Aqua Safaris SCUBA CENTER
Let’s go diving!
sales@aquasafaris.comtel. 831-479-4FUN(479-4386)
Store Home

Accessories
Apparel
BCs BG
Accessories
Books
Booties
Cameras BG
Accessories
Compressors
Computers BG
Consoles
Dive Bags
Dive Lights
Diveskins
Dry Boxes
Drysuits BG
Fins BG
Gloves
Hoods
Knives BG
Maps/Slates
Masks BG
Packages
RebreathersBG
Regulators BG
Accessories
Safety
Snorkels BG
Spearguns BG
Tanks
Accessories
Tech Diving
Weights BG
Wetsuits BG

Policies
Manufacturers
View Cart
View CartBG next to product categories at left indicated that there is a Buyer’s Guide available.

Drysuits

If you’re tired of that first icy plunge into cold water with a wetsuit, perhaps it’s time to step up to a drysuit! We offer great suits from BARE and DUI in both stock and custom-fit sizes. But please note that you should get special training on the proper safe use of your new drysuit! If you don’t have suitable classes near you (or you live near us anyway), we’d be happy to help! We include a free Drysuit Class with every drysuit purchase. For an introduction to the range of drysuit products now available, see the Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page.
DUI CF200X Drysuit
• Patented crushed neoprene material
• Diagonal front-entry zipper
• Patented telescoping torso, suspenders, crotch strap
• Warm neck collar and zipper guard
• Apeks swivel inlet and adjustable automatic exhaust valves
• RockBoot system
• CF200 Industrial kneepads
• Color: black with blue or black overlay (except XXL: black-only)
• Includes DUI drysuit bag, talc and zipper ease.

Available in Stock Men’s sizes with some options for rapid delivery, or order the Special Production or Signature Series versions for a custom fit and more features and options. Click on the name next to the prices for complete ordering options.
Stock CF200X  $2,088.00

DUI CF200SE Drysuit
Same features as the DUI CD200X drysuit, but with a shoulder-entry zipper. The warm neck collar and zipper guard are available extra-cost options. Black only (no color overlay). Fewer stock sizes available. See configuration pages for details (click name next to price)
Stock CF200SE  $1,708.00

DUI CLX450 Drysuit
• Trilaminate material made of cordura blend butyl rubber/polyester and bottom made of polyester/butylrubber/polyester
• Diagonal front-entry zipper
• Patented QuickZip design, telescoping torso, suspenders, crotch strap
• Internal waist adjustment cord
• Warm neck collar and zipper guard
• Apeks swivel inlet and adjustable automatic exhaust valves
• Cordura overlays on shoulders and arms • Double layer material over knee area
• RockBoot system
• Latex wrist and neck seals
• Color: black
• Includes DUI drysuit bag, talc and zipper ease.

Available in Stock Men’s and Women’s sizes with some options for rapid delivery, or order the Special Production or Signature Series versions for a custom fit and more features and options. Click on the name next to the prices for complete ordering options.
Stock CLX450  $1,898.00

DUI FLX50/50 Drysuit
• Trilaminate material made of polyester/ butyl rubber/polyester on upper portion with * DUI’s patented CF200 material (crushed neloprene) on lower portion
• Diagonal front-entry zipper
• Patented QuickZip design, telescoping torso, suspenders, crotch strap
• Internal waist adjustment cord
• Warm neck collar and zipper guard
• Apeks swivel inlet and adjustable automatic exhaust valves
• CF200 Industrial kneepads
• RockBoot system
• Latex wrist and neck seals
• Color: Men’s black with gray and silver accent
       Women’s black with bluejay and royal accent
• Includes DUI drysuit bag, talc and zipper ease.

Available in Stock Men’s and Women’s sizes with some options for rapid delivery, or order the Special Production or Signature Series versions for a custom fit and more features and options. Click on the name next to the prices for complete ordering options.
Stock FLX50/50  $1,898.00

DUI TLS350 Drysuit
• Trilaminate material made of nylon/ butyl rubber/nylon
• Diagonal front-entry zipper
• Patented QuickZip design, telescoping torso, suspenders, crotch strap
• Internal waist adjustment cord
• Warm neck collar and zipper guard
• Apeks swivel inlet and adjustable automatic exhaust valves
• Cordura overlays on shoulders and arms
• Double layer material over knee areas
• RockBoot system
• Latex wrist and neck seals
• Color: Men’s black with blue and yellow or gray pipingt
       Women’s black with aqua and yellow or purple piping
• Includes DUI drysuit bag, talc and zipper ease.

