Drysuit ?'s

[SCUBA Dog]

Since the wetsuit season in MN is so short, I've been doing some reading on drysuits and plan to pursue
this in the near future.  Good luck with your purchase. A drysuit is a great addition to your dive locker.

I'm looking for firsthand information on why you chose the drysuit you did (water temp, material, ease of use, brand): I have a White's drysuit. It is a hybrid model, with the lower half made of crushed neoprene, with dry glove rings and socks / rock boots. I am very pleased with the suit. It is easy to donn / doff and comfortable while diving. I chose it based on the information from and recommendation of the LDS manager.

how long you have been diving in your current drysuit, and problems (if any...) you have had: I don't remember exactly when I bought it. I have had it for approximately 9 years. It has held up well. I have had to replace the wrist and neck seals and had to repair a few leaky seams over the last few years. The only complaint is I have had issues with the dry glove system. I have switched to a different type of dry glove and have had no problems since. I did order it custom made. It fits great, but because of my wide shoulders and reduced flexibility on some days, I need help getting my arms into it. Some days, when my flexibility is better, I can manage it myself. Once on, the custom fit is great. Less drag in the water and less space for excess air in the suit. It has a diagonal zipper (right rear shoulder to the navel area), which again depending on my flexibility, I can zip and unzip myself.

...and where is the best place to purchase one?  (season sales, online, etc.): A would recommend purchasing through a local dive shop. They can help with proper sizing and fit and answer questions. It is also nice to have them available in the event you have any problems with the suit or need warranty service. One other option is that the LDS can provide you with an orientation / training session with your purchase. An end of season sale is a great way to save some money on a drysuit that was probably in the rental / training inventory for only a year or two. You still need to make sure the suit fits you. They can have some professional alterations done, which still might be cheaper than buying a new suit.

It is a major purchase, no matter which path you take. I would make sure you get a suit that fits well and that you will be happy with for many years. I also wouldn't go bargain basement just to get into a drysuit. A quality suit with proper care will last for a long time. One other consideration that I would sugget is some sort of thigh pockets. I did not order mine with them and now wish I had them.