What we say Prolimit’s Nordic Drysuits are lightweight, all-in-one waterproof suits designed to keep you drier, warmer and paddling in comfort for longer. Made from the same breathable, waterproof 4 layer microfibre material they look very similar, however the unique features make each drysuit better suited to different types of paddling and paddling conditions.
The Nordic Drysuit with a dry neck seal and across the shoulder waterproof zip is for those paddlers wanting a suit to keep totally dry. Whatever the weather and however many times you fall in this suit will keep you 100% dry.
The Nordic Drysuit SUP with an adjustable velcro neck and front zip is ideal for keeping off the splashes and rain showers, and you 99% dry after an unfortunate dunk!
Check out our previous review of the 2019 Nordic SUPsuit from Prolimit.
Off the water… Both Prolimit drysuits are made from quality, lightweight and robust waterproof fabric with taped seams, and dry seal cuffs. The main differences between the 2 drysuits are that one has an across the shoulder entry zip with a tighter fitting dry neck seal, and the other has a front entry zip with a neoprene adjustable velcro neck collar. The zips on both drysuits are excellent quality, a good length and easy to use making getting in/out of both drysuits easy. Folding back the cuff seals as recommended also helps for easier access. The velcro adjustable waist and cuffs allows for a good close fit and the overall cut allows plenty of room for clothing layers underneath. The addition of the back stretch panel is a great new feature on both suits, making them not only even easier to get on/off but also complete freedom of movement for even the taller paddlers. The flexible zips and supple fabric make the drysuits extremely comfortable and unrestrictive. The tighter dry neck seal is just as, if not more comfy than the looser adjustable velcro neck. The drysuits do not have inbuilt socks giving you the option of either going barefoot, or wearing neoprene boots or watershoes.
Before you take to the water it’s a good idea to release the air trapped inside the suit (by crouching down and loosening the neck seal) otherwise if you do fall in all the air will rise to the top of your suit making you twice the size and extremely buoyant!
On the water… The dry seal ankle cuffs do a fantastic job at keeping the water out when launching. And the wrist seals certainly stop any paddle drips down the sleeves. The velcro fasters at the waist, wrist and ankles help make the drysuits feel less bulky when paddling which can be the downside of other drysuits. The back stretch panel really helps to ensure complete freedom of movement. Reaching to the paddle handle, bending over and general board mobility feels totally unrestricted in both suits.
Using both drysuits over the past few wet and windy winter months whilst board testing, touring and exploring we can honestly say both drysuits do a great job at keeping you dry. The drysuit with the dry neck seal is definitely fully water tight keeping your clothes 100% dry even after a swim or two! The drysuit with the adjustable collar does allow some water to seep in (although very minimal and depends how tightly fastened it is) But the advantage of the adjustable neck is that you have the option of unfastening it and increasing airflow which is a really nice feature to have especially when paddling harder. Just make sure you don’t fall in with it unfastened totally!
Both suits do a great job at keeping you dry. But to get the full breathable benefits of both suits, and to keep you warm and comfortable when paddling it’s really important to consider what you wear under your drysuit. Opting for moisture wicking fabrics, rather than cotton which stays cold and wet if you sweat, is a must. As with any drysuit it takes a bit of trial and error deciding the best underlayers, but when you’ve got it right it really does make your paddling experience enjoyable whatever the weather. We tested these drysuits in the winter although we see no reason why you couldn’t wear them all year round with the right choice of layers underneath.
The suits are quick drying so after a quick rinse with fresh water and hanging to dry you can be back on the water quickly. Despite being lightweight the drysuits are robust and well made, and therefore with a bit of care on and off the water should keep you paddling in comfort for a good few years.
Summary If you’re looking for a waterproof layer to keep you drier, warmer and paddling in comfort for longer then we think the 2020 Prolimit Nordic Drysuits are well worth considering. They definitely keep the water out and make even those wet paddle sessions enjoyable! Having the choice of a 100% water tight neck or an adjustable neck collar means that whatever type of paddling you’re doing or whatever the weather, there is a drysuit to suit you. And the new back stretch panel means you’ll forget you’re wearing an all-in-one suit… until you need a pee!
If you’re planning on paddling a bit harder and working up a sweat e.g race training, or faster cruising then we would suggest you look more towards the Prolimit Nordic Drysuit SUP with the adjustable neck collar.
If you’re planning on heading out in all weather conditions, on longer SUP journeys and/or spending more time in the water then opting for the 100% watertight Prolimit Nordic Drysuit with the dry neck seal might be the better option for you.
And don’t forget to think about your layers underneath too, to get the full benefits of a Prolimit Nordic Drysuit.
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Compared by us on Jan 22, 2020
How thick is the neoprene on the back panel? Does this not leak when in the water?
It doesn’t leak at all and it must be about 2mm. A sheet of neoprene will not let water through, because the foam inside is made of closed cells. What lets water in on wetsuits is always the seams and joints. Thats why good dry wetsuits have taped and glue seams to stop wet getting in. I hope that makes sense? Thanks