Buying A Drysuit: What To Look For

Unless you live in an area where the only diving you can do is drysuit diving, then buying a drysuit means that you’re making progress as a diver; you’re planning to experience some new things and expand your horizons.  This short guide will help you make a good choice, so you can stay warm and safe while enjoying some spectacular cold water dive sites. 

Why Choose a Drysuit

Even when a heavy wetsuit might be adequate, a drysuit can help you stay warmer for a longer amount of time, allowing you to enjoy more bottom time and relax.  Designed to keep you perfectly dry, except for your head and hands, drysuits allow you to wear warm clothing underneath, keeping you at a comfortable temperature and virtually eliminating the risk of hypothermia.  

Drysuit Materials and Features 

Available in different materials, including neoprene, drysuits fit loosely.  The most popular type, shell drysuits, are made of multiple layers; first, an outer waterproof shell, and second, a warming layer, often made from Thinsulate, bunting, or foam.  

Drysuits are equipped with watertight zippers, which NASA originally developed to keep air inside astronauts’ space suits.  Some drysuits have zippers that run diagonally across the front of the torso, while others have zippers that fit across the back of the shoulders.  A few styles have straight zippers that run up the front or back.   

Tight wrist and neck seals are another important drysuit component; also designed to keep water from entering, they are usually made from latex or from neoprene.  Try to find out if you have a latex allergy before buying a drysuit, since a good one can represent a substantial investment. 

Air Exhaust Valves are another important component; these allow you to add or release air.  While some of the most basic drysuits need to be worn with a BCD, the newest models have built in buoyancy control features. 

Getting a Good Fit 

Getting the right fit is important.  You’re going to look puffy in a drysuit, it’s just a fact of life.  Buy one that is loose, but not too loose, so you can wear a layer of clothing underneath.  On the flip side, be sure your new drysuit isn’t too big – if it is, you will develop a big air bubble while diving, and that will cause problems with buoyancy and trim.  

To get the right fit, try on drysuits while wearing the same type of long underwear or clothing you plan to wear beneath the suit when you use it.  In addition, be sure the wrist and neck seals are nice and snug, but not so tight that they cut off your circulation.  Unless the seals are obviously too tight, wear the suit for a few minutes to be sure your blood is flowing properly while you are wearing it. 

An important feature to look for is suspenders.  While some less expensive suits don’t have them, they are very helpful in keeping your suit in place while donning and wearing the drysuit.  In addition, be sure to check out the pockets and ensure that they’re adequate.  

Finally, make sure the exhaust valve on the suit is somewhere between your shoulder and elbow.  It should point straight up when you hold your arm parallel to the ground.  This ensures that air can escape properly as the suit expands. 

If you can, bring an experienced drysuit diver with you to choose your new suit, and don’t be shy about asking for help from dive shop employees. Once you have selected your suit, plus a warm hood and maybe a full face mask and some warm gloves, you’ll be all ready to experience a completely fantastic diving experience.