When you first try on our dry suit, you’ll notice that the latex seals at the neck and wrists are quite snug. This is intentional, as these seals effectively prevent water from seeping in, ensuring you stay dry while in the water. However, you may need to make some adjustments to achieve the best fit. Below is a simple guide to help you safely and effectively trim the seals of your dry suit.
1. Adjusting the Neck Seal
Let’s start with adjusting the neck seal:
- Flip the Seal: Turn the neck seal inside out to observe the concentric rings running parallel along the seal.
- Trim the Rings: Only trim one ring at a time. Carefully cut between the rings using sharp scissors.
- Alternative Method: Place the neck seal inside out on a metal can. Use a sharp blade (such as a utility knife) to carefully cut between the visible rings.
After trimming, check the fit of the seal. If necessary, repeat the steps until you achieve the desired snugness.
2. Trimming the Wrist Seal
Next, let’s look at trimming the wrist seals:
- Mark and Trim: Only trim 1/8 inch at a time, up to a maximum of 1 inch. Use a ruler to mark a circular line on the seal, offset from the edge of the cuff by 1/8 inch.
- Cut the Cuff: Carefully cut along the marked line at the cuff’s end using sharp scissors. Assess the fit and repeat the steps if needed.
3. Confirm the Fit
After adjusting the seals, have the user put on the protective suit to determine the seal limits and waterproof characteristics. Make any additional adjustments necessary to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
4. Important Notes
After trimming, visually inspect the cut edges for any notches. If the cuts are not smooth, carefully trim any irregularities. You may find that there are burrs on the cut edges, which, while not aesthetically pleasing, can usually be left as is.
Conclusion
Once all adjustments are complete, you can confidently and comfortably jump into the water! With the proper trimming, you will experience the best performance from your dry suit, whether you’re in a calm lake or rough ocean waves.
We hope this guide helps you! If you have any questions or need more advice, please feel free to reach out to us.