Where to buy my first dry-suit for diving?

JohnCleary

Hi guys,
It's time to upgrade from wetsuit to drysuit for diving.

Unfortunately I know little about drysuits.
I would like one that I could also wear when out on the RIB in the winter (Yes I know it won't be comfortable, but it'll be a rare occasion), so I want one that I can wear light clothes under - I also don't want a really tight one, so would it be wise to add an extra inch or two to my chest/waist size?

With regards to seals etc - What should I be looking for?

I don't need anything too fancy, but I would like to have permanent boots attached to it.

Can anyone recommend me a supplier/where to look? I presume I would save a fortune buying online, but drysuits are things you need to try on - Would I get away with measuring my wrists, waist, chest, height etc. and emailing a supplier?

Thanks in advance

-Edit- Budget of up to €600/700

Moanin

Flagship Scuba or The Great Out doors normally have good sales in the winter time. You would pick up a good neoprene one for that price. I would recommend neoprene especially for cold Irish diving. Ya defo buy in a shop as it is very important to try it on before you purchase

scuby

went to flagship scuba last year, and got mine there. sound guys in there, and made me try on a few to make sure i got the right fit etc.

JohnCleary

Hi guys,
Forgot to mention, i'm in the West/North-west!

Voodoo2

JohnCleary wrote: »

Hi guys,
Forgot to mention, i'm in the West/North-west!

I would suggest traveling for this purchase, as you need to try on different brands types etc

Neoprene, tri-laminate etc

Accessories like knife pouches, zip potectors, cuffs removable or not etc

Spend the time and research like hell, cause its one purchase that will last you a long time

Or the dive show in london is pretty good and they get rid of 08 stock for 09 at amazing prices and you have all the brands under one roof!

I got a Northern Diver cortex - love it durable, got it custom made alterations that cost very little, Front entry, different boots, zip protector, latex cuffs with neoprene covers have it 4 years and still have the first day seals on it, and i dive 30-50 dives a year plus search and recovery

Take your time and get a list of brands and start trying them on!

JohnCleary

Thanks a lot Voodoo, great tips. Would you recommend somewhere like Flagship Scuba to try out a few different brands? It would be an excuse to go out in Dublin next weekend as I have accom up there

Voodoo2

JohnCleary wrote: »

Thanks a lot Voodoo, great tips. Would you recommend somewhere like Flagship Scuba to try out a few different brands? It would be an excuse to go out in Dublin next weekend as I have accom up there

Well, I got mine from flagship scuba - He doesn't have many brands, but he has Northern diver and lots of them.

Just remember - Neoprene and tri laminate have different characteristics, you need a lot of lead for neoprene unless it crushed neoprene there are pros and cons and everyone who is on the forums will give you there version - do some reading and see what suits you

best of luck

JohnCleary

Hi Voodoo thanks very much for the info - gonna look into it further

ronanm98

Hi John,

I left a message in your private messages last week with regards a newish drysuit that I have for sale. Only 8 dives done. Thanks.

JohnCleary

Hi Ronan,
Your a size 8 shoe, i'm size 12
I'm 6foot tall too, so I think there might be a size problem. Thanks all the same