semi dry suit-- donning and doffing

[namabiru]

I just got a Pinnacle Arctic 7/5 suit, which technically isn't semi dry but does have semi dry seals. Naturally, the first thing I did after opening the box was tried the suit on. Or tried to, anyway.

Trying to get into the suit was not an enjoyable experience. Now, for the second time, I did put on a lycra suit and I had a better time. However, it's still a bit of a chore. Specifically, it's difficult to zip by myself. The inside covering which is against your back, just inside the zipper, folds out so I can't close the zipper. I'm mostly a solo diver, so I want to be able to get in and out of my suit. Can anyone share tips for donning/doffing, and zipping?

I went on ScubaBoard, and people are saying to turn the suit mostly inside out and then roll on, which I can try-- I'm guessing it will be easier with the lycra suit on too. But the zipping bit will still be a bit challenging.

I'd be most grateful for any hints.

[comet24]

First make sure it's sized right. There are some brands that I just can't wear because they just don't fit me right. If it's sized right try some lube. Baby shampoo mixed with water work well.

Although the best was during OW checkout dives. This lady had problems putting on her wetsuit so I told her she needed some lube. The second day of OW check out dives she shows up with some Astroglide.

[CalBearister99]

The more you wear it the easier it will get. I've got the same suit and it was so hard to put on at first that my fingers would get raw from all the pulling. Even with a lycra suit it was a killer. But it's super warm - you'll love it.

Originally Posted by namabiru

I just got a Pinnacle Arctic 7/5 suit, which technically isn't semi dry but does have semi dry seals. Naturally, the first thing I did after opening the box was tried the suit on. Or tried to, anyway.

Trying to get into the suit was not an enjoyable experience. Now, for the second time, I did put on a lycra suit and I had a better time. However, it's still a bit of a chore. Specifically, it's difficult to zip by myself. The inside covering which is against your back, just inside the zipper, folds out so I can't close the zipper. I'm mostly a solo diver, so I want to be able to get in and out of my suit. Can anyone share tips for donning/doffing, and zipping?

I went on ScubaBoard, and people are saying to turn the suit mostly inside out and then roll on, which I can try-- I'm guessing it will be easier with the lycra suit on too. But the zipping bit will still be a bit challenging.

I'd be most grateful for any hints.

[namabiru]

Ha ha ha-- yeah, I was thinking to go to the, ah, family planning aisle, pick up some KY jelly, and then shock the Filipino checkout lady at Carrefour by telling her it's for my weekend hobby. (^^) I do know that talcum powder would also work well for the seals, so I can try that.

I'm pretty sure it's sized right. I checked the size chart, and I have a wetsuit (admittedly another brand) within the same parameters and it fits all right. Although, admittedly, I'm on the higher end of the numbers, so chances are it could be a smidgen small and the next size would work like a charm. However, by the time I pay to send back, I may as well just keep the suit and work with it. I may also have an easier time once I've gotten back to my swimming regimen and possibly slimmed up a bit, as I've been off due to Ramadan.

I agree that the suit will be better once broken in a little. I, too, had sore fingers after my 3 experiences, so I'm glad to hear someone else had the same issue. I'll also have more experience with putting it on so the process will become easier. I've got a 4/3mil that fits well and is warm, but is really hard to put on on dry land. If I wade into the water, it rolls right on and I can pull it up no problem. I may be able to do that with this suit too. This will also help a lot with the inevitable overheating that will happen here. The winter air temps will be in the mid 20s and the sun will be beating down, but the water temperature will only be 18C or so, hence the 7/5 semi.

I've got a 3mil merino shell and love it, so I am looking forward to using this suit a whole lot.

I rolled up the legs to the seal seam, and the legs seemed to go on a bit easier. I also found that if I put my hand on a solid object, above my head, and lean in, I can get into the arms okay. Oddly enough, I found that using force (lifting my leg and kicking it to the side) helped bring the material up too.

[CompuDude]

My wife doesn't have the semidry, but she does have a 7mm Pinnacle. Putting on her wetsuit was a long exhausting process that she dreaded for the first 4-5 pool sessions. After that it started breaking in, and now it's no problem to put on at all. It'll get easier.

[namabiru]

This can be part of my evening, then, for the next couple of months-- every night I put on my lycra and then my suit, to break it in so when it comes time to use it I'll be in and out... (^^)

[cmburch]

I have a semidry chest zip and an open cell back zip wetsuits.

I use a hair conditoner that I like the smell of and does not irritate me. I think I mix it 1 part conditioner to 4 parts water in a small spray bottle. I spray the arms and legs. My semidry was actually easy to get on, but when taking it off I have torn and repaired the arms several times this year so I alway lube the arms and legs now.

If someone is around in the parking lot or walking along the cliffs or beach I will ask them to help me zip-up. Otherwise, I do it myself.

[turnpikemike]

I also have the Pinnacle Arctic 7/5, and unfortunately haven't figured out a great way to zip it on my own. The thing people who don't own one are probably missing is the fact that the "batwing gusset" that keeps water from coming in through the zipper in the back (it's a flap that's attached on both sides of the zipper) is really big (has to be over a foot wide at the shoulders), and not easy to tuck in on your own.

[p944]

I use diluted hair conditioner. Don't store diluted hair conditiner for a long time, because bacteria grows easily. I mix it with water before dive everytime.

[namabiru]

Originally Posted by turnpikemike

I also have the Pinnacle Arctic 7/5, and unfortunately haven't figured out a great way to zip it on my own. The thing people who don't own one are probably missing is the fact that the "batwing gusset" that keeps water from coming in through the zipper in the back (it's a flap that's attached on both sides of the zipper) is really big (has to be over a foot wide at the shoulders), and not easy to tuck in on your own.

Exactly. So while you're getting into your suit it comes unfolded, and with the suit being a heavier thickness it's a bit rough reaching behind to try to get it to fold back in. Especially as it folds left to right, and I'm right-handed. I'm sure it's just a matter of practice, though, and also a matter of breaking the suit in.