Hollis 8/7/6mm NeoTek V2 Semi-Dry

I was hesitant on buying this suit because the hood was attached. After trying it on and trying out my friends suit the hood is super comfortable both on and fulled back. The suit is super warm in the cool waters of California and keeps the water locked in by the dams throughout the suit. I have never felt cold in this suit even diving in 50F waters.

I was able to do three recent quarry dives with water temps in the 50's with this suit. The thermocline is no longer my enemy! I was plenty warm (don't forget adequate boots and gloves). The only reason I'm giving it 4/5 stars is due to the fact that a buddy was required each time to assist me getting in and out of the suit without pulling a muscle or hurting something else. The pockets are great for a camera or spare gear. The neotek is definitely worth considering if in the market for a semi-dry.

This is good wetsuit. It is much warmer than a wetsuit of the same thickness. It is easy to get on and use. I prefer to use this over a drysuit since you can still pee in it since there is still some water transfer.

I recently purchase this suit while in Florida to dive caves. I tried on two suits XXL and the XL fit perfectly even though the charts called for a XXL for me which was baggy when worn. I was able to dive the suit in Ginnie and found the thermal protection to be spot on and perfect for my dives. I completed one dive of 78 minutes and was never cold.

My problems with the suit began after the first dive. I discovered that the pocket tabs were not completely sewed acids the tab and would soon come free of the suit. This didn't concern me that much as the pockets would be fine without the tabs. The big problem came after completing a dive. I found my self about to unzip my suit but the zipper had failed and had spilt from the zipper start point and separated to the center of my chest. I required some assistance from my dive partners to get myself out of the suit. Once out I worker the zipper several times and the zipper appeared fine. On the very next dive the zipper failed again in the same manner. At this point I decided to return the suit and exchange it for another hoping this problem was isolated to just this suit. The shop immediately gave me another and I was back out to the dive sight and geared up. We completed our dive and to my total surprise the new suit had experienced the exact same problem. I returned the suit yet again.

I am very disappointed that this suit did not work for me. I provided this review not to discourage the purchase of this suit because if I can get this suit again and not have the same issue I will be purchasing. I would like to know if this is an issue others are having and if Hollis is addressing it. In all except the Zipper this is the best neoprene suit I have ever used I hope this issue can be fixed so I can get another.

I do dive work year round and have to face seriously cold conditions at times. Last winter, for instance, I was jumping through a thin layer of ice to get in the water on a couple occasions. On another job, I spent over 2 hours in 38 degree water. This suit kept me warm in all cases. Oftentimes, I peel the suit off and there are areas that are still dry.

It is very comfortable and allows better movement than the Excel Polar I dove previously. It's warmer, as well.

I think it's very easy to put. The secret is to put the first arm only part way through and then get the other arm started. From there, slide both arms the rest of the way through at the same time. Try to put one arm all the way through then the other and you will struggle.

As to durability, mine is coming up on its one year anniversary and still looks new. It doesn't have an easy life either. Bought a 3mm at the beginning of summer and it's ready for the trash can, if that gives you an idea of how hard I am on suits.

I have found no loose threads, or any signs of seams coming apart, etc.

There are only two negatives that come to mind. First, for me the zipper needs to be an inch or two longer. Like I said, getting into it is easy. However, to take it off requires a struggle or help getting the first arm out. After that no problem, but with a slightly longer zipper, I could easily come out of it without help.

The other issue is with the D-rings in the cargo pockets, which I love for carrying tools and such. However, the D-ring tabs are sewn all the way through and no sealant was put over the threads. Not a lot of water comes through, but when the water temp is in the 30's, it feels like getting a needle stuck in the outside of both thighs. A little Aquaseal solved the problem, but it's still an oversight by the manufacturer.

All in all, I would rate this as the best cold water wetsuit available. I have owned an Excel Polar, Mares Isotherm, Henderson, and many others. This one beats them all.

you're not dry, you'll be moist but not dripping when you take this off. it is much warmer than a wetsuit of comparable thickness, however. The biggest drawbacks to me are, 1) really challenging to get on, 2) can't relieve yourself in it like you would a wetsuit - the "semidry" aspect of the suit cuts down on water movement in the suit, so any new water added in the suit is going to stay there...so, don't pee in it!

I went from freezing in an uncomfortable 5mm wetsuit that flushed at the twitch of a muscle to feeling like I was inside a comfortable blanket. The one downside is that motion is slightly restricted around the arms and shoulders. Also there is a learning curve when it comes to doffing this beast of wet suit.

I went to a few local stores before I bought this wetsuit. 1st impression is built quality. The stitches are glued on(durability). I dove on this for about 10 times total in the range 46-52F. It kept me warm throughout the dive.
Tip: Put on is easy, but taking if off is abit tricky.
When pulling it off, take the hood off first, then pull around tummy down as much as possible. Now you can take one arm off, the rest is easy.
I am 5.10 - 175lb. Large is perfect fit.

This suit has been fantastic. I purchased it for diving work in Croatia where bottom temps hovered around 58 degrees. Kept me warm and was quite easy to put on and take off. Would definitely recommend this. DRIS also helped getting this to me in time for my trip, as when I placed my order they were out of stock.

I believe this to be the best wetsuit on the market for cold water diving. The suit is well made, and quality workmanship throughout. The hip pockets are a big plus for someone needing extra storage space, and the attached hood is very warm. Would recommend this as a suit to own for cold water diving.