The considerations for me when I was shopping for a drysuit were: 1. Size. It had to fit because they do not stretch and the translation of laser sailor in most other languages is contortionist. I tried to find one on the trading sites or at a discount with no luck. Most of those on sale were mediums or smalls. If I were smaller that may have worked. 2. Breathable vs. not: I was hoping for a breathable one because I have a coveralls style spray suit and although it works very well, I always come out of it totally soaked. I had resisted getting a breathable one because of cost, but, they have come down. 3. New vs. old: I was also concerned about the state of the material and seals. I was afraid if I paid a few hundred for the suit and then had to replace the seals for roughly $100 , it would be a wash and I would have a old suit. 4. Front vs. back zip: I wanted what was most convenient and it at first seemed that front would be the easiest to get in and out of. The opposing view is that having the zipper on the back keeps it out of your way on a dingy, and I have found that to be true. 5. Now vs. later: I wanted one now, as I had not had one for the last few years and always worried about going out when the wind was good (not a normal concern for a heavy guy) and the water was cold. I was ready to buy. After looking on line I decided to get a Gull like Frank’s, but could not find one in my size. Small Craft Advisories / Sailing Pro Shop (Search for GUL drysuit) Just then a friend asked me to go to the Atlantic City boat show, and having talked to Kin about his drysuit and learning that he had gotten a deal at the Annapolis show I decided to get one there. I talked to people at the Henry Lloyd booth first and they did not have any of their new models there and could not tell me how much they were, although they would have given me a discount if they had had one?? (Editor’s note: Annapolis Performance Sailing carries these brands. (The Gil nonbreathable and OS Systems suits seem reasonably priced) They recommended I see Fawcett’s booth because they would know more about HL stuff; go figure! While there I saw a Gill rep. who raced dinghy and understood all of my concerns. He said their suit was specifically designed for dingy racing and explained about the back zipper, the need for room, the suppleness of the new cloths and other features. The normal price is $625 and I paid $530 for a fully breathable suit with a back zipper, cordura reinforced butt and knees, a metal reinforced zipper, a pocket, booties (highly recommend ask Dave Dalbec about the difference), etc. The gentleman suggested I get an XXL and said I could exchange it if it was not correct. I ordered through Fawcett’s and it came in 10 days, at which time I paid for it. I have used it several times now and it really works. No, it is not totally sweat proof, but very nearly, it is nice having the zipper out to the way as I flounder with the main sheet, and having walked in up to my chest to launch (no gainers yet down wind like Steve did Sunday) I can say it is so nice to be dry and warm. You do have to be careful about what you wear underneath. I find one layer of fleece is plenty. Several people were stripping on Sunday with a wet suit underneath and either a dry top or spray suit over. My feet were even ok and there I had only socks under and wet suit booties over the dry suit. Bill Kleysteuber I purchased the Discovery Dry made by White’s from Brad Johnson Johnson’s Scuba Services 1440 Fleury Street Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4N 5B1 Phone: 306-586-4757 scuba@imagewireless.ca http://www.johnsonsscuba.com/ who is married to a cousin of mine. His advice to me was to read about some of the products he sells at: www.whitescoldwater.com and www.whitespaddlesports.com Brad’s message to me about the suit is quoted here: [I just got off the phone with White’s and most of the options you suggested are also what they suggest. Self entry is nice. Latex seals on the wrists and neck are standard (these take a little time to get used to). They come standard with soft socks to keep your feet dry. I prefer built on boots but they recommend lace up deck shoes available from them or from another source. 200 denier material is standard in Black, Red, Royal Blue or Yellow with reinforced seat, knees, and legs is said to be a good idea. Check out Whites size chart for your best fit and maybe go one size bigger if you intend on using thicker underwear. The price with the above options and soft socks is $538.00 plus GST that you can apply to get back from the government, if you want.[ That is about $325 US dollars if you get the tax back which is not difficult to do. I picked mine up in Vancouver where they are made so had little shipping but the package is not very big so shipping should not be expensive. I don’t know about duty since I carried mine in a personal property. |
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