Available in Stock Men’s and Women’s sizes with some options for rapid delivery, or order the Special Production or Signature Series versions for a custom fit and more features and options. Click on the name next to the prices for complete ordering options.
Stock TLS350  $1,613.00

DUI TLS-SE Drysuit
Same features as the DUI TLS350 drysuit, but with a shoulder-entry zipper. The warm neck collar and zipper guard are available extra-cost options. Also features a closer fit yet full freedom-of-movement design. Black with blue (men) or purple (women). Stock sizes only. Click on name below for ordering details and options.

DUI CN-SE Drysuit
• Material: 1.5-mm hyper-compressed neoprene with high-strength nylon
•Shoulder-entry zipper
• Elastic waistband/material control system
• Apeks swivel inlet and adjustable automatic exhaust valves
• CF200 Industrial kneepads
• RockBoot system
• Latex wrist and neck seals
• Color: black
• Includes DUI drysuit bag, talc and zipper ease.
• Warm neck collar and zipper guard available as extra-cost options.

Available in Stock Men’s sizes only with some options for rapid delivery.
Stock CN-SE  $1,138.00

DUI Delta Wings Buoyancy Control System
$598.00
Features

• Patented one-size-fits-all harness; back-mount style
• 2 movable bent D-rings on harness & 2 on bottom for accessories
• DUI’s patented auto-retract attachment system
• Stainless steel waist buckle
• Removable weight-integrated pockets easily hold 40 lbs.
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Removable crotch strap
• Adjustable epaulets
• Adjustable lumbar pad
• Tank locator strap
• Power inflator and pull-to-dump rapid vent valve. Can be used with alternate air source
• Manual bottom dump/overpressure valve
• Waist belt so DELTA BCS can be worn without weight integration
• Backmount bladders have dual shock-cords to lower profile
• Double-bagged, horseshoe style bladder
• Bladder lift capacity 58# and 35#

**Special Offer** With your purchase of a DUI Delta Wings BC System, non-weight-integrated, you may choose one DUI Weight and Trim system at no extra cost!
Quantity

DUI Weight and Trim System Classic
$110.00
• Weights adjust up and down.
• Comfortable fabric harness.
• Easily holds 40 lbs/18kg.
• Works with most any BC.
• Patented weight release system - weights can be removed one-half at a time.
See Size Chart for sizing assistance.
Quantity

DUI Delta Weight and Trim II
$110.00
• Weights adjust up and down.
• Comfortable fabric harness.
• Easily holds 40 lbs/18kg.
• Works with most any BC.
• Patented weight release system - weights can be removed one-half at a time.
See Size Chart for sizing assistance.
Quantity

DUI Thinsulate Jumpsuit
• One-piece jumpsuit available in Thinsulate™ Insulation 200 gram (200 gm/m2), Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation 400 gram (400 gm/m2)
• Two-way zipper
• Soft fleece lining
• Wind and spray resistant micro-fiber shell
• Hand-warmer pockets
• 400 is quilted
• Available in Special Production sizing
• Temperature rating: 200: 55°–65° F, 400: 40°–50° F
DUI Thinsulate 200 Jumpsuit   $321.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 200 Jumpsuit XXL   $369.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 200 Jumpsuit Special Production   $511.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 400 Jumpsuit   $378.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 400 Jumpsuit XXL   $426.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 400 Jumpsuit Special Production   $568.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate Skullcap   $48.00
Quantity
DUI Thinsulate 400 Booties   $57.00
Quantity

DUI Polartec Jumpsuit
• One-piece jumpsuit with Polartec Powerstretch fleece 560 gm/m2
• Two-way zipper
• Excellent fit for men and women with low bulk
• Fast drying
• Neck collar and two side pockets
• Available in Special Production sizing
• Temperature rating: 45°–60° F
DUI Polartec 560 Jumpsuit   $416.00
Quantity
DUI Polartec 560 Jumpsuit XXL   $464.00
Quantity
DUI Polartec 560 Jumpsuit Special Production   $606.00
Quantity
DUI Polartec 560 Booties   $74.00
Quantity
DUI Polartec 560 Hood Liner   $74.00
Quantity

