Breathable drysuits?

[RedSeaDiver]

Besides the Aqualung/Apeks breathable AirCore range are there any other breathable drysuits out there?

[graham_hk]

Dui make one 30/30 all breathable drysuits are a waste of money though

[dwhitlow]

what is a breathable drysuit?

Does it leak? Is it alive?

... or is it a bit a shit some marketing guy thought would sell stuff that's adequate?

[notdeadyet]

what is a breathable drysuit?

Does it leak? Is it alive?

... or is it a bit a shit some marketing guy thought would sell stuff that's adequate?

I can see the point for drysuits intended for surface use. Otherwise it sounds like marketing bollocks. Seeing as most breathable waterproofs don't really stay breathable and waterproof for more than a couple of years I really wouldn't waste money on a breathable drysuit. If it's hard to keep a jacket performing right then I don't fancy the chances with a drysuit.

[Neilwood]

I can see the point for drysuits intended for surface use. Otherwise it sounds like marketing bollocks. Seeing as most breathable waterproofs don't really stay breathable and waterproof for more than a couple of years I really wouldn't waste money on a breathable drysuit. If it's hard to keep a jacket performing right then I don't fancy the chances with a drysuit.

Exactly my thoughts - I can see the benefit of breathable fabric for drysuits for sports like kayaking, sailing etc or for rescue roles where the suit is likely to be subject to occasional but not sustained immersion.

[notdeadyet]

Exactly my thoughts - I can see the benefit of breathable fabric for drysuits for sports like kayaking, sailing etc or for rescue roles where the suit is likely to be subject to occasional but not sustained immersion.

If they're anything like surface breathable clothing then cleanliness is critical for it to work. I wouldn't rate its chances much with all the crap and salt stuck to it as happens after the average wreck dive. And if the DWR layer gets any wear on it at all then your choice is either breathable or waterproof, you can't have both. And even new stuff eventually gives up after a sustained soaking. Maybe I've just been unlucky but I've found breathable fabrics don't have much longevity, as soon as you have to start cleaning them and reproofing them then you're on a ticking clock. I've paid a lot of money for stuff that's been junk after 2 years if it's had a lot of use. Goretex clothing from 20 years ago maybe doesn't perform as well as modern stuff but it lasted a hell of a lot longer.

[Nickpicks]

I have a breathable drysuit for kayaking. It's good for that, but I wouldn't want to get it anywhere near a wreck with sharp edges (I know, shouldn't be touching it anyway!)

The 2 instructors on my most recent kayak course were both wearing non-breathable suits (by DamX) which are basically diving suits without valves. They said the breathable ones aren't tough enough for their "all day, every day" use.

[bottle maker]

Dam X make good suits for not a lot more than I have quoted to repair one of mine.

[Allan Carr]

We've a few members who also have Dam X suits and are very pleased with them. Only issue is that he will only fit pockets on the front of the thighs which can be a bit of a problem with RIB diving.
Extremely good value suits and we recommend them to new members with a limited budget.

[jturner]

Besides the Aqualung/Apeks breathable AirCore range are there any other breathable drysuits out there?

Fourth Element and Ursuit used to sell one back in the day. Discontinued now. I vaguely recall Mares made one too?

I can see the point for drysuits intended for surface use. Otherwise it sounds like marketing bollocks. Seeing as most breathable waterproofs don't really stay breathable and waterproof for more than a couple of years I really wouldn't waste money on a breathable drysuit. If it's hard to keep a jacket performing right then I don't fancy the chances with a drysuit.

That's the problem with them. Mine lasted a good few years and it was brilliant for diving in the spring or in places like Egypt; whenever it's hot on the boat/shore but the water is still cold and you need thick thermals. Cook on shore then marinade in your own condensed sweat in the cold water! With the suit, I never came out from a dive sweaty and the suit was dry inside no matter how hot I'd been. Flipside was that in the winter, it got pretty chilly on land as it also dried off quite fast. The material was pretty tough and certainly I never had problems with leaks etc.... until it began to delaminate. From then on, we were chasing phantom leaks all the time. FE replaced it free of charge in the end. It's frustrating though - I could live with the extra chill during winter and even with the breathability getting worse over time if the suit remained dry, but to start delaminating so a small partial hole in the outer layer allowed the water to get between the layers and appear elsewhere, meant it is almost impossible to repair and that's no use to anyone.