Andy's dry suits

[MNDiver]

I have been diving an Andy's for about 6 years (same suit).  It is a DS3 across the chest front zip that goes from sholder to sholder.  I have wide sholders and I find it eaiser to get into and out of the cross zip style drysuits.  If you are a normal size person, cross chest zip seems to protect the zipper more.  Suspenders are really not an option - as Jason said, they are an absolute must have.  I really don't care for the velcro zipper protector too much.  It always seems to have a tread or something stuck in the "hook" size of the velcro.  DUI's zipper seems to be a better arrangement.

I also agree with Jason on the cut of the suit.  It is a bit bigger than the others that I have tried but gives me room to change up the undergarmets.  The valve location works well for me.  Being a bigger person, I really needed the longer inflator hose too.

I think Andy's is one of the best values out there.  Quality suit for a fair price.  I have been very impressed with the company and they have provided excellent customer service.  I had a problem with the shop I ordered mine from and Andy's helped to get things on track - even offering to send me a loaner suit for free until things with the dive shop were resolved (which they never were).

The local shop I got mine from flat out gave me the shaft, lied, cheated, and stole from me.  I have not forgotten or forgave so I get it serviced in Brainerd as well.  They do good work up there. I had to replace the boots after 4 years and the neck seal after 5.   I has since added a dry hood, dry gloves/rings and Whites lace up boots.  I think the dry glove rings factory installed on the suit may seem like a "nice to have," but look around next time you are up at the Maderia.  How many people have them?  Most!

If you want to see what a 6 year old Andys with about 350+ dives on it looks like, drop me an e-mail.

I also dive a Viking for a County Recovey Team.  You can't beat the warmth of the suit. The rubber is so thick, it helps keep you nice and warm.  The Viking weighs at least 3 times what the Andies does - if that matters to you.  I would not worry about hurting the Viking.  It is one thick tough suit. 

That warmth and durability comes at a price.  For me it is MUCH harder to move in than the Andies.  I can dive either dry suit anytime I want, I almost always dive my Andy's.  It is just eaiser.  

Don't forget about Andiy's Undies.  Again, bang for buck I would highly reccomend their undergarments.  They have held up very well over the years and would eaisly buy them again if I needed any.