88 replies to this topic

[Desert_Diver]

I'm somewhat similar; 22lbs with a full 5mil & 3mil shortie, Al80, salt. Some folks are corks, some are rocks, and it's not solely keeping too much air in your lungs.

I'm glad I can find someone to disagree with me, Perrone! If we all think exactly alike, then there's no reason to improve things. Vive la difference!

On some of the shore dives I've done, the raw 2 inch straps from a wing would have me bleeding by the time I got to/from the shore. That was part of my reason for the TransPac (I really DO need some padding, 'cos I don't have any). They were digging into me on the test dive I did at one shop. Ouch! The guy that set it us supposedly knows how to rig a wing properly, but I couldn't get it comfortable.

The DR has a lot of things done poorly, but it's easy to cure some of 'em. I tossed the original weight pockets 'cos they were dangerously bad in design and replaced 'em with OMS pockets (DR has since redesigned 'em). I later changed to a DUI Weight & Trim harness to move my center of buoyancy up. I didn't like DRs crotch strap (more plastic buckles & releases), replaced that with a solid sewn one. I'd like to get rid of the worthless plastic releases on the shoulder straps that I never use, but I don't have access to an industrial sewing machine any longer. I may have to change my rig eventually if I get into wreck penetration, but it's good for my needs, and for now.

[PerroneFord]

Annasea:

http://www.scubaboar...ad.php?t=152568

(sorry for the crosspost mods)

[ScubaDadMiami]

What happened to "You need what you need"?

I am not changing that. However, I am very concerned that you will have to deal with a major amount of buoyancy change during ascent and descent. Then, top (or should I say bottom) this off with wearing a massive amount of weight around your waist. You feet will be down, your head will be up, and you are going to have a very hard time holding your stops.

If you go dry, you will be able to wear less weight when in warmer water, and you will only have to deal with adding some more for the cooler water occasionally. Once you learn the drysuit, you won't have to worry about the changes in buoyancy of the suit, because it won't change (so long as not a neoprene suit).

To me, once you get beyond a 7 mm suit, it is time to start thinking about going dry. Other people might have differing opinions on this subject though.

[PerroneFord]

To me, once you get beyond a 7 mm suit, it is time to start thinking about going dry. Other people might have differing opinions on this subject though.

Yea, I disagree. Once you get beyond FIVE millimeters, it's time to start thinking drysuit. 7mm is thick and uncomfortable. It's hard to get into on a boat. I bought a 7mm farmer bottom. I put it on once to get in the water. It's never been worn again.

My exposure protection comes in 3 stages.

1. Underarmor (>78F)
2. 5mm Farmer top (with or without hood) (65-78F)
3. Dry (<65F)

[gcbryan]

Just another thought. Before you order the wetsuit take a drysuit orientation class locally. If you like it don't buy a wetsuit and put the money toward a drysuit. Rent a wetsuit if you take a trip before you can afford a drysuit.

As Howard posted you can use a drysuit most everywhere including where you live. If you don't think you will be comfortable in a drysuit in Canada I doubt if you are going to be happy in a wetsuit in California.

Another idea...go to a local dive store and put on the 12 mm wetsuit combination you are thinking of buying. I don't think you will find it very comfortable to wear.

[6Gill]

. If you don't think you will be comfortable in a drysuit in Canada

I don't think that will be an issue for her....

[gcbryan]

. If you don't think you will be comfortable in a drysuit in Canada

I don't think that will be an issue for her....

I don't know what that means but just trying to be helpful.

[annasea]

. If you don't think you will be comfortable in a drysuit in Canada

I don't think that will be an issue for her....

I don't know what that means but just trying to be helpful.

I think what Eric means is I won't be doing any cold water diving. If so, it seems *someone* forgot "Never say never!"

My hair stylist who was PADI certified in Thailand earlier this year (from her brief description of her class, it was WAY better than mine, but that's another story), dived a few weekends ago here in BC in just a wetsuit. Her face was cold but she felt fine. Unfortunately, she didn't remember the suit's thickness. She didn't go very deep and since she was catching crabs, she was busy moving around quite a bit, but still.

I really appreciate everyone's input re: my 12mm core wetsuit vs. a drysuit, but as already stated, I doubt I'll be wearing this much neoprene most of the time. (Probably the only time would be during visits to Catalina. And since that would be once a year at the most, it's not really an issue.) I'm not opposed to the idea of diving locally, especially now since Eric appears to be a willing dive buddy , but I'm not in any rush to try it either. Maybe once I'm comfortable with my buoyancy.

And to think, all I wanted to know about was purple neoprene fading!

[annasea]

Just a quick follow-up...

I finally paid off and picked up my custom wetsuit last Friday! And I simply must say -- it's gorgeous! (For a wetsuit, of course. )

How do you store your wetsuit when not in use? I've seen wetsuit hangers ranging from $5 to $20 -- does anyone use these? Do you just hang your suit on a regular wooden/plastic suit hanger with rounded shoulders? Or do you store it flat or rolled up?

[ScubaDadMiami]

You need to use something specifically made for hanging wetsuits. Hangers for wetsuits have a wide area that goes for the space that is between the neck and shoulder, spreading out the area of pressure on these zones. If you were to use a standard hanger for the wetsuit, it would put these narrow areas under a lot of pressure, eventually causing the nitrogen bubbles in the suit to get squeezed out, losing the insulation properties there.

Here's one example: http://www.hangdry.c...w...1&p_catid=0

[Cephalopod]

Just a quick follow-up...

I finally paid off and picked up my custom wetsuit last Friday! And I simply must say -- it's gorgeous! (For a wetsuit, of course. )

How do you store your wetsuit when not in use? I've seen wetsuit hangers ranging from $5 to $20 -- does anyone use these? Do you just hang your suit on a regular wooden/plastic suit hanger with rounded shoulders? Or do you store it flat or rolled up?

Just a thought here...be sure the suit is laid flat, or well supported when soaked, and allowed to completely dry before you hang it up. I lay mine flat in the spare bathtub, and let it ooze water to its heart's content.

Those expensive suits are very heavy when wet, and closed neoprene cells will not respond well over time if hung up wet, and several pounds of water allowed to gradually make its way down to the ankles. Tough on stitched or glued joints too.

Under the best of conditions wet suits retain their full thermal properties for about five to six years due to continuous cell compression and release. After that period, many of the cells have collapsed and are useless for thermal protection. Food for thought if you are considering buying an expensive used suit at a "good price".

Every wet suit, thick or thin, has a comfort limit, and safe dive duration, for each individual, whether the water temperature is 80 degrees or 50 degrees. Rule of thumb; If you get cold and uncomfortable, especially if you are shivering, get out of the water, and stay out the rest of the day!

Dive safe!
Cephalopod

[annasea]

Thx for the responses, Howard and Ceph!

I hadn't even considered letting my wetsuit dry while flat nor the ramifications of drying it while hanging; I just assumed I'd dry it on a hanger. Howard's hanger does state that it's for drying as well... would you still not recommend that, Ceph or anyone else?

[PerroneFord]

Treat your wetsuit like a cashmere sweater and you'll be fine.

[jextract]

Yes, you'll look quite smashing wearing it at the opera. The right booties and hand- ... er, divebag and you will be properly accessorized!