Why the DRYDOR Quantum Pro Dry Suit Might Replace Your Wetsuit

Today Tucker has something a bit different from his usual wing or hydrofoil review. Whether you're a winger or enjoy any other watersport, you may find this product interesting. The Drydor dry suit is made in Switzerland, and the quality is just what you'd expect. It's lightweight and feels like a high-end ski or snowboard parka.

Although Tucker prefers wetsuits, he has tested a number of dry suits over the years. So far, none have changed his mind. After testing the Drydor suit for a couple of chilly mid-winter months in Michigan, it may be the first real contender to push him over the edge and switch to a dry suit. So what's different about the Drydor suit?

Better Fit

Anyone who's used a dry suit in the past knows that they're typically pretty baggy. Not unlike wearing a big trash bag, there's extra material that flaps around and gets caught in the wind and waves and can just plain be hard to swim in. Not so with the Drydor suit. It's got a much more tailored fit and is more snug to your body without restricting movement.

Lighter Weight

It can be easy to pack on the pounds before heading out for a session with all the extra neoprene and clothes you need to stay warm. This dry suit won't add much weight at all. It weighs much less than a typical dry suit, and it can pack down small when needed. The light weight, along with the slimmer fit, makes it feel a lot more sleek and comfortable while you're out.

Flexible Material

The material is very high end and actually has a bit of stretch to it, which is unusual in a dry suit. Most dry suits are not flexible at all, which is why they need to be a bit baggy so you can move.

Construction Features

Tucker tested the Quantum Pro Hooded model, which is the one MACkite is going to stock, with other models possibly being added later. However, the Quantum Pro is going to be the right suit for most people.

The seams are taped for water-tightness. There are waist cinches to customize the fit once you're inside. The zipper runs diagonally, which helps ease the contortionist struggle to get into the suit. You'll still want to try it on at home to get your dressing technique down before heading out into the cold with it for the first time, but it's not terribly difficult to get into and you won't need someone to help you.

It has reflective piping to improve visibility when you're setting up or breaking down in the down or dusk hours. The ankle cinches help keep extra water out of your booties and also make sure the bottoms of the pants don't end up under your heel and cause you to lose grip on your board.

Hood

The hood works very well to keep water out of the neck gaiter. You can get away with wearing a neoprene hat rather than a pullover hood, which makes it easier to turn your head without getting that uncomfortable choking pressure.

The hood is removable if you find you don't want to use it for a particular session. Just zip it off and you won't have it flapping around behind you.

Seals

All the seals are neoprene, so they'll fit right out of the box without having to trim your seals. You also don't need to powder them, and they'll last a lot longer compared to regular seals which need to be regularly replaced. They've got a wind skin interior coating to help seal out water. The seals at the ankle will allow you to use any bootie you like.

The wrist and neck seals use the same neoprene and don't require fitment. If you pull the neck seal all the way up to just under the chin, it won't put pressure on the middle of the throat with that choking sensation you can sometimes get. It's just a lot more comfortable.

After the Session

You will get a bit of condensation on the inside of the suit. In the same way that a cold drink bottle gets wet on the outside where it's in contact with warm air, your dry suit will get damp inside from your body heating the air that's in contact with the suit's skin being cooled by the water. When you get home, remember to turn the suit inside-out so it can dry thoroughly.

Who's It For?

It's a quality suit with a thoughtful design, and it works well for a wide variety of watersports. Of course, kiters, wingers, and paddleboarders will love it, but Tucker even took it out in the waves when he'd normally only use a wetsuit. He could swim in it, and it kept his temperature more regulated, so if you love the waves, definitely take a look at this dry suit.

If you like to stay warm during a session and don't like to change out of a wetsuit in a chilly parking lot, a dry suit may be right for you. You can wear as much as you like under your dry suit, even your street clothes. Come off the water, take off the dry suit, and you're ready to get in the car. Tucker wears a pair of fleece pants and a synthetic sweater or pullover under his. On a very cold day he might even add a thin down jacket, but you can wear whatever you find comfortable and suited to the conditions.

Advantages Over a Wetsuit

It feels just like you're going out skiing or snowboarding. You have more mobility compared to a wetsuit since you're not fighting the stretch of the neoprene, and you'll get fatigued less quickly, which means longer sessions.

You can also customize a dry suit to the conditions since you just wear as little or as much clothing as you need under the suit. If it's 60 degrees F out, just put on a t-shirt and boardshorts. If it's sub-freezing with ice floating in the water, wear warm layers of clothing underneath. You'd need multiple thicknesses and styles of wetsuits to cover that range.

It can also be a bit easier to regulate your body temperature with a dry suit. Where a wetsuit is warmest when you're in the water and cools when you're out and the water is evaporating in the wind, a dry suit is just the opposite. Since it's a big windbreaker and isn't actually touching your skin, you stay warm as you're up and riding. You won't cool instantly when you fall in, but if you do need to cool off a bit, you can sit in the water for a minute to cool yourself.

Tucker's Takeaways

The Quantum Pro is a nice option, especially for those who live in cold climates and like to get out in the middle of winter. You don't have to deal with a wetsuit and can stay dry and comfortable during a longer session. You'll be able to stay more temperature-controlled, whether you're going hard or taking a little break.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Sizing is critically important with a dry suit, and we can help you if you're unsure which size you need. We've got a few Quantum Pro suits in stock now and may be expanding the line in the near future, but this one is Tucker's favorite that he's tested lately and has made him think twice about being a wetsuit-only guy, especially on cold days.

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