DUI Actionwear
• Jumpsuits available in two thicknesses of polyester fleece: 150 and 300 gm/m2
• Two-piece design in 300 thickness
• Two-way zipper on jumpsuit
• Hand-warmer pockets
• Temperature rating 150: >65° F, 300: 45°–60° F
DUI Actionwear 150 Jumpsuit   $103.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 150 Jumpsuit XXL   $151.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Jumpsuit   $160.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Jumpsuit XXL   $208.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Jacket   $98.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Jacket XXL   $146.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Pants   $93.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Vest   $74.00
Quantity
DUI Actionwear 300 Pants XXL   $141.00
Quantity

DUI ThermalMax Jumpsuit
• Jumpsuit available in two thicknesses: 150 and 300 gm/m2
• Two-way zipper
• Fleece with wind and spray resistant micro-fiber outer shell
• Hand-warmer pockets
• Temperature rating 150: >65° F, 300: 45°–60° F

Material: Polyester fleece.
DUI ThermalMax 150 Jumpsuit   $169.00
Quantity
DUI ThermalMax 150 Jumpsuit XXL   $217.00
Quantity
DUI ThermalMax 300 Jumpsuit   $226.00
Quantity
DUI ThermalMax 300 Jumpsuit XXL   $274.00
Quantity

DUI Dry 5 Gloves
Latex wrist seals, integrated thermal liner. Available in either Maximum Dexterity (orange) or Heavy Duty (blue).
DUI Dry 5 Maximum Dexterity Gloves   $102.00
Quantity
DUI Dry 5 Heavy Duty Gloves   $112.00
Quantity

DUI SI Tech Gloves
Quick clamp and quick glove comfort rings fits most latex seals. Any type of glove with one smooth surface can be fitted. Glove length can be adjusted.
DUI SI Tech Rings Only   $78.00
Quantity
DUI SI Tech Rings with Maximum Dexterity Gloves   $138.00
Quantity
DUI SI Tech Rings with Heavy Duty Gloves   $148.00
Quantity

DUI SI5 Glove System
• Glove can be replaced with standard wrist seal
• Choice of Maximum Dexterity (orange) or Heavy Duty (blue) gloves
• Allows quick in-field change of gloves or wrist seals
• Allows unrestricted blood flow to the hands
• Allows variable insulation under the dry glove
• Allows air to go directly into the glove from the suit
• Easily donned and removed
• Includes wrist strap so glove won’t shift on hand
• All parts replaceable separately

System Includes: Rings installed on drysuit, one pair of gloves with straps, one pair of latex wrist seals, one pair of liners. You may also order rings with your new drysuit to use with your own gloves, an adaptor to accept neoprene gloves and wrist seals that mount to the rings so that you may use regular non-suit-integrated gloves.

DUI SI5 Rings (installed on drysuit)   $138.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Glove System with Maximum Dexterity Gloves   $230.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Glove System with Heavy Duty Gloves   $240.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Replacement Maximum Dexterity Gloves with Liners   $78.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Replacement Heavy Duty Gloves with Liners   $88.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Replacement Glove Liners   $40.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Adapter for Neoprene Gloves   $80.00
Quantity
DUI SI5 Wrist Seals   $38.00
Quantity

DUI Necklace for Drysuit
$10.00
Quantity

BARE XCD2 Tech Drysuit
• BARE’s patented ATR System (AUTOMATIC TORSO RECOIL).
• BARE’s exclusive NST (No Stitch Technology).
• 2mm hyper-compressed Metalite neoprene, laminated with Diamond-Tuff nylon.
• Self-donning front zipper with protective zipper cover.
• Optional Cuff-rings for Dry Glove System.
• Radar and light reflective patches.
• K-padz wear-resistant knee pads.
• Delivered with HD 7mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and low profile adjustable exhaust valve (default placement: left upper arm).
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.
Available in Men’s sizes only.
Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE XCD2 Pro Drysuit
Back-entry version of the XCD2 Tech.

