Drysuits

   if you want to get a dry suit, the best ones are with front zip. get built in socks but ware dinghy boots so not to rip then. breathable are much better. 

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sailor.jon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 02 Nov 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 361	Post Options Post Reply Quote sailor.jon Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Drysuits Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 8:53pm
	if you want to get a dry suit, the best ones are with front zip. get built in socks but ware dinghy boots so not to rip then. breathable are much better.
	Jon Vortex 1169 Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

redback Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Tunbridge Wells Online Status: Offline Posts: 1502	Post Options Post Reply Quote redback Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 8:46pm
	I prefer wetsuits to dry, less clumsey. But if you do have a dry suit it should have sock not seals. Socks keep your feet dry (until the sweat trickles down) and if they are dry they are easier to keep warm. Seals restrict the blod flow and make your feet even colder - no matter how many layers you have.

GM Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 122	Post Options Post Reply Quote GM Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 6:13pm
	I used to have Trident drysuit - rear zip, not breathable, socks. No problem with the rear zip - I could do it up my self and never found it caused any mobility problems. Kept ripping the socks on the tramp fixings on the cat though - always when I was climbing off fortunately! Got a Magic Marine Thermo suit now - these are the neoprene ones with a horizontal zip across the front of the shoulders. Much warmer than a conventional suit. Gets pretty sweaty though! It has neoprene wrist and ankle seals which need to be layered with gloves/boots which have double cuffs - bit of a pain. Still not completely waterproof though - but not enough to be a problem, even after a very extended capsize episode in the Forth in December! Don't think I'd buy another to be honest.

Lucy Lee Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 17 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 276	Post Options Post Reply Quote Lucy Lee Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 5:58pm
	I think wetsuits are much, much better. Even in really cold weather. The simple reason is this: even a small tear in a wetsuit will make you so cold you can't continue racing. I've got a 5mm steamer which is fine in all weather (with a thin spray suit to stop windchill). If you are going to get a wetsuit then proper feet are a must!
	Fly Cherub!

sailor girl Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 13 Jun 04 Location: Spain Online Status: Offline Posts: 1031	Post Options Post Reply Quote sailor girl Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 5:33pm
	definatly built in socks, front zip and breathable! i have found that with rear zips your movement can be restricted. and what's the point in a drysuit with out built in socks!!!
	Sailor Girl, Queen Of The Forum!

PhantomHelm Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 29 Apr 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote PhantomHelm Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 Feb 05 at 10:41am
	Anyone want to comment on what makes a good drysuit? Am considering Douglas Gill or a custom made Ravenspring one, but would value some opinions...especially on whether to get a front zip or rear zip? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either? Leg seals or built in socks? Cheers