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The problem with diving in cold water is...well...it's cold. You use more air
when it's cold, you can't stay down as long and it's thought your risk of DCS
increases. If you're wet and cold, a certain level of misery (or masochism)
is present. It's not a state most of us purposely seek. On the other hand,
some of the most exceptional and interesting diving in the world is found in
colder waters. Clear, warm tropical waters are virtual deserts compared to
the quantity of marine life that exists in the more temperate regions of the
world.
Diving these colder waters should be easy, enjoyable-and warm! That's where a
Poseidon Unisuit Exclusive drysuit comes in handy. And, who better than the
Swedes at Poseidon to make an exceptional drysuit. In Sweden, there are only
two classifications of water-very cold and icy. So, keeping warm and dry
while frolicking in the fjords is important. And this experience stands out
in every stitch, seam and seal of the well-made Unisuit Exclusive.
Ease of Donning: The first thing you notice about the Unisuit Exclusive is
how easy it is to put on. The zipper wraps around the neck, sort of the way a
mink stole would. This results in a generously sized entry area. And, because
the zipper begins and ends in the front, closing or opening it is a one
person task and doesn't cause the wearer to twist into unnatural contortions.
Once on, the suit is comfortable and roomy. The 7mm, super pliable and
cushiony closed cell neoprene allows easy and natural movement.The integrated
hood slips on readily and an ingenious wrist seal system offers divers a
choice of wearing either a completely dry or wet glove.
Quality Construction: Poseidon's cold water expertise and attention to detail
stands out in the Unisuit's high quality construction. Every seam is glued
and double stitched (both inside and out) for durability. The kneepads are
vulcanized to the neoprene; thus an integral part of the suit, rather than a
glued on addition. This makes the kneepads more flexible and should make them
last longer.
The zipper is the weak link of any drysuit and the Unisuit Exclusive's zipper
is as sturdy as they come. As with any drysuit zipper, proper care and use
will ensure its longevity and watertightness. To help out, all Poseidon
drysuits come with a zip glide lubricant; directions for proper zipping are
outlined in the manual.
The integrated boots are coated with a synthetic latex that is resistant to
oil and aging. The boots are suitable for all types of fins. They are
pliable and comfortable around the foot and have a grid design on the bottom
to improve traction.
Warm and Dry: I took the Unisuit Exclusive to the chilly waters off Monterey,
California (approximately 48°F at depth) and, wearing only a medium weight
thermal silk shirt, running shorts and thick wool socks, I was plenty warm.
At the very least, a shirt will help wick away your perspiration or any
incidental seepage during an active dive. Despite being very susceptible to
cold, I found the Unisuit Exclusive toasty without a full set (just shirt) of
thermal undergarments; roasty with a full set (shirt and bottoms) of thermal
undergarments. With the wool socks, my feet were never even close to cold.
Poseidon states that undergarments should only be necessary for warmth in t
he most extreme conditions. For most divers accustomed to colder waters, this
is probably accurate.
Valves: The inflator valve and the exhaust valve are simple to use. The
inflator valve is in the center of the chest, away from BC straps and other
encumbrances. The purge valve is on the upper left arm. The quick-disconnect
inflator valve is not adjustable. The buttons for both the purge and inflator
valves are easily activated, even while wearing 5mm gloves.
The Poseidon Unisuit Exclusive drysuit comes with a bright yellow divebag, an
inflator hose and zip glide. It is available in a wide variety of sizes-XS
through XXXL-and comes in all black, black/red, black/gray and purple/black.
It retails for $1,370. Additional accessories, such as a thermal
undergarment, are available.
Conclusions: I took the Unisuit Exclusive to one of my favorite
places-Monterey, California. Although I had been diving in the Monterey area
many times before, I'd always approached it with a masochistic bent,
insistent on enduring the colder water in a normal 7mm, two piece wetsuit.
Often I'd get out after a dive and be so cold I could not unzip my wetsuit.
Still my brain didn't catch on. It was fun; the cold was just part of the
experience. With the Poseidon drysuit the experience changed completely. I
conquered the cold and enjoyed the diving substantially more. I stayed at
depth longer, got in one extra dive beyond my usual and stayed warm all day.
It was as if Merlin had waved his wand over my head and given me a magical
cloak.
For more information on the Unisuit or any other Poseidon Diving Systems
Products, call SEArious Fun, Inc., at (516) 231-4475; fax (516) 231-4496.
E-mail can be sent to Sfunine@aol.com.
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