• BARE’s patented ATR System (AUTOMATIC TORSO RECOIL).
• BARE’s exclusive NST (No Stitch Technology).
• 2mm hyper-compressed Metalite neoprene, laminated with Diamond-Tuff nylon.
• Easy entry back zipper with internal protective flap.
• Optional Cuff-rings for Dry Glove System.
• Radar and light reflective patches.
• K-padz wear-resistant knee pads.
• Delivered with HD 7-mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and low profile adjustable exhaust valve (default placement: left upper arm).
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.
Available in Men’s sizes only.
Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. This suit can also be purchased in custom-fit sizing for a surcharge of $199. Custom suits will be shipped within four weeks. You will need to complete a detailed measurement chart as well. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE CD4 Pro Drysuit
• BARE’s exclusive NST (No Stitch Technology).
• 4mm Compressed Metalite neoprene, laminated with Diamond-Tuff nylon.
• Easy entry back zipper with internal protective flap.
• Optional Cuff-rings for Dry Glove System.
• Radar and light reflective patches.
• K-padz wear-resistant knee pads.
• Delivered with HD 7mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and low profile adjustable exhaust valve.
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.
Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes. Color: Black with blue or red arms.

Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. This suit can also be purchased in custom-fit sizing for a surcharge of $199. Custom suits will be shipped within four weeks. You will need to complete a detailed measurement chart as well. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE D6 Pro Drysuit
• BARE’s exclusive NST (No Stitch Technology).
• 6 mm compression resistant Metalite neoprene laminate with “Diamond-Tuff” nylon Easy entry back zipper with internal protective flap.
• Optional cuff-rings fro Dry Glove System.
• Powertex knee protection.
• Delivered with HD 7mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360 degree swivel inflator valve and low profile adjustable exhaust valve (default placement: left upper arm)
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.
Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. This suit can also be purchased in custom-fit sizing for a surcharge of $199. Custom suits will be shipped within four weeks. You will need to complete a detailed measurement chart as well. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE Trilam ATR HD Drysuit
• BARE’S patented ATR System (AUTOMATIC TORSO RECOIL).
• Strong, 2 needle Felled-seam construction.
• Polyester Trilaminate fabric upper body, Corduralike Trilaminate fabric lower body.
• Self-donning front zipper with protective cover.
• Optional Cuff-rings for Dry Glove System.
• Radar and light reflective patches.
• K-padz wear-resistant knee pads.
• Lower-leg anti-inflation gaiter system.
• Delivered with HD 7mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and adjustable low pro file exhaust valve.
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.

Available in Men’s sizes only.
Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE Trilam ATR Light Drysuit
• BARE’S patented ATR System (AUTOMATIC TORSO RECOIL).
• Strong, 2 needle Felled-seam construction.
• Nylon Trilaminate fabric throughout.
• Extra layer of cordura-like Trilaminate fabric for lower leg protection (with drain holes).
• Self-donning front zipper with protective cover.
• Optional Cuff-rings for Dry Glove System.
• Delivered with HD 7mm neoprene vulcanized BARE boot or compression-resistant Soft Boot.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and adjustable low pro file exhaust valve.
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.

Available in Men’s sizes only.
Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. Be sure to study the BARE sizing charts carefully before choosing your purchasing options. (Boot size is specified by US Men's size; consult Size Chart for size cross-reference.) All BARE drysuits are finished to order by the manufacturer. BARE drysuits are shipped in approximately one week for standard sizes with no add-on options beyond your choice of boot and neck sea l (select one of each). Shipping is within three weeks if additional factory-installed options are selected. Study the size charts and measure carefully! Orders for drysuits are subject to a 30% restocking fee if you need to return them. If you are not confident of your ability to measure accurately, or you feel you have unusual fitting problems, you may wish to come into to our SCUBA Center for fitting assistance.

BARE Nex-Gen Drysuit
• BARE’s exclusive SWT (Seam Welded Technology).
• Nex-Gen weldable fabric throughout.
• Easy entry back zipper.
• Delivered with compression-resistant Soft Boot and latex neck and wrist seals.
• 360° swivel inflator valve and adjustable low profile exhaust valve.
• Delivered with storage/carry bag, LP hose, zipper wax and manual.

This low-cost drysuit is available in stock sizes only with no substitutions or customizations except for shoe size. The default soft boot size for each suit size is as follows:
Men's S: 8; M: 9; MTall, ML: 10; MLTall, ML, LTall, XL: 11; XLTall, XXL, XXXL: 12
Women's XS: 6, S: 7, M: 8, L: 9 (using US Men's shoe size)
See Shoe Size Chart for size cross-reference. Shoe size substitution is possible for an additional charge.
The Trek Boot is a recommended accessory.

