Head-to-Head Testing

How We Test

ScubaLab tested semidry suits at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Williston, Florida, with water temperatures in the low 70s. Test divers equipped with underwater slates scored each suit in the following performance categories from 1 to 5:

Ease of Donning

How easy was the suit to pull on, zip, adjust and prepare to dive? Can it be done unassisted?

Fit

Relative to suits of similar size, how is the overall fit to your body?

Comfort

How is the overall comfort of the suit in and out of the water? With movement, is there discomfort?

Seals

How well do sealing surfaces at wrist, ankles, neck and zipper block water entry? Is there excessive water entry while swimming or moving at depth?

Warmth

What is the suit’s overall effectiveness as insulation, relative to similar suits? Does cold water move or flush through the suit with movement?

Range of Motion

Does the suit provide full, unfettered range of motion? Does it bind or restrict movement at all?

Ease of Doffing

How easily can the suit be removed after diving? Can it be done unassisted?

Related Reading: 10 Best New 5 mm Wetsuits

HOW WE SCORE

Our scoring is as follows:

5 - excellent

4 - very good

3 - good

2 - fair

1 - poor

The bar graphs accompanying each review indicate that suit’s scores for comfort and warmth.

Suits were also evaluated for the quality of design, construction and materials used.

Semidry Wetsuits

WATERPROOF

SD Neoflex 7 MM Semidry

The SD’s fit seems comparable to a diver’s usual wetsuit size, with the constraints of the plastic dry-zip already taken into account. That meant our sample was a bit too large, but that didn’t stop it from impressing with exceptional warmth and comfort. “Almost as warm as my drysuit,” one tester said. The suit’s heavy-duty Neoflex neoprene and soft thermal lining were warm and comfortable underwater.

Testers liked the pressure-relieving collar zip topside. The suit offers plenty of flex and scored very good for range of motion. Generously sized glideskin seals at the wrist and ankles include zippers to ease donning and doffing. Zippered neoprene pockets adorn each thigh. Testers felt they provided good capacity and access, and their streamlined design made them almost indiscernible when empty. The suit utilizes high-quality materials and glued-and-blind-stitched seams for longterm durability. It is our Testers Choice.

MSRP $1,395

CONTACT waterproofdiving.com

SIZES 16 men’s, 12 women’s

"So soft and toasty."

BARE

8/7 Velocity Ultra Semi Dry

Lined with infrared technology throughout, including the attached hood, this suit redirects expended body heat back toward the diver for increased warmth and comfort. The effect is immediately noticeable as soon as the diver gets into the suit. “Instantly warmer,” one tester said. Donning and doffing takes some effort; double glideskin seals at each cuff don’t have zippers, and there is an internal 2 mm neoprene bib that must be pulled over the diver’s head. But it’s well worth the effort, as both features add to the suit’s outstanding warmth.

The front-facing dry zipper benefits from a buddy during closing but can be opened very easily by the wearer. Three different full-stretch fabrics and an anatomical cut are used for a comfortable, body-hugging fit and a good range of motion. A favorite of test divers, this suit offers quality construction and impressive warmth at a below average price. The Velocity Ultra is our Best Buy.

MSRP $679.95

CONTACT baresports.com

SIZES 15 men’s

"Felt even warmer at the end of the dive."

CRESSI

Ice

This 7 mm semidry is constructed with a stretchy outer layer and an elastic plush lining. Test divers scored it very good for comfort and good for range of motion. “As comfortable and free moving as a 5 mm wetsuit,” was how one test dive described the suit’s overall comfort and flexibility. The suit’s snug fit scored good, but divers noted the arms felt a little too short and the shoulders felt tight with the zipper closed.

Beyond the actual zipping of the shoulder-mounted dry zipper, which requires a buddy to reach and operate, the actual process of donning the suit was very easy. “Slides on readily,” one test diver noted. Double cuffs at the wrist and ankles scored very good for comfort and effectiveness, and the suit scored good for warmth overall. The thigh-mounted pocket has two compartments for storing accessories. Its bulging design provides ample space and is easy to root around in.

