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Buying dive gear is overwhelming even when you're just looking to buy your typical warm-water diving equipment. Looking for drysuit equipment can be even more challenging. There are a variety of materials used for drysuits including:
- Neoprene
- Crushed Neoprene
- Rubber-coated fabrics
- Urethane-coated fabrics
- Vulcanized rubber
- Hybrids with trilaminate materials
- Cordura with butyl rubber
Each fabric has specific uses and your best choice will depend upon a variety of factors.
Types of drysuits run the gamut from warm-weather suits to suits that will keep you comfortable even in icy conditions. Some offer rubber neck and ankle seals, insulated booties and gloves, flexible outer shells, insulated materials to lessen the bulk of undergarments, comfort entry zippers and more. Research all brands to find the drysuit features specific to your needs.You can begin your search by checking out our October issue's Test Dive section.
When purchasing your drysuit, here are some things to consider:
- Try before you buy! Many manufacturers offer try-ons and test-dives prior to making a purchase. DUI offers videos and handy how-tos on its website, along with information about drysuit demos and more. Check it out here: dui-online.com
- What's your price range? Drysuits can have some hefty price tags
- How much drysuit diving do you intend to do and where? This will have an impact on what type of drysuitto consider
- Research, research and research. You can't spend too much time researching and trying on variousdrysuits and brands
- Check out drysuit forums like the one on sportdiver.com and hear what other drysuit divers haveto say
- Take advantage of manufacturer promotions and assistance. DUI offers a unique "Design Your Own Dry Suit" which allows you to choose a combination unique to your specific needs
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