Ultimate Dry Suit? - Scuba Tech Tips: S14E13

Ordering a custom dry suit used to need dozens of tape measurements to have an OK fit. Alec learned how to order a custom measured dry suit and guaranteed fit with only 10 minutes and 2 measurements!
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[@OrionRox]

Perfect timing video! I did some dives last weekend with 2 piece 7mm wet suit, the water temp was 7c when I was at 60 ft, and I just started to look for the dry suit!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh wow! Lots of dry suit choices so shop around to see what you really need. A

[@mgibso]

So glad to have found Alec Peirce’s videos as a new diver! Looking for a tech rig to purchase soon so his videos are such a great resource! -Thank you guys for your time, advice, and support!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you very much. Lots to learn to buy smarter, better understanding of scuba gear workings and safer too. Watch my Vintage Scuba and Sea Hunt Remembered for diving back in the 'stone age' days. A

[@urbaniv]

That really looks impressive. And the idea behind the pocket is great. Always good to see when a product is made by people who use their own products so they know about those little things.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I know drysuits from my first front twist and tie to my arctic diving suit used today. Glad you like my little rant. A

[@timgosling6189]

I love 4th Element gear, and in fact I'm wearing some as I sit here, and this drysuit looks great, really well thought out. Two things though: First, I know you're joking Alec but you really don't need to be some sort of circus performer to get into a front zip suit. My suit doesn't concertina like this one and even with an old shoulder and back injury I have no trouble. The concertina gives you loads of room to get it over your head and then the crotch strap snugs everything up once you're in. Second, I'd hope that someone taking their diving forward by investing in one of these already knows that their feet should almost always be above their head. In fact managing the amount of air in your legs and feet is one of the tricks in always keeping perfect trim. The ankle straps are useful to keep things secure but a bit of air is not always a bad thing. Some good instruction and time in a buoyancy gym and it will not be a worry. Great service by the company on the custom fitting!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I know you love diving, but, sitting in a drysuit now? Not on a dive are you? Forgive my theatrics but at my age, and loss of mobility, what was so easy at 30 is a bi@*@h at 75. Good points to share with everyone Tim. A

[@timgosling6189]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Actually I'm wearing that 4th Element zip hoodie made from recycled plastic. But when actually diving I've found the Xerotherm, XCore and Thermocline stuff really good too.

[@CrazyGuyBlahBlah]

This video is what sold me on the Argonaut 3.0 this week. Ordered, now waiting.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I know you will love it. Amazing how simple it is to get a custom suit ordered in 5 minutes. A

[@Hamolelklek]

Great video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it A

[@blondie-1112]

You remind me so much of my uncle. You are so wholesome. If you ran a shop near me, I would be there anoying you several times a week 😂

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thank you. A

[@sammoyers905]

Hey, Alec. As always, great video. I dove in a Poseidon Unisuit for twenty years starting in 1979. I loved it and entertained many with the gyrations required to get into the Unisuit. Diving it required a lot of weight, but I rarely got wet. And if I did, it was because I held the exhaust button too long. I am currently saving my retirement pennies to order a Fourth Element Argonaut. Thanks again for the look at this advanced custom drysuit.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful and I remember the Unisuits, a Circ-du-sole acrobat could not get into one easily. A

[@sammoyers905]

@Alec Peirce Scuba Ain't that the truth. I can't imagine trying to get into a Unisuit now at 64 with my back and shoulder...

