Dry Suit Opinions

[Vtach]

Jason pretty much hit it on the head in comparing trilaminate suits with neoprene.

The warmth/comfort factor with any "shell" suit really depends on what type of insulation is being used under the suit.  I've seen people complain how cold they are in their drysuit and find out they are wearing long underwear and a cotton sweatshirt/pant.  The undergarment is equally as important as the suit when it comes to comfort.  Don't go cheap on thermal protection.

I definitely prefer front entry.  I think the concern in the past had been zipper problems due to flexing between the shoulders and hips.  I have alway used front entry suits and never had zipper problems.

I have used a Typhoon which lasted for quite a few years and now I'm using a Bare Trilam ATR HD (5 years now and no problems).  Both were/are good suits but off the rack sizes, next suit I buy will be a custom.

I would recommend Bare, Diving Concepts or DUI (no particular order,all 3 are good) based on hearing from other divers along with my own experience.  If money is no object, get a custom fit suit.  I would also recommend adding the options of drygloves and a P valve.  You can probably expect 10 years or 1000 dives from a good, well maintained drysuit.