Wet Suit vs Dry Suit- best for ocean & bay ???

Any opinions? what is best for comfort, warmth and safety?

Any opinions? what is best for comfort, warmth and safety?

Drysuit or 2-piece semi-drysuit.  That said, most use a wetsuit because it is cheaper.  I've got my eyes on this and this.

Do a little research on the boards because this topic has been discussed ad nauseam.  Use the search function.

Michael

For fishing use in the ocean, I'd give the nod to a drysuit. It's definitely going to be warmer. I think it's a lot more comfortable, with the one issue being that of needing to stay mindful of overheating. Safety is a bit of a toss-up, as though the drysuit will keep you warmer when immersed (assuming your insulating layers are chosen properly) there's always the chance of a leak. Drysuits really have a tendency to leak as the years go by - gaskets, zippers, pinholes, abrasion, fabric delamination... you name it, it's out there waiting to get you wet.

I admit - I've considered using a two piece suit. But where the lower half is a bib, not pants. I'd really want to wring it out before taking it out in the big blue. I remain extremely skeptical of a pants/jacket combination's ability to keep you dry (and thus warm and alive) while in the water for hours while swimming. Seriously folks, forget about the "I popped off the boat and remounted and it only leaked a tiny bit" test. Tell me you did a whitewater rescue class in a two piece and stayed dry, or you swam half a mile and stayed dry. Do that, and I'll admit you've tested the combination.

Regards,
Ole stick in the mud.

Interesting.  I would think that a 1 piece dry suit would have a better chance of keeping you dry than a 2 piece. seems the fewer locations for water to get to your body the better.

Interesting.  I would think that a 1 piece dry suit would have a better chance of keeping you dry than a 2 piece. seems the fewer locations for water to get to your body the better.

Obviously, but the cost of the dry suit approaches - if not exceeds - $700, where the 2 piece pant and jacket is a tad over $300.

Michael

Interesting.  I would think that a 1 piece dry suit would have a better chance of keeping you dry than a 2 piece. seems the fewer locations for water to get to your body the better.

Obviously, but the cost of the dry suit approaches - if not exceeds - $700, where the 2 piece pant and jacket is a tad over $300.

Michael

First of all, ask your wife/kids/parents/friends if you're worth a few extra Benjamins. As well, you should look at the less expensive suits from Palm/NRS/Kokatat - prices are in the $4xx-5xx range:

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1174
http://www.shopatron.com/index/1206.0.43335.0.0.0.0
http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=PLM-C170/1206.0.43335.43339.0.0.0

Scott

Interesting.  I would think that a 1 piece dry suit would have a better chance of keeping you dry than a 2 piece. seems the fewer locations for water to get to your body the better.

Obviously, but the cost of the dry suit approaches - if not exceeds - $700, where the 2 piece pant and jacket is a tad over $300.

Michael

First of all, ask your wife/kids/parents/friends if you're worth a few extra Benjamins.

Hold on Scott, don't direct this at me.  I'm just stating the facts and I'm definitely not trying to tell anybody what to wear or what not to wear.  I certainly don't disagree with you, yes drysuits are the way to go and everybody is worth the few extra hundred dollars, but lets face it, not everybody can afford it, especially in the economic situation the country currently finds itself in.

Michael

SBD did a bunch of surf/wave riding at Albion in his 2 piece set up. I think he said he rolled it once and had didn't get wet inside.

IMO, it's really pretty simple

Comfort or Safety

ask that question first, gauge it against the circumstances,

If a dry suit leaks a fair amount, say enough to soak your undies, and you end up in the water (ocean) for a fair period of time, that cheap wetsuit is gonna look like a better idea.  Well the right wetsuit anyway, the 3mil ain't gonna keep you all that safe for very long.

I go solo allot so I plan for the worst, say 2 hr in the water.

Great feedback. Thank you.

* Dress for immersion = no matter how skilled you are on the water, be prepared to be "in it" . I can't afford a dry suit so I wear a 3mil farmer john and layer up depending on the weather and conditionss.

Also:

* Communications = VHF radio / cell phone - and always leave a float plan with someone.

"Float Plan" a message via text,email,note on the fridge or whatever stating where you are planning to launch and land and a time frame.

I've had more close calls in the Bay that I ever did in the ocean...becareful out there!!! Be smart enough to call it a day when conditions are not favorable. Fish are not worth dying for - know your limits.

...just my 2 cents