DUI Drysuit Questions

[Gloveboxtech]

Hello All,

I am going to purchase a DUI Drysuit but, there are so many models to choose from. What would be your suggestions on which one to purchase. My diving consists of beach diving in Laguna, OML and all around southern California beach's. Catalina island at casino point and boat dives @ Anacapa Island, San Clemente island, San Diego Yukon etc. My point is that some of the deep dives in my area gets cold so, I want a Comfortable, moveable, and warm drysuit. I just don't know what to get. Any suggestions.

Thanks,

 

[cbrich]

I have a DUI TLS350 Drysuit, can't really beat this suit. I've heard a lot of good things about the Flex Extreme, but I still prefer the TLS350.

 

[rongoodman]

The warmth for the membrane suits is going to be determined by the underwear, so that's a seperate discussion. If you're getting beat up by the surf during shore entries, something more rugged than a TLS 350(my favorite) might be appropriate.

 

[sardiverdan]

I use a CLX 450 Signature Series that is Cordura on top and bottom and that suit is very strong. The down side for some is that the Cordura material will make it less flexable than other material options.

 

[Crush]

I am new to diving. Like you I decided on a DUI. I got a TLS 350 and am very pleased with it. However, it is the only drysuit I have ever owned so I can't compare it to other makes or models. In choosing a TLS 350 I did a fair bit of research. Here are some of my observations.

DUI's FAQ page at DUI - Diving Unlimited International Virtual Customer Service is a great place to start.

sardiverdan is right - the CLX 450 is super tough. The CF200 is DUI's toughest suit. DUI writes: "For many people CF200 is overkill, as a trilaminate (TLS or CLX) would have lasted just as long for the type of diving they do."

For traveling to dive sites DUI suggests: "Divers who travel with their drysuits are usually looking for something that is light-weight, and will pack in as small a space as possible. The TLS350 and Tropical 30/30 are perfect for dive travel. Both suits are light and dry quickly." The 30/30 is not a good choice for your cold water diving.

rongoodman is correct - insulation and durability are two different issues if you are talking about laminate suits.

Personally I opted for a 350 instead of a 450 and put some of the $$ difference into splurging for a 350 Signature Series. The suit was made to my measurements, helping to ensure a good fit. I got to add some "free" extras and chose kevlar kneepads because of shore diving. Compressed neoprene kneepads are even more durable, but I believe that they take longer to dry. I chose rock boots (which are user-replaceable) instead of turbo soles (which are not).

Enjoy!

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

For 6 yrs I had a TLS350. Loved every aspect of it! This year it was time for a NEW suit and D.U.I. came out with the FLX Extreme and that's what I went with. This thing is Great, dives just like my TLS350 but I feel that it is more durable. We have been setting everyone up with these this year and everyone is loving them!!

Some recommendations:
1. Go with Tough Duck Overlays (not Cordura)
2. 2 Velcro Pockets
3. CF200 knee Pads
4. Turbo Soles ( I like the flexibility that they give for preforming the different finning techniques)
* If you go with Rock Boots, get yourself a pair of Low-Cut Chuck Taylors instead! They will
work better with fins than the Rock Boot.

 

[spectrum]

Unless you can try the suit and are absolutely positively an off the rack fit go Signature Series. After you factor in all of the desirable included features the custom fit is just over $100. extra. Then if the fit's not right you'll something to go back on.

The TLS 350 is a nice suit. Be sure that the wearing of adequate heavy garments is part of the fit checking process. If you can hold out for a DUI DOG day that's a great opportunity.

Pete

 

[spectrum]

* If you go with Rock Boots, get yourself a pair of Low-Cut Chuck Taylors instead! They will work better with fins than the Rock Boot.

The newer Rock Boots are very "chuck Like" in form. They aren't nearly as meaty as the prior version. My wife and I each went up a fin size from wet booties but that was driven by socks more than boot bulk.

 

[rongoodman]

Whatever you get, I highly recommend having DUI install a pair of the large Halcyon pockets on it--they're really nice.

 

[Crush]

Whatever you get, I highly recommend having DUI install a pair of the large Halcyon pockets on it--they're really nice.

I got mine made with the large DUI bellows pockets. How are the Halcyon pockets better?

Halcyon bellows pockets or DUI bellows pockets - just get bellows pockets!