Dry Suits

[dsoby]

I'm considering buying a new dry suit and am looking for input. What are your opinions on brands and the different types currently available, i.e., neoprene, bag, or hybrid.

[JohnnyB]

What is the intended use? Skiing, Wakeboarding, Barefooting?

[AirJunky]

Depends on how cold your planning to get in. The neoprene & hybrid's are going to be more comfortable & probably less expensive. But coming from someone who skis in sub 30s water, they won't keep you warm below about 50 degree water temps. Only the full baggy will allow you to layer up inside the suit, and stay completely dry. I have been using Wiley's suits for about 7 or 8 years & they work great. I have skied with my wallet & cell phone in my pocket dozens of times, and never had a problem.

The baggys you'll find on the market, Wiley's, Adrenaline, USIA & OS, are all made in a factory in Oregon using similar materials (same seals) & slightly different patterns.

The Wiley's & Adrenaline Hydrofoil suit is one that my brother & I helped design several years ago. It has a non-skid butt, barefoot wrist cuffs, & feet in the suit. If all you ride is a foil, the feet really make it nice. Just kick off your shoes & jump in the suit, socks & all!

[dsoby]

Mostly skiing in TN. The water gets a thin sheet of ice occasionally but doesn't stay for very long.

[bstrom-tt]

I have had both styles and currently use a neoprene style suit. They offer great mobility. It's as close as you can get to not feeling like your wearing a drysuit. Have also had several different brands/styles of the neoprene suits and have come to like my O'neill suit best.

[AirJunky]

Bstrom.... I'm curious, what water temps are you in in a neo-suit?
Ever had to have the neck or ankle seals replaced on the O'Neill?

[MYMC]

O'Neill neoprene drysuit!
Water temp here in Charlotte is 42 today...and has bever been an issue with this suit.

As for customer service my neighbor has had the same suit for 6 years and anytime there has been a leak in the zipper or seals O'Neill has rebuilt the suit at no cost. I just sent mine in due to a leak and they fixed the leak and changed all the seals no charge. Awesome suit and company!

[JohnnyB]

I have a full baggy Barefoot International dry suit for barefooting and it is awesome for that. You can layer cloths underneath -- I've skiied where the air temps were low 30s and I had to scrape the boat windshield before going out.

However, it is horrible to slalom in -- too bulky. I'm looking for a used neo-bottom/baggy top style or a full neo for slalom.....

My $0.02

[mitch]

Baggy all the way, but we're in some damn cold water compared to TN. This is a timely thread, cause it reminded me I need to send mine to Adrenaline asap to get the wrist seals replaced. It's mid Feb already!!!! I don't have the Adrenaline suit, but they're customer service is great. Mike will hook you up.

Mike Bell
Adrenaline Watersports
13433 NE 20th St - Suite C
Bellevue, WA. 98005
425-746-WAKE (9253)
Fall/Winter Hours: Tues--Fri (11 - 7) Sat (11 - 4) Closed Sunday & Monday -
PACIFIC TIME
http://www.adrenalinewatersports.com
sales@adrenalinewatersports.com
The Rush Starts Here!

[AirJunky]

O'Neill neoprene drysuit!
Water temp here in Charlotte is 42 today...and has bever been an issue with this suit.

As for customer service my neighbor has had the same suit for 6 years and anytime there has been a leak in the zipper or seals O'Neill has rebuilt the suit at no cost. I just sent mine in due to a leak and they fixed the leak and changed all the seals no charge. Awesome suit and company!

Well if your getting a 6 yr warranty, then this is the suit to get. Usually I get a 1 yr warranty & then I have to either pay for it or do it myself. And the baggy seals are pretty easy to replace with a heat gun & a popsicle stick. The neo suits have to be resewn & retaped, far more than I can do easily. I've never had a zipper go bad in over 12 yrs of riding.

So what do you wear under a neo suit? I usually ride in whatever I have on at the time....Levis, a sweatshirt & socks. And when I get out I'm still warm & dry.

[Ski-A-Rees]

I Just bought a intensity dry suit on ebay for $125.00! It was one of the best things I have ever bought! I got the baggy type and i love it because it traps air and acts as floatation.

[mitch]

Ryan, errr.... Michelin man, you're supposed to let the air out :D

[bstrom-tt]

AirJunky, I am in the Northwest, water temp is around 40 deg on our lake, not sure I'd like to be out in much colder temps in any kind of suit!! The arms, legs and neck (I think) are a neo/elastic type of thing, not the typical rubber seal, so I don't have to be as gentle with this style as I need to be with the rubber style. O’Neill make several different types of the neo suits, one of there new styles is a neo lower body and a baggy upper body, the arms have a large dia cuff looking set-up, have a buddy that has this type suit and he doesn’t like the arm cuff thing. I have the more traditional style neo wet suit looking dry suit (tighter all around) but I still were a t-shirt on the top and even a sweatshirt if needed. I previously had a Bare brand suit, which is tight bottom, baggy top with fleece inside, loved the suit but would constantly blow water up my leg thru the ankle seals.

Good luck with your search,
Bill.

[kjohnson]

Just another thought for you. I don't like drysuits because they are very tight around your neck. They were too uncomfortable for me so I only use wet suits. However, I live in the south, where water doesn't get below 48 degrees or so.

[atlfootr]

I don't like drysuits because they are very tight around your neck. They were too uncomfortable for me, so I only use wet suits. However, I live in the south, where water doesn't get below 48 degrees or so.
I also live in the South, and I do wear a Dry Suit :eek:
Water from the North GA. Mnts, probably much colder than were you ski, therefore some of us appreciate the added extra warmth.
After awhile, the tightness gives :dance:

I bought this one 3-4 years ago and recently just replaced the seals.
Be sure to use these products for longer lasting wear .. Seal Saver and Zip Tech

http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog.asp?C=16&category=Drysuit+Accessories&P=679&product=Drysuit+Seal+Saver+%2F+Zip+Care

[AirJunky]

O’Neill make several different types of the neo suits, one of there new styles is a neo lower body and a baggy upper body, the arms have a large dia cuff looking set-up, have a buddy that has this type suit and he doesn’t like the arm cuff thing.

Yea, I have one. We refer to it as the "semi-drysuit". It's been retaped once but needs it again & it's only like 3 or 4 years old & been in the water a few times. Guess I should send it back to O'Neil for warranty repairs.