[@HWill-ol9lg]

Alec, I hope you make all of Kevin's bloopers errors just for fun; Hi Steve, Thank you for an easy way to get a new dry suit. ;-)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

We have come a long way from the first 3 series where every video something went wrong. Kevin did one blooper video at the end of season 3. Since then he has smarted up a lot and they are few or he cuts them out. Glad you like our videos. A

[@zerovisdiver]

I just got mine after around 5 months of waiting, used in the pool once and no leaks. Used it in the lake and it was already leaking around the tech pockets. My last two dives I was able to feel the leak coming from around there, not sure if it was the p-valve hose letting in water or something went wrong with the seams in the pocket. With the undergarment I have it is tolerable and I have a few more dives lined up so I can't just go back to my LDS at the moment. Other than that it fits great and is an awesome suit.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for sharing and hope your leak gets fixed quick. Winter ice diving is coming. A

[@paulbaratta1566]

Great to see you my dive brother! Took drysuit course and have not done any this year, but it was a fun class with Sean at UnderSea Divers in Danvers, MA

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Its a perfect time for Ice Diving to really appreciate your drysuit. Or be like Kevin and use only all natural extra insulation!! Take care my friend. A

[@kevindavison6019]

Went for a dive yesterday in my new custom fit drysuit. Took two tries for the company (not 4th E) to get it made ok, I didn't want to send it back a second time so I accepted close enough. 41deg in the atlantic in Maine. I was warm enough for a short dive but probably looking into different gloves to keep the fingers from screaming at me.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They do have heated dry gloves now if you can't find gloves to keep you warm. My hands are the coldest joints when diving so I know your pain. A

[@edwardwhitehill6658]

What are your thoughts on a compressed neoprene suit like the Pinnacle Tahoe versus a shell for cave diving? Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm no longer a cave diver so best to get experts input. Post that question on www.scubaboard.com for a wide communities feedback. A

[@Sicel1304]

Hi Alec, Do you think there's any difference when it comes to custom-fit dry suit brands? My LDS prefers DUI dry suits for whatever reason. Thanks for your time!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A custom fit, done by an experienced LDS has many key measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit. The technology used for photo measurements is new, less invasive than a tape measure in the crotch and gives a very good fit. Check before ordering the process if the fit is not perfect: how may changes are allowed (1, 2 or no limit?). Good luck. A

[@edwardwhitehill6658]

I see three options available…Flex, Stealth, and Stealth Hybrid. Read 4th Elements explanation of each, but since I have never used one, but am looking to purchase my first one…could really use some feedbacks from experts. Looking at 58-70 degree temps and preparing to get trained on cave diving. Thanks Ed

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Best to visit your LDS to feel the different types and talk about your dive preferences to get the best match. Dry suits are a big investment so researching and trying they on makes for a happier purchase. Good luck. A

[@kevingumfory]

I've dove many drysuits before I finally sprung .... I opted for the waterproof D7X. I've never been in a 4th element or scubapro that even came close ! It was 3 times the money .... I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have been in 40 degree fresh water in multiple undergarment setups. Some of them were painful (literally) but other were just fine. I might add none were official underwater garments for diving. I love my waterproof !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

When I started diving in drysuits, we all used long underwear! It was free and sometimes warm. Glad you found setup that works perfectly for you. Happy diving. A

[@scubacro5758]

I was just at my lds and guy said fourth element will cost me €500 more than D7X. Not sure who scamed you and took three times the money

[@Mike.4639]

Been diving with semi dry scubapro novascotia and im a very happy customer, never felt the need for a dry suit , even after several dives in 14 C and bellow feels warm enough. On the other side have seen many guys with cold using dry suits, not to mention the arms are always soaked. The neoprene drysuits seems to barelly last 2 years under heavy use, are these trilaminates any better?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The only place a drysuit could leak is the neck seal. Gloves are locked in and boots are integrated. The material is dependant on how hard/ruff a diver you are (scraps from wreck dives for example). New materials are tough and flexible which really helps in comfort. Take a look for a drysuit seminar at your LDS or at a scuba meet. It's a big investment but if you want year round diving, its a good idea. A

[@Mike.4639]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter , not my experience Alec. Worked with instructors using quality neoprene drysuits and many times they complain having the arms soaked. Wrist seals seem to be the problem - not all dry suits have latex seals.

