After the zip, the seals are the next important part of a drysuit. They create a seal between your neck, wrists (and possibly your ankles) and the suit, preventing water getting inside.
For the neck and wrists there are two options, either latex or neoprene.
For the feet you get latex socks, but some suits allow for ankle seals or hard sole boots to be fitted (please contact us).
Seals are best considered as consumables and are likely to require replacing during the life of the drysuit.
Latex Seals
Latex Seals offer the most waterproof seal when compared to neoprene, especially for the neck.
The Latex Neck Seal has a large bellow allowing you full movement of your head without restriction.
Both the Neck and Wrist Seals are tapered and supplied small, allowing you to cut the seals to suit your size using guide rings on the inside.
Latex Ankle Seals can be fitted to most of our drysuits as an option.
Neoprene Seals
Neoprene seals are warmer to wear compared to latex seals and are sometimes considered more comfortable. They also have a tendency to last longer.
The waterproofness is considered not to be as good although in a sailing application we have found the wrists to be pretty reliable, and it's the neck where you are more likely to feel any seepage.
The size of the seals generally isn't adjustable .
It can be difficult for neoprene neck seals to seal correctly on Juniors since their heads are larger by proportion to their necks, and a neoprene seal which fits over their head could be quite loose on their necks. Latex seals can be fitted for this reason.
Which Drysuit Seals Are For You?
For most surface watersports we'd recommend having Neoprene Neck & Wrists and this is what we fit as standard to most of our Drysuits, then maybe change to latex if you are going to spend lots of time capsizing and or hitting the water at speed. For canoeing we'd recommend latex wrists and if you are whitewater canoeing, kite surfing, Wing foiling then latext neck seal as well.
As For The Feet - in most instances Latex Socks are best, which you then wear shoes or boots over the top.
If you are strapping your feet into a board for activities like kitesurfing and Water skiing then you might prefer or need to have ankle seals. Although if you are using your suit in the cold winter, latex socks are often still the best option.
You Choose What Seals You Would Like
If you would prefer to have all latex or all neoprene seals then you can choose these non standard seal options at the point of ordering.
