Drysuit seals...

   Getting a drysuit begins to seem more and more of a good idea - the next safety boat course is February and I'd be surprised if I'm not in the water then, even if the boat's still in the garage...
It all seemed simple after checking a suit (a Crewsaver Hyperdry breathable) for size at the Dinghy show last year, but now I find you can get them with latex or neoprene seals. What would make me choose one or the other? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? 
My only experience has been the one try-on-for-size, with latex seals which on a new-out-of-the-bag suit practically cut off the blood supply to my brain! I know you can stretch and/or trim them, but is a neoprene seal likely to be any different?
Any thoughts?

Andy

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Andy Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 01 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andy Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Drysuit seals... Posted: 06 Jan 06 at 10:26pm
	Getting a drysuit begins to seem more and more of a good idea - the next safety boat course is February and I'd be surprised if I'm not in the water then, even if the boat's still in the garage... It all seemed simple after checking a suit (a Crewsaver Hyperdry breathable) for size at the Dinghy show last year, but now I find you can get them with latex or neoprene seals. What would make me choose one or the other? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? My only experience has been the one try-on-for-size, with latex seals which on a new-out-of-the-bag suit practically cut off the blood supply to my brain! I know you can stretch and/or trim them, but is a neoprene seal likely to be any different? Any thoughts? Andy

Prince Buster Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 15 Dec 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1146	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prince Buster Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 06 Jan 06 at 10:51pm
	I changed to a neopreme seal cos the latex irritated my neck. I find the neopreme seals to be more comfortable and harder to split but the latex ones are more stretchy and often form more watertight seals than the neopreme. Really it's just down to personal preference.
	international moth - "what what?"

lozza Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 23 Sep 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 262	Post Options Post Reply Quote lozza Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jan 06 at 11:48am
	Neoprene seals are generally less tight and more durable but are not completely waterproof. But how many times will you be completly submersed in your drysuit to test the waterproofness??? Anybody know any companies which sell the neoprene seals to replace the latex ones? I've seen them on canoing websites but not on sailing sites.
	Life's a reach, then you gybe

Prince Buster Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 15 Dec 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1146	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prince Buster Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jan 06 at 12:31pm
	Hammond drysuits will sell either and convert if u don't like what you've got. Are u sure neopreme isn't completely waterproof cos i've been told that the material is totally waterproof.
	international moth - "what what?"

Wave Rider Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 909	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wave Rider Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jan 06 at 1:48pm
	Some drysuits are made of neoprene so i imagine it can be waterproof, as i have been told it is a diffrent type and is more compressed than the neoprene in wetsuits.
	-[Franko]- Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club RS600 933

Andy Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 01 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 14	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jan 06 at 2:29pm
	Sounds like neoprene is the way to go... Currently sailing an RS Feva with my daughter; unlikely to get a trapeze boat (pond sailers); if I ever move to a singlehander it's more likely to be a Solo than a Laser. So - front zip or back zip? Andy

Prince Buster Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 15 Dec 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1146	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prince Buster Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jan 06 at 2:41pm
	I'd go for a back zip. I had a front zip one first but i found it restricted my movement.
	international moth - "what what?"

Harry44981! Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Aug 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 736	Post Options Post Reply Quote Harry44981! Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jan 06 at 4:06pm
	I'd go for a front zip- you can go for a wee on the water, good if you're out all day. Weeing in your drysuit isn't great (apparently).

Prince Buster Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 15 Dec 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1146	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prince Buster Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jan 06 at 5:34pm
	I'm actually quite good at holding it actually but if you want you can get a special zip at the front just for the purpose!
	international moth - "what what?"

Strawberry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 21 Jun 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1337	Post Options Post Reply Quote Strawberry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jan 06 at 6:42pm
	With back zip you have to have someone handy to "zip-u-up". But with front zip you can do it yourself.
	Cherub 2649 "Dangerous Strawberry