semi-dry wetsuit

[Scotttyd]

I am looking at a semi-dry (aka semi-wet) suit. There is such a larger range in prices online, any suggestions? I prefer a 7MM so I can dive year round here in NC and the coast

[BouzoukiJoe]

I love diving dry but I think a semi-dry is a good choice for NC. If you get into technical diving I think you might have to bite the bullet and get a drysuit someday but a semi-dry would let you dive most of the year.

A used drysuit is another option.

[CompuDude]

Xcel's semi-drys are very nice. Probably my next wetsuit, but not until my current suit dies, because I don't dive wet very often anymore.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Scotttyd

I am looking at a semi-dry (aka semi-wet) suit. There is such a larger range in prices online, any suggestions? I prefer a 7MM so I can dive year round here in NC and the coast

What temperure range is the water?

I don't think it a good idea to spend to much on a wetsuit. All of them are made of neoprene and have a short life -maybe 200 dives before they loose much of their warmth. Drysuits will last much longer and as long as they don't leak don'r loose warmth as they age.

[fisheater]

I've had great luck with my custom from Custom Wetsuits, Scuba Diving Skins, Parkas from AquaFlite. It cost a bit less than off the shelf and fits great. I ordered on a Monday and had it delivered by Friday of that week.

So far, I've worn it down to 44 degrees and have yet to feel chilled, let alone cold. (7mm Farmer John.)

[BouzoukiJoe]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

What temperure range is the water?

Upper 40s at the quarry he dives in mid winter to low 80s near the gulf stream in late summer.

[wxboy911]

I have had my Tilos 7/5 semi dry down around 50 and I was warm all the way...I was warmer than my buddy in a two piece 7mm and also less boyant. Semi is a good option even up here in upstate New York.

[Scotttyd]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

What temperure range is the water?

I don't think it a good idea to spend to much on a wetsuit. All of them are made of neoprene and have a short life -maybe 200 dives before they loose much of their warmth. Drysuits will last much longer and as long as they don't leak don'r loose warmth as they age.

200 dives is a lot of dives for me (only in the 30's now.) 200 cold water dives will last me many many years as most of my diving will be in warm water. But do the math. 200 dives at around $300 a suit (a guess) your cost is $1.50 a dive. A DUI dry suit = $1500, I would have to dive 1000 dives to be cost efficient. But the point of my post is not which is better, I think we all agree a dry suit is superior, just not right for me right now.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Scotttyd

200 dives is a lot of dives for me (only in the 30's now.) 200 cold water dives will last me many many years as most of my diving will be in warm water. But do the math. 200 dives at around $300 a suit (a guess) your cost is $1.50 a dive. A DUI dry suit = $1500, I would have to dive 1000 dives to be cost efficient. But the point of my post is not which is better, I think we all agree a dry suit is superior, just not right for me right now.

What you've missed in your analysis is the lifespan of a drysuit vs. neoprene, regardless of number of dives. Neoprene ages and turns brittle over time, and loses it's insulation ability, whether it's hanging on a rack or being dived regularly. There are exceptions to everything, but I'd give most wetsuits a useful lifespan of 5 years, whether you use them more than 200 dives in that time period or not.

[Scotttyd]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

What you've missed in your analysis is the lifespan of a drysuit vs. neoprene, regardless of number of dives. Neoprene ages and turns brittle over time, and loses it's insulation ability, whether it's hanging on a rack or being dived regularly. There are exceptions to everything, but I'd give most wetsuits a useful lifespan of 5 years, whether you use them more than 200 dives in that time period or not.

Very true, I did not think of that (really did not know the lifespan). Again, I am not doubting the merits of a dry suit, just not right for me now.