Waterproof D3 Drysuit 30 Month Review

I’ve owned my Waterproof Ergo D3 trilaminate dry suit for about two and a half years and have done over 30 dives in it. It’s battered and worn, but still keeps me dry and comfortable. I bought it after freezing in a 55°F Texas lake with just a 5mm wetsuit. This is my third dry suit—my first was a Viking membrane suit (flexible but delicate), my second was crushed neoprene (warm but tight and limiting). The trilaminate is by far my favorite: tough, flexible, and versatile.

I like the plastic back‑zip—it’s lighter and more comfortable than brass, though I need a buddy’s help to close it. I dive it in rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since the suit itself has no insulation, I adjust layers underneath depending on water temperature. I use Waterproof Body X undergarments (X1 for warmer, X2 for colder), neoprene socks, and 3–5mm gloves and hood. Dry gloves didn’t work well for me—they leaked and were fiddly—so I stick with neoprene gloves.

The suit requires a lot of weight: in freshwater I need about 22 lbs compared to 10 lbs with a wetsuit. More weight would help reduce suit squeeze and make ascents easier. The pockets are roomy, though the little red tabs inside are annoying. I like the replaceable silicone seals at the neck and wrists, which I’ve swapped and trimmed for comfort. The suspenders make surface intervals easy, and the knee pads protect well when clambering around boats and lake structures.

I’ve had a couple of leaks—once when the zipper wasn’t fully closed, and once from a neck seal rolling—but otherwise it’s stayed dry. The valves need tightening before each dive, but that’s manageable. Overall, the suit has held up to heavy use, resisted damage, and kept me warm and dry. Of all the dry suits I’ve owned, this one is the best, and I’d recommend it.