"Dry Gloves, Are They Worth It?"

If your talking about diving in water so cold that after only minutes your fingers go numb and all the bones in your hands ache like someone was pounding on them with your fathers framing hammer, then I would have to say hell yes. Now there are some out there that claim to be tough and still brave the chilly winter waters in neoprene. To those folks I say; "your a heck of allot tougher than me".

As with any specialty dive gear there is a time and a place for everything. Dry gloves are great when properly worn with a good wool or synthetic under glove. They protect the hands from getting wet, however they do not completely stop the transfer of heat from your hands to the ocean. One major bonus is when air is allowed to transfer from your suit to your glove you can take time during the dive to raise your hands and allow warm air from your suit to move into your glove.

The benefits of dry gloves don't stop upon exiting the water. While your buddy is searching for a warm cooler of water to soak his neoprene hands in during your surface interval you can laugh at them by removing your quick releasing gloves and eat a sandwich with dry, warm hands. Oh and did I mention that they slip on nice and smoothly as opposed to trying to jam an already wet hand into a cold squishy glove? Yes, I definitely love my dry gloves, however they, like everything good, come with some sacrifice.

First, depending on which style you have they all add a slight change to your normal gear configuration. Some simply zip on and others lock into a cam style fitting that is attached to your wrist seal. These both add a little bit more maintenance and gear care when washing and storing. As with any gear, warm fresh water after each dive, drying and proper o-ring care is all you need to keep your gloves like new for a long time. Second, unlike neoprene, where your hands are already wet, dry gloves can puncture. Now as long as you maintain good buoyancy and demonstrate eco friendly dive practices you should have no problem. Use caution when wreck diving, digging, ect. ( You bottle hunters know what I mean). There is nothing worse than your dry gloves becoming wet gloves in 36 degree water. Lastly, one of the biggest downfalls of any dry glove system is limited dexterity. If you want to get an idea, go to your local hardware store and pick up a pair of heavy duty rubber gardening gloves, put them on and try to send an email to your mother.

In my opinion, the benefit of warm hands significantly out weighs the drawbacks listed above. Spending your 15 minute deco stop without experiencing agonizing pain in your fingertips is well worth losing the ability to pick up a tiny objects from the sea floor.

Now before you run out and buy a pair for yourself or your dive buddy take a look at your suit. Each suit will have different requirements. The DUI SI-5 system comes with multi-colored rings to fit a variety of latex seals. If you are diving a BARE or DUI suit this should be fine. However, if you are diving another suit, check with your shop for assistance. I am unsure of the requirements for Viking, Poseidon etc.

Remember the gloves liners you wear are just as important. Most sets come with a synthetic liner that work well, but are replaceable. Depending on your budget and how warm you want your hands, there are numerous alternatives. Any good non-cotton glove that fits into the outer shell without impeding the seal will suffice. Some divers prefer wool and others use a compatible mountaineering glove. Another trick if you are planning a more technical dive in the coldest of water temperatures is to get yourself a pair of rubber cement gloves. Once your system is on and in place these can be stretched over your gloves and fittings adding extra protection.

In order to let the air equalize between the dry glove and the dry suit, a short length of bungee cord or surgical tubing should be used. Insert either under each dry suit wrist seal in order to break the seal a bit and let air exchange between the dry glove and the dry suit sleeve. Put a knot at the ends to keep it from slipping all the way through the wrist seal.

Well that's about it, if winter is keeping you from enjoying the best time of year to dive then head to your local shop and get yourself a set of dry gloves. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't forget to keep the number of new gear items to a minimum when making a dive.

No matter what system you pick up, take a few minutes before the dive to get familiar with them. Remove and replace your hoses a few times until you get the feel for your new hands. Don't throw away those old neoprene ones, as soon as the water warms up a bit they will be a welcome change.

I hope that answers a few questions. Don't forget to support your local dive shop, without them there wouldn't be a sport. Think about it, you cant get tanks filled online!

-Chuck Lindsey
chuck@deep-descent.com