Dry Suits
PeterT	I am about to purchase a new compressed neoprene dry suit: I want made to measure, I am considering a Northern Diver Divemaster but have had O 3 recommended as an excellent source for this type of suit. Has any one an opinion on either of these models, or maybe you know of a better still model. ~~ PeterT ~~ Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. [UNKNOWN]
Davey_Willo	Everytime I speak to someone in the know and mention N.D. drysuits they groan, I'm not sure why but I don't think that they have a good build quality, and I've heard that the neck seals tend to fart air in a very bad way letting lots of nice cold water in.. This is what I've heard not what I think because I've never experienced a N.D. suit (Dave dons fireproof Nomex in expectation of flames from N.D. wearers) O3 on the other hand I've heard excellent reports about them, but I think they are much more expensive then a N.D. suit so one should expect more quality anyway I suppose. I use a membrane with a weezle underneath I find this combination gives me a lot more flexibility then a neoprene suit and the latex seals seem to stretch and flex much more thereby not letting in any water, the suit I use also has a warm neck collar so I don't feel the cold sometimes felt through a latex neck seal. If you've got the money I would suggest the o3 based on nothing more than the conversations I've had mind you, plus the o3's look very cool
ian.wood0	HI peter, I have a ND comp 4mm suit I find nothing wrong with the build quality although the neck & wrist seal went in the first year of diving. I had them replaced (heavy duty) at Dry Duck on the Wirral at a cost of only £40 for both. Still I am extremly happy with it. I think ND did have a problem with the build of thier suits some time ago but have now ironed out the gliches in the manufacturing process. Bad news travel fast through the diving fraternity and once labled this way it is a hard climb back to the top. I know a few people who dive in the ND divemaster and seem to be pleased with them. If you are traveling to the North West any time before youn buy your suit it would be worth popping into ND as they often have suits at reduced prices on the peg. Mine was reduced £750-£250. Ian
AndyC	I have just ordered a new O3 RI 2/100 made to measure which I am really looking forward to getting. A friend down here in Aus has one and it is bullet proof & very well made - he loves it. I have no experience with ND so won't comment on them. Below are a couple of comments from another divesite discussion about o3 suits. ***************************** I don't currently own either of the above but O3 modified my DUI for me and I have a MTM wetsuit from them. The customer service they provide is second to none, have a real good chat to them about sizing and any options you want. Their p-valves are one of the better designs as well. I have yet to hear any bad news about the O3 suits and a lot of divers on the southcoast of England wear then for both commercial and technical diving. The Resin Inpregnated suit is quite thin but as tough as old boots, If I recall correctly the msf suit is basically the same as the DUI CF200 which is tough as well. Hope that helps ********************************* i have a o three suit and i love it. it is a ri 2.1, it has a neoprene neck and laytex wrist seals. so nice warm neck and undersuit fits right down to wrists. you would find the neoprene wrist are tight and restricted movement. i have front entry which makes life easy too, it has good braces and a good convineance zip for those like rushed moments. rounded off with a zip pocket on left with second pocket behind with d ring (good for cutting tool) and on the right the pocket like a abyss, room for spare mask and pocket reel and a spare smb if you wanted.all rounded off with a free mask strap, baseball cap, wax, inflater and bag too!! using a wezzle extreme under suit what a set up ***********************************
Davey_Willo	I think your right Ian I think the seals were the major grip with N.D. as you found out, but its nice to hear that they've made an effort to address the problem, they'll need to tho as there are more and more suits out there now of a fine quality, competition... its a wonderful thing
dizzy	I also have just acquired an O3 dry suit and the service has been exceptional.As for my suit it fits like a glove, so no more cold diving for me. O3 is definately the way to go. They get my vote everytime. I even want a new semi dry now.
PeterT	Dizzy, do you have a web address for O3? ~~ PeterT ~~ Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. [UNKNOWN]
AndyC	http://www.othree.co.uk
PeterT	Many thanks. ~~ PeterT ~~ Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. [UNKNOWN]