BARE Custom Sizing
Add this option to your shopping cart if you wish to have a BARE drysuit (XCD2 Pro, CD4 Pro or D6 Pro only!) custom built to your size specifications.

Change BARE Drysuit Leg Length

Change BARE Drysuit Arm Length

Change BARE Exhaust Valve Position
Specify position in the text box on your shopping cart.

Add Second BARE Exhaust Valve Position
Specify position in the text box on your shopping cart.

Substitute BARE 5 mm Neo Wrist Seals
Give wrist measurement in the text box on your shopping cart.

Install BARE Cuff-Rings

Install BARE Convenience Zipper

Upgrade to BARE Heavy Duty Zip

Additional BARE Knife Pocket
One knife pocket on the right thigh is standard on XCD2 and CD4.

Additional BARE Standard Pocket
One standard pocket is included at no cost except on D6.

Add BARE Suspenders

BARE Trek Boots
For use with all BARE drysuits with installed soft boots. Provides superior traction and ankle support for rocky shore entries, boat decks and boat ladders.
Secure lace-up design with velcro ankle closure.
Thumb loop for easy donning.
Durable toe and heel cap.
Fin tab to prevent strap movement.
Color: black. Order same size as soft boot.

BARE CT-200 Polar Wear Extreme
• Ribbed knit cuffs & collar.
• 430 denier wear/friction knee pads and shoulder panel.
• Foot stirrups for secure fit.
• Thumb loops to eliminate sleeve movement.
• Extra long 2-way front zipper.
• Underarm grommets for body moisture venting.
• Functional placement of grommets around exhaust valve assists in venting air.
• Laminated three-layer fabric combination.
• 7.5 oz fleece / 3M B200 compression resistant THINSULATE™ covered in stylish / Anti-friction taslan.

Unisex design Color: Black
Consult Size Chart for fitting.

BARE T-100 Polar Wear
• Ribbed knit cuffs & collar.
• 430 denier wear/friction knee pads and shoulder panel.
• Foot stirrups for secure fit.
• Thumb loops to eliminate sleeve movement.
• Extra long 2-way front zipper.
• Underarm grommets for body moisture venting.
• Functional placement of grommets around exhaust valve assists in venting air.
• Quilted three-layer fabric combination.
• Brushed nylon liner / 3M C100 THINSULATE™ / Anti-friction taslan.

Unisex design
Color: black
Consult Size Chart for fitting.

View Cart Back to Top
© 2003–2007 Aqua Safaris, 6896 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062, tel. 831-479-4FUN (479-4386), sales@aquasafaris.com Privacy Statement
Drysuit Buyer’s Guide

While diving in cold water, are you interested in being warm, comfortable and dry? Then a drysuit is your ticket!

Drysuits for SCUBA diving incorporate air fill and purge systems to adjust buoyancy for depth.

Drysuits can be divided into five categories: neoprene, compressed neoprene, bilaminate, trilaminate, vulcanized rubber, and crushed neoprene.
Neoprene drysuits (also called semi-drysuits) are made of closed-cell neoprene similar to wetsuits. The quality of these suits can range tremendously both in their construction and the neoprene grade. The primary advantage of these suits is their relatively low cost, and that they do not use undergarments. The disadvantages include
  • these suits are relatively buoyant
  • buoyancy decreases with depth like a wetsuit
  • insulation decreases with depth like a wetsuit
  • the neoprene material has a limited life
  • expectancy—aproximately 200–300 dives (like a wetsuit)
  • the drysuit material tends to develop leaks over a short time
  • these are the least durable drysuits
In years past, neoprene drysuits were among the only drysuits available. We tend to not recommend neoprene drysuits due to the above factors. With the arrival of other material options, drysuit performance has dramatically improved.

Compressed neoprene is standard neoprene as above which has been compressed to reduce the size of the bubbles in the material. All the issues listed above apply to this material but to a lesser degree. These suits are sometimes confused with crushed neoprene, but the material is not at all the same.

The other drysuit materials have no inherent insulating value and use a shell construction to keep the diver dry. Separate thick insulating underwear is worn inside the shell to keep the diver warm.

Bilaminate material is the least expensive shell material. It consists of a nylon exterior with a plastic-coated interior. Our experience has been that the material holds up fairly well in non-abrasive environments. If you’re considering submitting your suit to a lot of rougher conditions such as wreck diving and frequent rock entries, then there may be better choices of shell material. The BARE NexGen suit is a bilaminate suit.

