back entry

[chewyjr15]

im thinking about a dry suite but on a budget is rear entry ok? or is it worht saving the 5-600 more for a nice front entry?

[rongoodman]

I have a DUI TLSse and while it's sometimes a pain to need help with the zipper, I think the fit is actually better than the front entry suits, since you don't need the telescoping torso to get into it.

[CompuDude]

Is it a pain? Yes.

Is it worth $500-600 for front entry? Hard to say. Will it prevent you from getting a drysuit if you need $500-600 more? Then forget the front entry... it's a pain, but it's certainly something you can live with. After all, used to be that's all that was available, and people seemed to do just fine.

Better to have a drysuit that has back entry than not have a drysuit for the want of $500-600.

[wheelman]

I am looking at getting one too... I have read/heard about the front entry benefit is that since your zipping yourself in that you are more careful about not zipping undergarments or such that may mess up the zipper. I don't have any experience with them but am always interested in comments from people who have experience since it is a large investment.

[tc_rain]

I own a front entry and have also dove rear zip suits. I think if I was buying a suit again, I would go with the rear zip. They don't have the extra material around the torso and they fit me a little better. I don't dive solo so someone is always around to help with the zipper.

[BG9879]

I have dove both and in the water, you will not tell the difference. I personally went with a front zip for my new suit due to the convenience, but the back zip works just fine. You will most likely always be diving with a buddy and its not bad to have your buddy check your zipper anyways so you don't get soaked if you forget...

[WaScubaDude]

Originally Posted by tc_rain

I own a front entry and have also dove rear zip suits. I think if I was buying a suit again, I would go with the rear zip. They don't have the extra material around the torso and they fit me a little better. I don't dive solo so someone is always around to help with the zipper.

I agree completely. In the past I owned two different rear zipz and liked them fine. I now own a Mobby's front zip and don't like it as much. I has a big bunch of material around the belly area. Harder to look down and bend down and feels a bit more stuffy.

With a back zip you can usualy find someone to zip you. When I did solo boat work I tied a longer leash to the zip pull and had a way to close the rear zip all by myself.

Try them both if you can. But you will likely be happy with a rear zip. Keep the zipper waxed!

[Matt P]

Personally I save save the cash and get the shoulder entry. I've got a DUI CNSE and originally wanted the self donning one. I decided to save the cash. I never have problems finding help with the zipper...usually helping my buddy with the same

[CompuDude]

I just like being self-reliant. I don't like having to impose on others, even my buddy, to help me with anything.

And frankly, on a crowded dive boat while everyone is out at the same time, trying to get their gear off, there have been times that I literally have been hopping from foot to foot trying not to wet myself, waiting for someone to be available to open my suit.

Might be worth moving that pee valve up on the list of things to add, if you go rear zip! LOL

Again, however, I dove a back zip for many months and it really wasn't bad at all, outside of occasional bladder-related tense moments.

[Hollywood703]

I do think it is a minor inconvenience, however it didnt justify the cost to get the upgrade....I did consider spending $75 to add a small dry zipper in the crotch area as opposed to a pee valve