Semi-Dry Wetsuits . . How well does this work?

[aw]

Got a cave diver buddy eventually getting back in the water but needed a new wetsuit. He's not interested in going dry yet. I had noticed semi-dry wetsuits for sale at Ginnie once. But didn't really understand the concept. And I suggesting he look into it.

Anybody got experience with this? How does it work? Cost? preferred brand. etc, etc.

[Cave Ranger]

I have one and there is not one part of my body that stays dry or semi-dry. I know, I know, TMI.
The difference between a wetsuit and a semi-dry wetsuit is that the semi-dry has seals around the wrists and ankles and a neoprene baffle that you pull over your neck and shoulders inside the suit. It does a better job of keeping warm water (and pee) in the suit and prevents cold water from flowing through so in theory you stay warmer. They usually also have a built in hood which does a better job of keeping cold water from going down the back of your neck.
Mine is made by "Tilos" and is 7mm around the torso, 5mm arms and legs, and 6mm hood. It cost around $200.00 and keeps me pretty toasty in 68-72 degree water for well over a two hour dive time.
They do hold in your pee though. I have a buddy who even installed a P-valve in his but I won't because I have found that stewing in my own urine keeps my skin supple and young looking. It also keeps other divers from getting too close to me while suiting up.

[BillBowden]

I use an Atlan semi-dry I bought at Ginnie. A 7/5 I think. Very comfortable and no "slosh" flowing through the suit. I added a 5mm sleeveless shortie to wear over it. Works pretty well for swim dives up to 2 hours w/short deco. For scootering, deep, or long deco dives, I dive dry.

After diving dry for years, I was really surprised at how much less gas I used diving semi-wet. Good compomise for someone getting back into it.
Bill

[Me]

Sounds like a case of Sink The Stink is a needed purchase in addition to the semi-dry.

I had a Mares one in the mid-90's before I bought my first drysuit. If the seals aren't snug enough on your wrists and ankles, you might as well just go with a regular wetsuit.

I didn't dive it long before I bought a cheap O'Neill drysuit. Dived the heck out of that puppy, patching with Aquaseal & Cotol every night before it finally gave up the ghost. Went DUI and never looked back.

[skip]

i love my semi-dry. had it for 5 years, keeps me toasting warm and it's some off-brand internet 5mm with front zip from shoulder to shoulder.

-skip

[Angie Reim]

I use an Atlan semi-dry I bought at Ginnie. A 7/5 I think. Very comfortable and no "slosh" flowing through the suit. I added a 5mm sleeveless shortie to wear over it. Works pretty well for swim dives up to 2 hours w/short deco. For scootering, deep, or long deco dives, I dive dry.

After diving dry for years, I was really surprised at how much less gas I used diving semi-wet. Good compomise for someone getting back into it.
Bill

That's why I'm sticking with a neoprene drysuit. I affectionately call it my seep suit but who cares? I keeps me warm but also gives me some of the streamlining that you get from a wetsuit. I like the redundant inflation that I can use in a pinch with the neoprene drysuit version. Can't get that with a semi-dry. Though I did use a semi-dry for many years until it 'shrunk' beyond its useful life.

[Wizard]

I was at Steve Gamble's one night while he did an emergency repair for me. When I ask him about a semi-dry he looked up at said "You have no body fat, you'd freeze".
That was reason enough for me to stay dry.

[Cave Ranger]

Sounds like a case of Sink The Stink is a needed purchase in addition to the semi-dry.

Nah. I just splash on a little Old Spice.

[Me]

Sounds like a case of Sink The Stink is a needed purchase in addition to the semi-dry.

Nah. I just splash on a little Old Spice.

A girl in every port, eh? (seems unlikely with the Pee/Old Spice combo essence)

[Angie Reim]

I was at Steve Gamble's one night while he did an emergency repair for me. When I ask him about a semi-dry he looked up at said "You have no body fat, you'd freeze".
That was reason enough for me to stay dry.

I admire Steve. He knows his stuff.