Open Box Drysuits — Cold Water Diving for Considerably Less

Drysuits are the most expensive exposure protection a diver buys, which makes the open box discount here the largest in absolute terms of any category on the site. A trilaminate or neoprene drysuit returned for fit reasons is a substantial saving on an item that would otherwise be a major purchase.

It's also the category where fit matters most and where you should ask the most questions before ordering. This collection covers trilaminate and neoprene drysuits from Waterproof, Bare, Hollis, DUI, Scubapro, and others. Every item is inspected and graded before listing; see Product Conditions for full definitions.

Drysuit Fit Is Different from Wetsuit Fit

A drysuit doesn't need to be tight — it needs to be roomy enough to accommodate undergarments and allow you to reach your valves, but not so loose that excess fabric creates drag or traps air in the extremities.

Critically, you size a drysuit around the undergarments you'll actually dive. A suit fitted over thin base layers will be badly tight over a heavy fleece undersuit. Decide your thermal layering first, then size the suit to it.

Check that you can reach both the inflate and dump valves comfortably, squat fully, and raise your arms overhead. Boot size matters too — attached boots need to fit over your undergarment socks and still work with your fins.

Seals and Zippers — What to Ask About

• Seal material and condition. Latex seals perish with age and UV exposure whether or not the suit has been dived, and are a consumable item. Silicone and neoprene seals last longer. Ask about seal condition specifically.
• Replaceable seal systems. Suits with ring-based systems let you change seals yourself without sending the suit away — a genuine advantage on a used suit.
• Zipper type and condition. The dry zipper is the single most expensive component to replace. Metal zippers are durable but stiff; plastic zippers are lighter and more flexible.
• Boots or socks. Attached boots are sized as part of the suit. Neoprene socks require separate rock boots, which affects both fit and total cost.
• Valve condition. Inflate and dump valves are serviceable but check they're present and operating.

Before Your First Dive

Have any used drysuit pressure tested and leak checked before diving it, and budget for seal replacement as a likely near-term cost regardless of the suit's condition grade. Drysuit diving also requires specific training — buoyancy control works differently with a gas-filled suit, and a runaway ascent from suit inflation is a genuine risk without proper instruction.

Why Buy Open Box Drysuits from DiveCatalog.com?

• Inspected and graded — condition stated clearly on every listing
• Major brands — Waterproof, Bare, Hollis, DUI, and Scubapro
• Expert sizing advice — our team can help you size around your undergarments and confirm seal and zipper condition
• Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
• 30-day returns — with RMA approval; note that custom and made-to-measure drysuits are not returnable. See our Returns & Exchanges page
• Rewards program — earn points on every purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I size a drysuit I can't try on?

Size around your intended undergarments, not your body alone. Take your measurements while wearing the thermal layers you plan to dive, and compare against the manufacturer's chart for that specific model. Contact us with your measurements and undergarment plan and we'll help you match them.

Will I need to replace the seals?

Quite possibly. Latex seals degrade with age and UV exposure regardless of use, so treat replacement as a likely cost on any used suit. Suits with replaceable ring-based seal systems make this straightforward and inexpensive; glued-in seals require a service centre.

Should I have a used drysuit tested before diving?

Yes. Have it pressure tested and leak checked by a qualified service centre before your first dive. A suit that looks perfect can have pinhole leaks or a compromised zipper that only shows up under test.

Do open box drysuits come with a warranty?

No. Open box and used products are not eligible for manufacturer warranty coverage.

Trilaminate or neoprene — which should I buy?

Trilaminate (membrane) suits are lighter, dry faster, pack smaller, and provide no inherent insulation, so all your warmth comes from undergarments — which makes them versatile across temperatures. Neoprene drysuits provide some insulation themselves, are more durable against abrasion, but are heavier and slower to dry. Trilaminate dominates in technical diving.

Do I need training to dive a drysuit?

Yes. A drysuit is a second buoyancy device and behaves differently from a wetsuit — gas migrates within the suit as you change position, and an uncontrolled ascent from suit inflation is a real hazard. A drysuit specialty course is strongly recommended before diving one.

Browse the full open box drysuit collection above, or see Open Box Drysuit Undergarments and all Open Box & Used gear. Contact us with your measurements for help confirming fit.