MSRP $699.95

CONTACT cressiusa.com

SIZES 6 men’s, 5 women’s

"Soft and stretchy."

SCUBAPRO

Nova Scotia 7.5 Semi-Dry

Constructed with 100 percent Everflex neoprene and blind-stitched seams, this high-quality suit offers premium materials and convenience features, such as computer retainer straps and a dual-compartment thigh pocket. Test divers loved its body-hugging fit and plush interior lining. “So warm and soft, like Arctic pajamas,” one test diver commented. Double seals at the wrist and ankles, as well as the fold-under neck seal, are very effective. Water movement in the suit is all but eliminated, which helped it score very good for warmth.

“I could wear this all day,” one test diver said. Zippers on the cuffs assist in getting in and out of the suit. With the shoulder-mounted dry zip secured, test divers felt mobility was limited, scoring the suit fair for range of motion. Despite some restriction, the Nova Scotia was a favorite of multiple test divers thanks to its strong overall performance, feature mix and quality.

MSRP $909

CONTACT scubapro.com

SIZES 13 men’s, 8 women’s

"Blocks water entry remarkably well."

SEAC

Space 7 MM Semi Dry

This semidry suit seems to be sized on the small side. Even more than the other suits in our test, the Space felt very confining in the shoulders. This made it difficult to secure the stiff, watertight zipper and resulted in a limited range of motion once donned. The suit proved to be incredibly warm. Tightly fitting smooth-skin seals are super effective at blocking water entry and very comfortable.

Test divers scored them excellent. The suit’s soft, plushy lining was a standout feature, adding to the suit’s impressive warmth and comfort. A neoprene zipper pocket on the right thigh acts as a large pouch for accessories. “Floppy, formless but good access and capacity,” was how one diver described it. Overall, the Space Dry offers excellent thermal capabilities and comfort for longer cold-water dives at a budget-friendly price—just make sure to check the fit.

MSRP $499

CONTACT seacsub.com

SIZES 10 men’s, 9 women’s

"Nice and toasty."

Checkout Dive

While not fully tested, we did have a chance to dive with this prototype suit.

PINNACLE

Polar MD-4

The seals on this prototype suit are so effective that it is equipped with an exhaust valve to vent air. But don’t let the valve and attached neoprene socks fool you, this isn’t a drysuit. The Polar is a new type of semidry wetsuit designed for maximum versatility. When worn by itself, this 4 mm semidry has the weight, flexibility and comfort of a typical warm-water wetsuit.

Pairing it with an underlayer adds even more warmth for frigid dive environments, making this suit a viable option for water temperatures ranging from 45 to 72 degrees. Test divers were intrigued by the concept and found its execution was incredibly effective. Test divers felt warm and comfy throughout our dives, and could even pick out dry spots in the lining after doffing. The product is currently in development, but is aiming for a 2025 release. Look forward to the full review at that time!

CONTACT pinnacleaquatics.com

Too Late To Test

This semidry wasn’t available during our testing, but we felt it was still worth taking note of.

APEKS

Thermiq ADV

This semidry wetsuit uses 8 mm neoprene at the core for maximum protection and 7 mm neoprene at the extremities for additional flexibility. It is constructed with limestone-based neoprene and other environmentally conscious materials and features sturdy liquid-sealed seams, Supratex knee panels and nonslip shoulder protection.

The horizontal chest zip is designed for easy self-donning and doffing. Infused with Graphene, this suit equalizes the diver’s body temperature by transferring heat to cooler parts of the body. A fleecy, quick-drying lining at the hood and core further enhances warmth and comfort, while internal seals at the forearms and calves restrict water movement. The suit is adorned with a cargo pocket on each thigh. It includes a reusable bag, which doubles as a changing mat.

MSRP $749

CONTACT us.apeksdiving.com

SIZES 13 men’s, 13 women’s