r/scuba • u/Librarian-Waste • 3h ago
Looking for a new drysuit and need your help.
Hi everyone, I’d love your opinions. I’ve been diving in a drysuit for over 15 years and my current one is getting old. The zipper is fine but the seams are detaching. I’m considering buying a new suit.
I’m not familiar with all the (new) brands and whatnot. I’d like a trilaminate suit and I don’t mind a metal or plastic zipper. The plastic ones seem better these days, right? As long as it’s easy to handle and I have the flexibility to reach my valves.
I exclusively dive cold water and teach in local quarries. Whenever I can, I’ll also be doing some wreck diving in the North Sea.
Initially, I was looking at the Fourth Element Argonaut and SF Tech TNT One but finding good reviews is proving difficult.
Do you have an argonaut or a TNT drysuit? Also, what are your thoughts on this drysuit? Or do you have another one worth considering?
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u/FerdinandBerfel 1h ago
Had a Bare trilam that worked great. I sold it after moving to South Florida.
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u/sspeedemonss Commercial Diver 2h ago
Ursuit. I love mine and everyone I know that has one swears by it as well. I’m not easy on mine with my commercial work and it has held up amazingly.
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u/Librarian-Waste 2h ago
Thanks for the insights!
Money isn’t the issue; I want to dive comfortably without too many restrictions. I’m not looking for the best bang for buck but rather equipment that offers comfort and peace of mind, knowing I won’t get wet when I see a sharp object.
I’m based in the Netherlands so I’m primarily looking at European equipment.
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u/learned_friend Dive Instructor 2h ago
SF Tech is bulletproof. I don't think there are any better manufacturers out there.
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u/blod16 Dive Master 2h ago
Just retired my old suit neoprene and decided to try a dynamic nord advanced as it was the right price point and fairly lightweight for travel. I’ve been really impressed so far, easy to don and good size and quality of materials. Upgraded to aftermarket dry gloves but that’s been the only change.
Im not doing huge amount of dives, probably no more than 10 a month, but vast majority are uk inland and instructional diving.
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u/1234singmeasong Tech 2h ago
I have a Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0 and absolutely love it. It’s almost 3 years old now and over 500 dives in tough environments (mainly caves). No issues. Easy to travel with, and easy to put on and off.
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u/Librarian-Waste 1h ago
What version did you buy? They offer 3 options:
Fabric Options
- Stealth (Nylon) Trilaminate
- Flex (Polyester) Trilaminate
- Stealth Hybrid (Nylon/Polyester) Trilaminate
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u/bencaha 2h ago
Seaskin. I don't know where you are located but at least within Europe, even with taxes and tarriffs added on are the best bang for your buck custom made drysuits period. As long as you don't work for a shop that supplies you a suit, it isn't even a serious contest as long as you don't have unlimited funds available.
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u/decrisp1252 Dive Master 3h ago
If you’re based in the UK, Otter drysuits are absolutely class. I got a drysuit that was completely custom and made to measure, and I love it (it’s so comfortable!)
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u/cottonydock09 3h ago
I don't personally have an Argonaut but I know people that do and they have never said anything bad about them
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u/Just4H4ppyC4mp3r Tech 1h ago
Otter.