[@garyhumphrey8936]

I haven’t been diving in years but I duck hunt and would buy one of these if it came camo. The two dry suits I have are two bright in color to use for hunting.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Would a gillie suit for over this? That would be great cammo. A

[@garyhumphrey8936]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter might be a bit excessive. I wear chest waders now and a heavy coat which works well until you fall in. I also think you would stay warmer in a full suit. There is a company that makes one in camo but is very basic.

[@MegaEpicLlama]

It looks so similar to my Ursuit drysuit. I wonder if they come from the same factory?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ask on www.scubaboard.com, they could help you. A

[@amcaesar]

This looks like as superb dry suit -- oh yeah, I did swear I was never getting into cold water again though.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Check it out and other drysuits at your LDS. Cold should not be a problem anymore, wet or dry. They have heated core vests and gloves if you're a wetsuit diver. A

[@z00ropa]

I hate my drysuit with every fiber of my being. My youtube profile picture is one of the few dive days my suit didn't leak. Just went diving two three weeks ago with it, first dive looked up and water poured in through the neck seal. It's just the price tag of a new suit is so high, I could spend a week in Baja diving for the same cost of the drysuit. But.. some friends have some custom fitted suits they love, they never leak and I have drysuit envy (even though I much prefer diving a wetsuit).

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm with you on 'dry' drysuits. I have used many types from rec to commercial. It's a great dive until you feel that trickle of ice cold water down your backside. A

[@Robert_H_Diver]

That’s why you get a custom cut suit…sounds like your neck seal is too big…might wanna change it out if possible, and get one of the “bio seal” beck seals to put under your neck seal. If you ever look at getting a custom suit, get a Seaskin nova. $1100 custom trilam fully kitted out.

[@MichaelStrrp]

You can get pretty cheapish drysuits custom made from the British Seaskins. Have a friend who lives his. I had a lot of problems with my suit as well in the start (the third one I bought used) but having fixed holes a bunch of times and installed the right seals I really came to love it. The only thing I dive now even in the summer. When you get the right suit it's really great.

[@benheckendorn2696]

I have seen them in Zurich in a divestore, I know it's difficult to compare with the price, but it could give you a idea. Regular dry suit made by waterproof CHF 2000.- fourth element 2500.- so 500 sounds maybe much, but if you compare what you get it's almost nothing. This is why I prefer to wait maybe a few months more to buy one, but I believe it's more then worth. Secoundly you should never just look at the price, you should look what you get. I know is a bit extrem, but I could offer you a dry suit for less then $70 ( jeans and t-shirt) it's a dry suit as long as you don't go into the water. :) This is why I always recommend not just takeing care of the price.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Having sold drysuits for decades, fit and comfort is first for me. Leaking in cold water every dive will make you regret a lower or higher suits price. A

[@oktovianusmauri-ep3lc]

this is an amazing wetsuit...i would love to have one but where can i get one. good health and success always for you sir😍🙏🏼🙏🏼😘

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Has to be from an authorized dive shop so check your stores or look on the Fourth Element web site to find a local dealer. So quick and easy it's almost like magic. A

[@oktovianusmauri-ep3lc]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter OK, I'll try to find the nearest online shop... hopefully I can find a wetsuit product of your🙏🏼🙏🏼.

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎😎🇵🇭🤿

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. A

[@Teampegleg]

No pee valve?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh yes (left or right leg). This is the store owners wife's new suit. A

[@Teampegleg]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I didn't see one, might just be out of frame.

[@Robert_H_Diver]

I love my drysuit. If the water is less than 72 F I’m diving dry

[@Exploring_Nature]

🤣I dive with 5mm in 16 C

[@Robert_H_Diver]

@@Exploring_Nature yea I’m a big baby 😂 depends on the outside air temp too though…

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good to hear and that you love using it. Interested in trying Ice Diving? Come on up to Canada my friend. We do it 11 1/2 months of the year, HA. A

[@Robert_H_Diver]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I will one day!!