Desparate for a Drysuit - Need help

Fishmaster · Posted: Mar 26, 2003 9:32 pm Post subject: Desparate for a Drysuit - Need help

The lake is still in the 50's, more cold weather coming and its been WAY TO LONG since I've been out.

I'm going to spring for a Drysuit. Been looking at eBay but not finding anything. Here's my options and wanted to get some feedback on any problems or recommendations with any of these drysuits.

2003 Bare Ultra $259 at http://shuswapsnb.com/

Overtons Gladiator® Nylon Dry Suit $229 at Overtons

I also fit right on the crest of both the ML and L sizes. Chest and neck are L but hieght and weight are ML? I leaning towards the Large but dont know if that could be a leaking problem.

Any help would be appreciated. If I dont get out soon I'm going to go postal.

Bill

Cowie · Posted: Mar 26, 2003 9:54 pm Post subject:

I amin Aus so we dont have the same brands but we do all use drysuits so heres whatwe have found. If possible get a nylon suit, we have had both and i think the bare is a rubber type suit. We found the Nylon ones to be heaps more durible ( although not asflexible )especially if more than one person is going to be using it.

Also I have an extra large suit, i am 5'11" and 220lbs, but my younger sis can still wear my suit no worries ( it is heaps too big mind you) but she doesnt have a problem with seal leakage( she is about half my size).

My suggestion would be to go for the larger suit. I doubt leakage will be an issue. We actually wear our life jackets under our dry suit as well when it is really cold asit keeps you heaps warmer. hope some of this helps.

snowboardcorey · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 7:23 am Post subject:

The nylon itself is more durable, but often times they use a latex seal, which rapidly breaks down when exposed to sunlight. I would check out Wileyski.com, they make mad good products and if your suit ever needs to be repaired thats probobally where you will have to send it anyways. Otherwise check out barefoot Intl. they make double thick latex seals which are coverd with neoprene to reduce their exposer to sunlight.

Cowie · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 2:43 pm Post subject:

snowboardcorey, Good point, Ours have neaprene covers that extend over the latex seals. As you say though dont leave them out in the sun as that stuffs the seals real quick. We can get a full set of latex seals replaced on our suits for about a third the cost of the suit so its still pretty good. We have had the suits three season( wearing them every weekend for about 5 months and they are still good.

Bo Coppinger · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 3:09 pm Post subject:

Go with the Bare suit

Fishmaster · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 7:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the input.

I'm going with the Bare Ultra Dry from Mike at www.shuswapsnb.com, they are a board shop in Canada that I hear were good people with great prices. I talked to mike for like 30 minutes and he gladly answered all by "drysuit newbie" questions. He's hooking me up for $259 & about 20 shipping to Georgia (Yeee-Haw) which is the best deal I've found so far.

I also picked up a new Gotcha shorty at Sam's Club tonigh for $29. Hell for that money I could'nt resist. It's a "get what ya pay for" thing probably but we'll see. It wil be perfect for "friends of friends" that call up wanting to borrow a wet suit!

Thanks again,

Bill

Xwake · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 9:16 pm Post subject:

Bill,

You will NOT be disappointed in your purchase. I've used the very same suit for the last two seasons. It's a great suit. Just remember no matter
what size you buy you'll probably have to cut the neck seal down a few rings. The neck seal comes very small, that way you can customize it for personal comfort.

Regards,

Xwake

Fishmaster · Posted: Mar 27, 2003 11:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks Xwake, I'm like way top wide & heavy with a fat neck (unfortunatley not in a buff chick magnet way). I really felt good about the guy I bought from. The local shop was like buy this, no buy that, no buy these and the the guy in Canada actually made me feel like he knew exactly what I needed and made sure I got the right suit & size so it was an easy few bills to spend.

Now with a shorty and a dry suit I should be set for much longer riding seasons.

Bill

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

Although if you don't cut down the neck you have some fun with that light headed not enough oxygen to the brain feeling Very Happy

You'll love the nylon bag style...I wish I was in a location where I could use mine all winter long.