Re: Drysuit question

I hate to ask a dumb question, but - drysuit fit.
I am a drysuit diver though I only have ever dived with two similar suits.
Both fit reasonably well. My question is about the value of a good fit - even
to the expense of custom fitting.
When I look around to compare with other divers, I see Viking divers
fitted like condoms to brochure models fitted as loose as a hip-hopper in the
mall.
What might I be missing? And what's concidered acceptable fit? I dive a
tri-lam by the way.
Thanks
D.C.C.

BuoyantC wrote:

> I hate to ask a dumb question, but - drysuit fit.
> I am a drysuit diver though I only have ever dived with two similar suits.
> Both fit reasonably well. My question is about the value of a good fit - even
> to the expense of custom fitting.
> When I look around to compare with other divers, I see Viking divers
> fitted like condoms to brochure models fitted as loose as a hip-hopper in the
> mall.
> What might I be missing? And what's concidered acceptable fit? I dive a
> tri-lam by the way.
> Thanks
> D.C.C.

Not a dumb question at all!

In a shell suit, there is effectively no buoyancy from the
material. So the proper fit is one that feels comfortable
and allows full freedom of movement. Most shells do not
provide much or any stretch so they must be a bit baggy to
allow you to effectively move your body around.

If your suit fits tight, you will be severely restricted. If
it is too baggy, the valves can shift around on you to where
you can't reach them. Plus, to a limited extent, the
wrinkles can trap a little air causing buoyancy problems.

On the other hand, the undergarments need to fit properly as
they are trapping the air that acts to insulate you. Too
big of an undergarment means having to take too much lead
down with you.

For the majority of divers, custom drysuits do not make any
sense at all (my boss hates me saying that because he makes
more money off a custom). A little room is not a problem.
However, having your undergarments tailored is a strong plus!

Hope my babbling makes sense!

--
Ray Contreras
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
http://www.ossystems.com



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RAY MAKES ALL EXCELLENT POINTS
I WOULD ADD THE VSN1100 TRILAM SUIT DOES OFFER A LOT OF STRETCH.
THERE IS ALSO THE L.C.F. (LOOK COOL FACTOR) TO CONSIDER
I KNOW THAT IN MY ALL BLACK VSN100 MY LCF IS WAY WAY UP THERE.


"RayC" <ray@rayzplace.com> wrote in message
news:4061DB9E.7020003@rayzplace.com...
> BuoyantC wrote:
>
> > I hate to ask a dumb question, but - drysuit fit.
> > I am a drysuit diver though I only have ever dived with two similar
suits.
> > Both fit reasonably well. My question is about the value of a good
fit - even
> > to the expense of custom fitting.
> > When I look around to compare with other divers, I see Viking
divers
> > fitted like condoms to brochure models fitted as loose as a hip-hopper
in the
> > mall.
> > What might I be missing? And what's concidered acceptable fit? I
dive a
> > tri-lam by the way.
> > Thanks
> > D.C.C.
>
> Not a dumb question at all!
>
> In a shell suit, there is effectively no buoyancy from the
> material. So the proper fit is one that feels comfortable
> and allows full freedom of movement. Most shells do not
> provide much or any stretch so they must be a bit baggy to
> allow you to effectively move your body around.
>
> If your suit fits tight, you will be severely restricted. If
> it is too baggy, the valves can shift around on you to where
> you can't reach them. Plus, to a limited extent, the
> wrinkles can trap a little air causing buoyancy problems.
>
> On the other hand, the undergarments need to fit properly as
> they are trapping the air that acts to insulate you. Too
> big of an undergarment means having to take too much lead
> down with you.
>
> For the majority of divers, custom drysuits do not make any
> sense at all (my boss hates me saying that because he makes
> more money off a custom). A little room is not a problem.
> However, having your undergarments tailored is a strong plus!
>
> Hope my babbling makes sense!
>
> --
> Ray Contreras
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
> http://www.ossystems.com
>
>
>
> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
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