Mares Isotherm Semi-Dry Suit – Review
Friday, December 4th, 2009After more than 200 dives, my trusty wetsuit finally gave up on me. This happened on what I would describe as the “posterior” seam and caused much amusement from my buddies!
I had decided it was time to convert to a semi-dry. Although I generally dive in water that’s never cooler than about 18 degrees, my blood has been thinned by living for years in the tropics.
After some research I went for the Mares Isotherm SemiDry in a 6.5MM thickness, and having completed a dozen dives I can now report my findings.
Suit Quality
The suit is beautifully made and really reeks of quality. It comes with an integrated vest and a matching hood to really ramp up the protection. The zip is a new design using plastic, which I’m a little wary of, but time will tell how well it stands up to use – the package did come with some silicon grease that I have liberally applied. I was slightly disappointed that the inner vest is attached – this means you can’t take it off, and given that I want to dive all year round in this suit, it may well prove to be too hot in the summer.
Getting in and out
Ouch! I had become so used to my worn out floppy wet suit that I really struggled at first. The leg, arms and neck seals are very effective, but very tight! For the first few dives, I needed help to get both in and out of the suit, but with use, things gradually became easier. You will need some kind of Vaseline of even sun tan lotion until the new suit starts to “give” a little.
Once on and zipped up though, the suit is incredibly comfortable. Mares has used what it calls “Trilastic” technology in the construction, which means the neoprene give in several directions – always useful when you have to incorporate those bulging bits some people call six packs.
In the water
I assumed I’d need more weight, but I underestimated how much more buoyant this suit would make me. I used to dive with 7 kilos, and upped it to 8 for this suit. I found out I needed nine and have had to re rig my weights accordingly. One thing that didn’t help at first was not thinking to release the trapped air through the collar seal when I was on the surface – a trick you soon learn.
The sealing is very good, and I’ve only noticed a little water seepage even on some very long dives. It is strange when it happens though, it feels like someone has run their hand down your arm or back! I’ve also had to get used to the trapped air in the suit, which moves when you invert or roll. You soon learn to compensate, but it’s something you don’t tend to think of in a wetsuit.
The Mares is very comfortable to wear, with thick knee pads which make it easy to settle on the sea bed.
Cleaning
The suit has a stunning royal blue lining, which is one reason it’s so comfortable, but it’s also hard to clean, particularly when it gets sandy. So cleaning after a dive is a bit more of a chore than it used to be, and of course the suit takes much longer to dry out afterwards.
Summary
Overall, I’m really impressed with the Mares – it’s well made, decent value for money, and now that I have got used to it, should provide me with more than enough insulation through the winter. As long as it lasts as long as my previous suit, I’ll be very happy.
You can order the suit and see lots of other choices at K2 Scuba!
