Cold water kit

3 OF THE BEST DRYSUITS

The right equipment Neil Hope argues is the key to successful cold water diving. Download our January 2015 issue for his full selection of cold water kit items

Words Neil Hope

BARE HDC EXPEDITION TECH  

Designed for the toughest of conditions and manufactured from Cordura, with Ripstop reinforcement at the sleeves, legs, knees, shoulders, crotch and seat, the Expedition Tech is a self-donning front entry suit which used in conjunction with Bare's base and mid-layer SB System offers a total solution to cold water diving. 

FEATURES

• Torso with elastic crotch strap, rear double anchor and adjustable quick release front buckle
• Anatomically shaped torso, arms and legs eliminates excess bulk and improves aqua dynamics
• Includes protective zipper cover
• 3mm neoprene neck seal
• 360 degree swivel inflator valve (default placement on the center of the chest)
• Adjustable low-profile exhaust valve (default valve placement on upper left arm)
• Includes suspenders
• HD Bottleneck latex wrist seals with talc bag
• 'Felled seam' construction and reinforced seam points
• M-PADz knee protection for flexibility and durability
• Comes standard with two Tech Pockets and the Tech Boot
• Delivered with backpack, LP Hose and zipper wax
• Includes heavy-duty duffel bag
• Available in custom made-to-measure sizes only

Price: £1669.15 | www.baresports.com

Waterproof D10 Pro ISS

The rear-entry D10 Pro is manufactured from a 3.5mm high density neoprene with a SD Toughtext inner lining. Kevlar reinforced boots and armoured dry zip with warm cuff and neck systems, rubber kneepads and reinforced shoulders make the suit extremely durable and the suit is further enhanced by Waterproof's Integrated Silicone Seal System that provides the ability to change wrist and neck seals within a matter of minutes.

FEATURES

• 3.5mm Mircocell neoprene  
• Reinforced anatomical Kevlar® boot for better durability and performance
• Pre-bent arms and legs provides a perfect anatomical fit
• Dual expandable pockets
• Heavy duty zippered cover for maximum protection of the dry zipper
• Reflective logos on neck and sleeves for high visibility
• Anatomically shaped, 3D knee/shin guard for hardcord protection
• Moulded finstrap anchor
• Easily exchangeable neck seal
• Padded wear resistant shoulders
• Seam-free underarm and crotch area 
• Swivelling inlet valve and adjustable automatic outlet valve
• Wrists are equipped with WP's Silicone Seals
• Warmneck solution from Waterproof with water drain valves and moulded fastener tabs
• New slim ovale wrist ring quick connector for wrist seals 

PRICE: £1,330 | WWW.WATERPROOF.EU

Fourth Element Argonaut Kevlar  

A lightweight but hard wearing suit, the Argonaut is made from military grade Kevlar with heavy duty latex seals at the neck and wrists. The telescopic body features a flexible front-entry composite zip and is designed to offer freedom of movement whether used with multiple layers beneath it for extreme cold or thinner undersuits for warmer conditions.

FEATURES

• Tech Boots made of 2.5mm compressed neoprene with reinforcement at heel and toes for maximim ankle flexibility or Standard Boots made of 4mm compressed neoprene for warmth and comfort, double reinforcment across the foot for durability. Both options feature an ergonomic footbed.
• Two large thigh pockets are supplied as standard, with wetnotes sleeve, bungee loops for securing equipment and secure hook and loop fastening
• The YKK Aquaseal composite zip is used in the cross chest entry, maximising flexibility and ease of donning
• A warm-neck collar combined with HD Latex neck seal
• Duratex tape is used to protect the outside of the seams from abrasion
• Duratex panels reinforce key wear areas including shoulders, elbows and knees
• Telescopic Torso design with elasticated crotch strap and internal braces
• Si-Tech inflate and deflate valves are supplied as standard
• Customised fit at no extra charge allows modification of arms, leg lengths and boot sizes

Price: £1,699 | www.fourthelement.com