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None of our dry suits comes with a hood nor with a carry bag that you can choose here Accessories and here Neoprene accessories (5)
The Sopras Tek front-entry trilaminate range covers thirteen configurations from a standard Cordura suit with booties through Cordura suits with pocketed side panels and ring seal systems, to Kevlar-reinforced lightweight models with Orust neck and Slaggo wrist seal systems. All feature a front-entry waterproof zipper for independent donning. Suits without a hood or carry bag — both available separately in Accessories.
Front-Entry Trilaminate Dry Suits
A front-entry zipper runs across the chest or torso and allows the diver to close and open the suit without assistance. This is a significant practical advantage for solo divers, shore divers without a regular buddy, and anyone who wants full independence on the dive site. All Sopras Tek front-zip suits are built on a trilaminate (membrane) construction, combining a waterproof membrane with Cordura or Kevlar outer fabric and a comfortable inner lining. The suit provides no inherent insulation — all warmth comes from the undersuit worn beneath it.
Outer Fabric: Cordura vs. Kevlar
The majority of the front-zip range uses a Cordura outer layer — a high-tenacity nylon fabric with good abrasion resistance and durability for wreck, cave, and general technical diving. The Light weight Trilam Kevlar (1225–1350 €) uses Kevlar fibre in the outer layer, reducing overall suit weight while providing exceptional abrasion and tear resistance. The Kevlar option is specified by divers who prioritise weight reduction and long-term material durability, particularly for frequent travel or overhead environment diving.
Seal Configurations
Entry-level suits in the range use standard latex wrist and neck seals, glued directly to the suit. These provide a reliable, proven seal and are straightforward to replace when they age. Higher-specification models incorporate ring seal systems: the Orust easy neck system and the Slaggo wrist ring system allow seals to be removed and replaced in the field without adhesive. Suits with the Orust/Slaggo configuration come fitted with silicone seals, which offer longer service life than latex and are the preferred choice for divers with latex sensitivity. The ring seal upgrade is visible in the model name — “Orust rings at neck and SLAGGO at wrist” — and carries a price premium of approximately 150–180 € over the equivalent latex-seal configuration.
Foot Configurations
Three foot options are available across the range: rubber booties (integrated, hard-wearing, suited to rocky entries), neoprene socks (softer, worn under a separate boot), and integrated boots (the higher-spec models with the 11043/11044 series). Check the specific product name for the foot configuration before ordering — the difference affects what additional footwear you need for shore entries.
What to Look For
- Entry-level vs. fully equipped: The 725–767 € suits (standard Cordura, latex seals, booties or neoprene socks) are a clean starting point for dry suit divers who are comfortable with conventional seal replacement. The 1100–1350 € range adds pockets, ring seal systems, Kevlar fabric, or silicone seals for a more complete technical diving specification.
- Seal system decision: If you anticipate diving frequently in remote locations or want to avoid adhesive-based seal replacement, the Orust/Slaggo ring system is worth the additional cost. Confirm that replacement seals for the specific ring size are in stock before committing.
- Colour and visibility: The range includes black, black/red, red, and yellow colour options. Red and yellow suits offer better surface visibility — relevant for dive sites with boat traffic or in low-visibility overhead environments where surface support can see the diver.
- Pockets: Suits specified with “2 pockets” have thigh or calf cargo pockets for SMB, slate, or light storage. If you carry additional equipment on technical dives, confirm pocket placement and volume for the specific model.
Maintenance and Care
Rinse the suit with fresh water after every dive, front and back. The waterproof zipper is the most maintenance-sensitive component — clean it, dry it, and apply zipper wax (GA Zipper Stick) regularly. Never force a stiff zipper. Store the suit hanging with the zipper slightly open on a wide-shoulder hanger out of direct sunlight. Inspect latex or silicone seals before each dive. Latex seals should be lightly powdered with talc or sealed with a thin ring of silicone grease where they contact the skin. For ring seal systems, ensure the retaining ring is seated correctly and that the seal is undamaged after each dive.
FAQ
Can I use a front-zip suit without a buddy to close it?
Yes — that is the primary advantage of a front-entry zipper. The zipper runs across the chest and is fully accessible to the diver without assistance. This makes front-zip suits the practical choice for solo diving, shore diving without a regular buddy, and any situation where self-sufficiency is important.
What is the difference between rubber booties and neoprene socks?
Rubber booties are integrated into the suit and are robust for direct shore entries over rock, gravel, and rough terrain — you can walk to the water’s edge wearing them. Neoprene socks are softer and thinner; they require a separate boot worn over them. Neoprene socks give more flexibility in boot choice and are often preferred when diving from a boat where you don’t walk far in the suit. Check the specific model name — the configuration is stated in the product title.
Is the Orust/Slaggo ring seal system retrofittable to an existing suit?
Yes, ring seal systems can be fitted to an existing suit by a service technician. The Orust neck ring set and Slaggo wrist ring set are sold as standalone replacement components in the Replacement dry suits category, allowing existing suit owners to upgrade to a ring system rather than purchasing a new suit.
Do these suits include a hood?
No. As stated on the product pages, none of the Sopras Tek dry suits include a hood or carry bag. Both are available as separate items in the Accessories and Neoprene products categories.