Drysuit Boots or Socks?

@benheckendorn2696
#askmark
Hi Mark
I wonder what would you recommend, I'm looking for a drysuit. But I'm not sure if I should choose them with socks or boots.
Thanks, greetings from Switzerland
Ben
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver
LINKS
Become a fan: www.scubadiver...
Gear Purchases: www.scubadiver...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITES
Website: www.scubadiver... ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: www.godivingsh... ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FACEBOOK: / scubadivermag
TWITTER: / scubadivermag
INSTAGRAM: / scubadivermagazine
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Question
00:51 Drysuit Boots or Socks? We partner with www.scuba.com and www.mikesdives... for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel. The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.

[@gerranfin]

I think you missed an option: regular neoprene booties over the socks. These give you the best of both worlds. Socks on the suit (so that you don't wear out the boots), protection for the socks and they're quick to don/doff as they tend to be zip and not lace. Cheers!

[@alex6008]

I use 30USD pair of canvas Converse hitops as boots over neoprene socks. Vastly cheaper than attached boots, much easier to replace, I can invert my drysuit to dry it out/clean, canvas boots are easier to pack and lighter than boots, super easy to adjust for sock thickness. Put them into foot pockets on your fins when get home and there's no risk of forgetting them.

[@stevemichel801]

Nothing like Scuba Chuck's 👍

[@stanf7371]

Thank you Mark for this video. I’m looking into getting a dry suit for the first time. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts

[@epikarhu]

I'm just waiting for my Fourth Element Argonaut Stealth. Ordered it 2mo this ago and expected delivery will be mid September 😮 Damn, water will get warm again before I get it 😂

[@sparkyabq2718]

I use socks and rock boots. The boots I use have a velcro tab at the top that i use to secure my laces with so they do not come loose. I have flat feet and like my my footwear tight so intergrated boots do no appeal to me. I tie my boots when I have my drysuit only half way up so i do not have any issues tying them. Just my two cents to combat some of the issues that were mentioned.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

I use socks and use dive boots . Socks are easier to dry out. My rock boots keep unlacing

[@toadou8127]

Replace laces with bungee cord.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

@@toadou8127 I will try to find some that till fit…. Sounds like a great idea though

[@henrygoleau]

Hello Mark, I have 2 questions. 1. When you buy an off the rack drysuit, how accurate is the attached boots/socks sizing, or what if everything fits, except for your feet? Does that mean you'd have to go the custom route (or try another manufacturer)? 2. If you chose the sock/rock shoes option, do you have to purchase fins that will fit? I can't imagine fitting rock shoes in my jet fins. Are there rock-shoe specific fins out there that are a bit wider than regular booties? Thanks

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

1. they're pretty good. I spent a lot of time choosing which size combinations to stock and looking at the data the 'stock' boot sizes reflected what divers asked for. If you require a different size boot is does not become a M2M suit and you shouldn't need to pay any extra on a new suit. How most new suits are made is that the manufacturer will make the body but, leave the boots, seals and valves off until ordered. When a customer places an order they fit those parts. 2. Yes, you'll probably need a larger pair of fins. For example: with my 5mm boots I wear a size Large RK3 but, with my rock boots I wear a size Super. Some rock boots are quite thin but, you still have your undersuit sock, drysuit sock and rock boot that make your foot much larger.

[@henrygoleau]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine Thank you very much for the thorough answers and explanations. Your videos are great.

[@benheckendorn2696]

#askmark Hi Mark I bought the Mares Smart in black and white, as a back up divecomputer, because I love this color so much, but as we knew from masks, white may doesn't keep on being white, so I thought you may know a solution how I could clean or keep it as white as possible. Thanks Ben

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

It mainly comes down to protecting it from direct sunlight and staining agents. Wait for suntan lotion to soak into your skin completely before putting your computer on, keep it in a bag when it's not on your wrist. Some of the treatments to whiten plastics should be ok to use if it's starting to discolour.

[@benheckendorn2696]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine thank you so much for your message, I understand some discolor, are welcome to few divers, because everyone can see how much the equipment are used. My dive instructor, where I made OWD SSI, had a old neoprene and he was proud about, everyone can see he had more then 500 dives per year. ☺️👌 Somehow I love used-look, it's just because the dive computer had this gorgeous bright white, which I want to keep as long as possible.

[@markgardner8881]

Hi Mark thanks as always I have a request #askMark. Any chance You could do video on how to clean the inside of a dry suit mine is a neoprene one of that makes a difference. Thanks in advance Mark

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Sure, You just have to get in there with a hose and detergent. Planning is your friend washing a drysuit because you can quickly end up with a *heavy* suit and water everywhere. Organise a hanger, or a way to hang the suit by the feet to drip dry. Some divers build drying stands with PVC pipes that can run fresh air up to the feet and throughout the suit. That or a Hangair but those are best for the final moisture left inside not puddles in your boots. The valves don't require a lot of maintenance. Give them a wash from the outside with fresh water and remove any buildup on the inside.

[@markgardner8881]

Thanks Mark looks like a case of me overthinking appreciate your advice

[@epikarhu]

First! 😄

[@benheckendorn2696]

Thank you so much, I guess I would choose with boots. But I keep my eyes open, if someone would create a drysuit set with rock boots, so the cost would be a little bit less, but I guess I would buy with boots, just because it's much easier. 🫶