Front versus Back Zipper - Your Opinions?

[SanFranDiver]

I'm a newbie planning my first 3mm or 5mm fullsuit purchase. It'll likely be custom because off-the-rack doesn't fit my body shape (think Batman.....on steroid-Twinkies).

Anyhow, since it'll be custom I can get either a front or rear zipper. I know most suits seem to be back zip, but can any of you share your experience and opinions regarding the benefits/drawback of each style.

Thanks!

------- Oops, I searched some more and found a thread that already discusses this topic, but more info would be good ------

[ScubaToys Larry]

Back zip is a bit harder to unzip - but front zip is harder to get off... so the question is, "Do you want your buddy to help you zip, or help you pull the shoulders off for you??"

I prefer the back zip.

[CompuDude]

I started with a back zip, and hated having to depend on someone else to unzip me. Especially when I dove without a p-valve and really had to go to the restroom after a long dive! I've been much happier with my front zip suit, which I have no problem zipping and unzipping by myself. You may or may not be as lucky... I know a lot of people have no problems zipping their own front zips, but I do know a number of people that definitely cannot zip it closed without help. To me, though, it's more important to be able to take your own gear OFF without help than get it ON without help. (not that either is an issue for me)

Back zip is generally cheaper, so if it's a choice between back zip or not getting a drysuit because front zip is too expensive, back zip suits DO work quite well for a lot of people, so don't let that stop you.

EDIT: IGNORE ABOVE... I WAS THINKING DRYSUITS. Oops!

Backzip, definitely. A lot easier to get into and out of. Front zips are fine for shorties, but for a full suit, definitely a back zip.

The exception is semidry's... those usually have a horizontal zipper across the front of the chest, from shoulder to shoulder. Not easy to get into, but if you need the extra warmth it's worth it.

[RoyN]

There is the option of getting a farmer john wetsuit if you're concern with getting and out.

[burna]

I have a back zip and hate it. Go the front zip.

[digitalman]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I started with a back zip, and hated having to depend on someone else to unzip me. Especially when I dove without a p-valve and really had to go to the restroom after a long dive! I've been much happier with my front zip suit, which I have no problem zipping and unzipping by myself. You may or may not be as lucky... I know a lot of people have no problems zipping their own front zips, but I do know a number of people that definitely cannot zip it closed without help. To me, though, it's more important to be able to take your own gear OFF without help than get it ON without help. (not that either is an issue for me)

Back zip is generally cheaper, so if it's a choice between back zip or not getting a drysuit because front zip is too expensive, back zip suits DO work quite well for a lot of people, so don't let that stop you.

I think he's looking at wetsuits, not drysuits.

[BSea]

Another benefit of a front zip is you can unzip underwater if you get hot. If you dive much fresh water, and go below the thermocline in the summer months, this comes in real handy. When you get hot, you can unzip the front & flush the suit with cooler water.......Hmmmmm there's another benefit

I just know I miss my old suit with the front zipper. I still have it, but after 25 years it's really shrunk.

[fire diver]

If your suit fits correctly, the backzip works fine as long as you have a long leash on the zipper. The back zipper kind of disapears along my spine, and I never notice it. When I wear a front zip, I can always feel that zipper.

But being able to unzip and cool down in the shallows is a nice feature of front-zips.

[Splitlip]

Front zip is more difficult to remove without help. you feel the zipper. The neck won't seal as well.

The front zip however lets you cool off in warm water or during a short SI. You can also unzip it to store things. I will put my gloves in or trash bags if I find them.
Used to dive with a guy who on more than one occasion put a speared fish inside his suit when sharks were around.

[fisheater]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Used to dive with a guy who on more than one occasion put a speared fish inside his suit when sharks were around.

Hmmm. I'm not sure if that's very clever or really, really stupid.