Drysuits

   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

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Delicious Digg Facebook Furl Google MySpace Newsvine reddit StumbleUpon Translate Twitter Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
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 Topic: Drysuits 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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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

stuarthop Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Dec 04 Location: Nottingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 1040	Post Options Post Reply Quote stuarthop Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Feb 05 at 10:40pm
	I found that back zips have always been better as the dont restrict movement when you are doubled over in the boat as much, breathable is a must as is socks, I would recomend hammond dry suits expensive but very high quality and made to measure


Barty Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 240	Post Options Post Reply Quote Barty Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Feb 05 at 9:06am
	The tri-laminate drysuits are best as any rip is usually in the sacrificial top layer. Personnally I like something that feels substantial rather than single layer drysuits. I agree with Lucy for single-handed sailing, wetsuits are best as you have the flexibility. In the bigger boats front entry zips are fine. I think its the same as anything......you get what you pay for. If your gonna play in the winter it is worth investing in the right gear to stay warm.
	For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com

Doctor Clifford Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 243	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doctor Clifford Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Feb 05 at 11:35am
	Sailing in Scotland end of March to late December. Gave up on drysuits three years ago and havn't looked back. A good wetsuit costs half as much, lasts twice as long, and does as good a job in my opinion. Good gloves and good boots to keep the extremities warm have a huge impact on your comfort and warmth. Wetsuits are more comfortable with harnesses, as you are not trapping a huge waterproof zip on the front and back with it.
	regards Dr. Clifford take two tablets twice daily

catmandoo Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 16 Mar 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 545	Post Options Post Reply Quote catmandoo Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Feb 05 at 12:46pm
	Can't abide drysuits , I use a 3mm wetsuit from march to november for sailing , never get cold , but as Doc cliff may point out I do carry a tad of personal insulation .I used to think running about in ribber suits a bit pervy , but drysuits are darn uncomfortable (as for neck seals !!!!!) , restrictive and zips a pain , the suit I currently have and only wear if really have to (sitting in a rib all day watching nippers sailing ) has a front zipp and I still need a hand to get out as do others . One tip in the boot dept , don't wear wet boots too tight !, my last pair 8mm were tight and bladdy freezin , bein a misely git had to wait till I wore them out ,then replaced em last nov with 4mm slightly looser , and feet toasty !!!