Trilaminate material has an exterior nylon layer, an interior butyl rubber membrane and an interior plastic coating. This material is durable, abrasive resistant and lightweight that stands up well to harsher environments. The more high-end models like the DUI CLX450 incorporate super-tough Cordura nylon. BARE and DUI both offer a selection of trilaminate suits.

Vulcanized rubber is a rubberized material that is glued together via a vulcanizing process. It makes a very durable drysuit which is easily patched even with the drysuit on. It is fast-drying, with limited stretch. This type of suit is rarely seen in sport diving because of its relatively high cost.

Crushed neoprene is a neoprene which is made extremely dense and relatively thin. It is a very durable material. It is most resistant to abrasion, very durable, semi-stretchy with slight inherent warmth. Compared with the trilaminate material, it is slightly more bulky and the post-dive drying time is longer. The DUI CF200 are the only crushed neoprene drysuits on the market.

There are a number of feature options to look at in all drysuits. There are two entry systems, back-entry and front-entry. Back-entry drysuits have zippers that go across the back from shoulder to shoulder. They are less expensive but require that the diver has assistance for both opening and closing. Front-entry (also called “self-donning”) drysuits have a zipper across the front which allows divers to get in and out by themselves. A further advantage for male divers can allow for urination without completely removing the suit.

There are two primary seal types: neoprene and latex. Neoprene has the advantage of being more durable and has insulation characteristics. The disadvantage is that it does not make as good a seal and is more constricting around the diver’s wrists and neck. Latex seals both on the wrists and neck are recommended by Aqua Safaris due to the fact that the sealing surface creates a more waterproof seal and is more comfortable.

Accessories: knife pockets, utility pockets, relief zippers, attached hoods, dry gloves, boot systems

Knife pockets allow the knife to be mounted on the drysuit, reducing the potential for entanglement and knife loss. Suggested mounting location is the outer thigh.

Utility pockets can be mounted anywhere. They do, however, tend to increase drag and should be considered carefully.

Relief zippers allow for out-of-water quick access for male divers. Alternatively, P-valves are also available. The P-valves require a male diver to wear a special condom. Few divers have a need for any relief systems. The good thing about diving dry is that you are warm, thus significantly reducing the need to urinate while diving.

Attached hoods integrate the hood and the drysuit maintaining a dry head for very cold water diving. A standard neoprene drysuit hood works well for most dive conditions.

Dry gloves are used for very cold water diving. They integrate with the drysuit, keeping the hands dry and warm. However, most divers find that standard 5 mm neoprene gloves are effective for all but extreme cold water.

We strongly recommend purchasing a drysuit with attached dry boots. There are two standard types. A vulcanized rubber boot attached to the drysuit has the advantage of being quick to take on and off. “Rock boots” are canvas boots placed over attached soft dry socks. The advantage of rock boots is that they fit snugly which eliminates the overinflation of the feet and loss of fins that can occur with standard attached boots. A further advantage is that the rock boots provide more sure footing for climbing and walkin on land. We recommend rock boots for most divers.

Drysuit Diving Undergarments

The drysuit itself keeps the diver dry; the underwear is what keeps the diver warm and is a very important component to the system not to be downplayed. The thickness of the underwear insulation should be matched to the water temperature and thermal requirements of the diver. One advantage of the shell system is that underwear can be changed or layered to adapt to different temperatures. Most underwear is available in two thicknesses. Typically the thicker version is sufficient by itself down to 40–45° F. You can use the thinner version by itself if you like to dive dry in warmer waters (above 60–65° F), but the most common use for the thinner version is for additional layering for diving in water below 40° F. The thicker the underwear, the more weight the diver will need to wear to compensate for the trapped air. Quality of underwear varies dramatically and is not well regulated. For example, you may see Polartec underwear advertise that is less than 12% Polartec, while quality Polartec underwear is 100% Polartec. The distinction is not always evident until the diver is in the water. A new revolutionary line of underwear in currently available from DUI called the Polartec Powerstretch jumpsuit. It is a super three-way stretch, very warm underwear with minimal bulk. While it is more expensive, it allows the diver maximum freedom underwater with minimal bulk and weight.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended solely to help in product selection for trained and certified divers and is in no way intended to substitute for formal training and certification.