance while scuba diving, the choice of drysuit is crucial. This entails getting the correct fit, ensuring secure seals and suspenders, and considering advanced features that enhance your diving experience.

Drysuit Fitting and Sizing

The right fit is essential, as it directly impacts comfort and range of motion underwater. A well-fitting drysuit should accommodate your undergarments without being too tight or too loose. It's crucial that the drysuit allows for full flexibility, especially around the shoulders and knees. When shopping, be mindful of the sizing charts provided by manufacturers. For example:

• Women: Often require a slimmer fit with more stretch around the bust and hips.
• Men: May need a longer torso length and larger sizes for broader shoulders.

For thermal protection, consider the thickness and type of undergarment. Divers in colder waters might opt for thick, fleece-lined undergarments, requiring a drysuit with more room.

Seals and Suspenders for a Secure Fit

Seals are critical for preventing water entry. We have wrist and neck seals, with materials ranging from soft neoprene to durable silicone seal. For example, the Si-Tech silicone seals are known for their comfort and ease of replacement.

• Neck Seals: Should be tight enough to prevent water from entering but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.

Wrist Seals: Must allow for easy donning of gloves while maintaining a secure fit.

Suspenders inside the drysuit play an essential role in keeping the suit in place, avoiding it riding up or down as we move. They are particularly helpful in front-zip drysuits where the suspenders support the weight of the drysuit when the front zip is open.

Advanced Features for Enhanced Diving Experience

We look for features that suit our diving style and environment.

• Tech Divers: Might need cargo pockets, a p-valve for long dives, and reinforced areas like knees and crotch straps.
• Recreational Divers: Value features such as a lightweight build for easy travel and semi-rigid or soft boots for convenience when walking on land.

Consider the diversity of drysuits like the Waterproof D1X Hybrid with integrated silicone seals, Seac Warmdry with its high thermal insulation, or the Bare X-Mission Evolution offering mobility with its ripstop material. High-end models such as Scubapro Evertech Dry Breathable or the Premium Trilaminate Drysuit offer enhanced durability with abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced knees, emphasizing the importance of a reliable drysuit that aligns with each diver's specific needs.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Long-term Care of Drysuits

We understand that proper maintenance, timely repairs, and careful long-term care are essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of our drysuits. In this section, we'll guide you through the best practices for keeping your drysuit in top condition.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

We regularly inspect our drysuits for signs of wear or damage, paying close attention to the seals and valves. Here's how we approach routine check-ups:

• Seals: We examine neoprene and latex seals for tears or degradation.
• Valves: We ensure Apeks valves and other sealing mechanisms are clean and functioning correctly.
• Zippers: We inspect zippers for debris and apply zipper lubricant sparingly.

To prevent drysuit squeeze, we confirm that seals and valves are not too tight or too loose before every dive.

Repairing Common Issues with Drysuits

Even with the best maintenance, drysuits can encounter issues. We're prepared with the right tools and techniques to address these problems:

• Seal Tears: We repair small tears in neoprene or latex seals with specialized sealant kits suitable for the material.
• Leaky Valves: We service Apeks valves by replacing O-rings and applying lubricant when required.
• Punctures: We use patch kits to mend punctures, applying a patch on the inside for neoprene drysuits and on the outside for membranes.

Taking a drysuit specialty course can provide us with the expertise to handle many common repairs, often allowing us to save on repair costs.

Storing and Caring for Your Drysuit

Proper storage is vital for preserving our drysuits. Here's what we do:

• Cleaning: After each dive, we rinse our drysuits with fresh water and dry them completely before storage.
• Storage: We hang our drysuits upside down from the feet, avoiding sharp folds that could cause creases.
• Dry Gloves: If using dry gloves, we ensure they are detached, cleaned, and stored separately to maintain their seals.

By investing time in caring for our drysuits, we maintain their condition at a desirable price point, ensuring they're always ready for our next dive.