I just can't do it

[WaScubaDude]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

That loosens latex seals a smidge, but they're not designed to stretch and stay stretched too much. Neoprene seals are a different story... the procedure you outline is a mandatory part of getting the seals to fit right. Latex seals are designed to be trimmed, though. There is a mild relaxing that happens (and is accelerated with your method), but we're only talking maybe a 1/2 ring cut's worth. New seals generally need to be cut to a certain extent. Some are even a closed cone, which obviously MUST be cut.

Always the smart guy, eh?

You are right of course, but I have seen many divers who took to trimming the latex seals and after 10 or so dives found the neck seals dont leak as long as they dont turn their heads. I was told latex neck seals should be real uncomfortable out of the water the first few dives, a bit uncomfortable out of the water after 10 or so, and just comfortable in the water.

[Aquatrax]

Originally Posted by Tassie Diver

Stretch???

i meant to stretch the seal over so that it is a little tight and stationary to get a smooth, even cut, (an artificial neck)

thanks for the help guys, i'll pick up the needed supplies this evening

[Aquatrax]

by the way, i'm the lucky owner of a 17" neck, i gotta trim it! It's making me more than a little dizzy at this point

[snagel]

I feel your pain!!! When I first got mine I was a nervous wreck. Get the Rotary Blade from the sewing section - it works great. Can't emphasize enough to cut a little at a time. A little makes a big difference (+ gives you practice). The first cut is the hardest (Didn't Rod Stewart say something like that). Make sure you have smooth edges and clean cuts...any "dimples" can cause the latex to tear when stretched. Good luck and once you get the hang of it, it's not that big of a deal. Hey what is the worst thing that can happen....new seals, it's bad, but not the end of the world.

Snagel

[SteveR]

I have a brand new Fusion coming this week and I know I will have to trim the neck and wrist seals before I can even try to wear it. I tried one on at the LDS and nearly passed out. I have a 16 1/2 neck and 7.25 wrists so cutting is a must. I did some research on how much to cut a LATEX seal to get close to my dimensions. I found a DUI page that gives some insight into the number of rings to cut for an approximate neck or wrist dimension.

http://http://www.dui-online.com/tec...uidelines.html

Not sure if your seals are the same or not so take with a grain of salt or two. My suit is a White's Fusion and their chart (which I can't find on their new website) had different number of rings for the same body dimensions.

The cloth rotary cutter is the only way to go. I watched my wife cut cloth with it many times so I have an idea how well it cuts. A brand new blade is on it and I am now just waiting for the suit.

[inventor]

Just remember, follow these guys' advice and cut a little, try it, cut a little more. Ya can't uncut it and those seals are expensive! Good luck with it and I'll randomly be waving at motor homes today, just in case!

[Aquatrax]

Alright, I cut 1 wrist seal with a new razor, i suck at this. I cut the other with the fabric cutter, i suck equally with either blade. Neither is smooth but I think they will function without splitting.

Going for the neck seal.

[inventor]

Originally Posted by Aquatrax

Alright, I cut 1 wrist seal with a new razor, i suck at this. I cut the other with the fabric cutter, i suck equally with either blade. Neither is smooth but I think they will function without splitting.

Going for the neck seal.

Do not cut the neck seal while wearing the drysuit.

[Aquatrax]

Neck seal trimmed, tight enough to be fairly uncomfortable but no longer making me dizzy, I think it's perfect. Now if it will just behave and not split.

[it_mike]

Congratulations!

I had to cut 10-20 neck seals last weekend, and a couple dozen wrist seals.


























Fortunately it was a DUI event and they were supplying the seals. It does get easier with practice, and the hesitation will go away.

Get wet and stay dry!