AboutMike Giles Expertise I am a Master Scuba Instructor with over 6000 dives. I can answer questions on general diving techniques, diving education and diver training. I can offer suggestions on the use and selection of proper dive equipment, general maintenance of dive equipment as well as diving equipment repair. I can also offer suggestions on air conservation techniques and buoyancy control. As a dive shop owner for 17 years, I can offer suggestions on starting/running a dive business.
Experience I have been diving for 52 years, teaching diving for 47 years and owned a diving business for 17 years. I am a certified regulator repair technician for several different brands and a certified scuba cylinder inspector.
Organizations I am currently a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Divers Alert Network (DAN), International Resort and Retailer Association and the Better Business Bureau
Publications Undercurrent magazine and Divers Chapbook
Education/Credentials I am a Master Scuba Diver Trainer with 15 distinct specialty instructor ratings, Rescue Diver Instructor, Medic-First Aid Instructor and I have degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biology and Radiologic Technology.
I have the opportunity to purchase a 1 year old DUI Flex dry suit for $600. If I want a new suit I will need a custom one as none of the regular sizes fit me (I'm big). The used suit I am looking at is actually a little big me, the arms and legs are a little long. I can put the suit on and it appears that all of the seals should line up ok, but the suit is a little baggy. Do you think this suit would work for me? I am certified to dive in dry suits but have only done it through the PADI course and I have never owned one.
Thanks,
Nathan
Answer Hi, Nathan
Thanks for your inquiry about the used DUI drysuit. I'm not an expert in dry suits since most of my diving has been in tropical waters. I'll give you my opinion but I hasten to add that I'd consult with a local dive shop who handles drysuits for a second opinion.
If the suit is too big, the fabric may tend to overlap under pressure and to keep it from doing that, you may have to add an excess amount of air. That, of course, will screw up your bouyancy. If it's only slightly too big, this might not be a problem. The price is good if the suit is in good condition. Your best bet would be to actually dive the suit and see how it fits under pressure. That's a reasonable request and it will also give you an opportunity to really check the seals and be sure there are no cracks or pinholes in the fabric. If the owner is hesitant to loan the suit, perhaps you can arrange with a dive shop to take the suit into their pool.
Nathan, I apologize for not being better informed on dry suits but I hope this information will help you in your decision.
