Adjustable neck seals on dry suits

Question...
What is the general thoughts on dry suits that allow for an open neck that can be tightened down?

I found a great deal on a suit that has a neck seal that is open but closes with pull cords. Does anyone else like this system? I guess it could be called a semi-dry suit as I think there will be a greater chance of water getting in the neck even when tightened up.

On the positive side it seems like it will vent off heat better in warm weather.

Thoughts?

Thanks all 

What brand?   Sounds like a good idea, the latex tight seals are terribly claustrophobic for most, OK for some pencil-neck types.  I have a kokatat Goretex "dry" top which has the same kind of neck, a fold-over with Velcro, it keeps all but a few teaspoons out when I dunk, but allows venting off the heat.  for summer, it's a godsend.  Neoprene "punch-thru" another less confining alternative.

This is a mustang suit. The neck is neoprene with two elastic draw strings that tighten when pulled. I'm just not sure how completely sealed it is .....

Is the neoprene loose when the drawstrings are not pulled?

-Allen

Yes there is room between my neck and the neoprene

Yes there is room between my neck and the neoprene

How about getting that adjusted be a seamstress to fit "comfortably snug".  I'll feel a lot better about that than relying on a drawstring.

-Allen

I am weighing the benefit of being able to vent out the neck .vs water tight all the time.

When things go bad on the salt, they go bad in less than a heartbeat.   It's pretty optimistic to think you're going to be pulling drawstrings on the way outta/offa the boat, instead of trying to hang onto your paddle/rod/camera, etc etc.  I accept that if I upset, I'm going to ship in a little water down the neck of my loosely fastened semi-dry top (http://www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=ttj), and venting off heat is a real blessing in the warmer months.  I can't stand that choking sensation of full latex neck gaskets!
Makes me think of my ex-wife's hands around my neck in the middle of the night, slowly tightening, tightening, can't breath...gasp ** choke*koff koff.......

I guess I'm going to have go play in the surf this winter with a empty yak and get proficient at sealing off the neck. 
I am also thinking that the volume of time that my head will be under the water will be very short even if I do dump head first.

only one way to find out.

I use a tubular collar device on a traditional gasket to give me airflow.  When conditions warrant it, I don't use the device.  You'll likely have the same usage model with the drawstring.  I must say though, that it doesn't really offer much airflow.  It just offer relief from the constriction.

-Allen

It will definitely be an exercise in finding the right balance and the neck seal will most likely spends most of the time "almost" snug I am not a big fan of neck constriction. 

Thanks for the input.

Hey Fungun---what did you decide?

I freakin love it!!
I haven't dumped or worn too many waves to test how water tight it is but being able to vent is really nice. I haven't owned a latex neck seal to compare to so not the best test. The nice part is being able decide how much to seal it. Wide open is great air flow. Slightly tightened would be close to snug and full tight should be almost water proof.

Thanks for the reminder to do a full test

For a suit that has a neoprene neck, how difficult would it be to swap it out for a latex neck instead? Is this something that a shop needs to do or can it be a home project?

Jay

For a suit that has a neoprene neck, how difficult would it be to swap it out for a latex neck instead? Is this something that a shop needs to do or can it be a home project?

Jay

Depends ... but to replace neck seals I have a special jig.

-Allen