TESTCENTRE
Updating a classic
Divemaster Special Edition Drysuit
COMPANY : NORTHERN DIVER PRICE : £ 999
TEL : 01257 254444 WEB : WWW . NDIVER . COM
Northern Diver ’ s Divemaster drysuit has been the company ’ s most popular neoprene drysuit ever since it hit the market just after the turn of the century . Variations of the design have been used by military , commercial , technical and recreational divers over the years .
Having owned and used a Divemaster for nigh-on a decade before eventually passing it on to Hope junior , I was keen to assess the redesigned , 113-piece Limited Edition , unveiled at the Go Diving Show in March . Manufactured from 5mm Yamamoto compressed neoprene , the suit obviously bears the Divemaster DNA , with a familiar look and feel to its predecessors . Internally taped and externally liquid-taped seals provide the basis for what appears to be as watertight a suit as is possible . The soft , smooth neoprene cuff and neck seals fitted well , with an across-the-shoulder BDM metal dry zip protected via a hook and loop secured flap . What I liked about my older DM suit was the surprising amount of flexibility it afforded , and the LE was no different . The attached vulcanised boots were both comfortable and warm , with a slippery feel that helped with donning and removing my fins . A knobbly fin retainer located on the heel ensured they didn ’ t stray while in use .
Silicone printing has been used throughout the suit , as both reinforcement ( over Kevlar kneepads , seat , shoulders ) and for non-slip grip for wrist-mounted devices such as computers and other instruments .
ND ’ s own-brand V-Tech inflator , situated dead centre on the chest , and its corresponding dump valve at the left shoulder , are probably as low profile as you can get . It ’ s touches like this that make it easier to put on your kit without the irritation of snagging a BCD strap .
The two thigh pockets have different functions . On the left is a Velcro-close bellows pocket , complete with internal plastic and external stainless steel D-rings . This also has a stretch-neoprene side panel suitable for storing a knife . I was able to stash a reel and dSMB in there with no problem at all .
To the right is a transporter-style pocket . This one is zipped with a front MOLLE ( Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment ) panel , which allows knives , small torches or tools to be easily attached . Both pockets have quick-draining eyelets , so you don ’ t end up with an ocean-full of water when you surface .
The compressed nature of the neoprene material also meant that I required only a very small increase in lead from my wetsuit diving rig , mainly to compensate for any air added to prevent suit squeeze on descent .
The inner of the suit is lined in a red nylon material for added thermal efficiency . Using the same Northern Diver undersuit that had served me so well with my original Divemaster suit felt like diving with an old friend . The Limited Edition is supplied with a carry bag / changing mat , inflation hose , a repair / maintenance kit and before I forget , a very warm and comfortable matching 5mm neoprene hood . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
If you liked Northern Diver ’ s original Divemaster drysuit then you ’ ll love the redesigned Limited Edition version .
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