(2/12/02) How Many dry suit divers are out there? what kind of dry suit do you own?

[buff]

Aqualung Nordic Pro. 420 denier shell suit with latex seals and neoprene warm neck collar. Apeks valves and hose. Total price $580.00 U.S. value of staying warm in MN lakes =priceless. This suit is not the best in the world but I don't think there is a better value out there. I am very happy with it.

There are many dry suit manufacturer's out there that are good. I would look at a crushed neoprene or a shell suit since they offer the most versatility for diving environments and the least amount of thermal value loss at depth.

I would also look at the size charts of the various manufacturer's. They vary to no small degree in the dimensions of their suits. If you can find one that fits "off the rack" then you usually save some big money-though some manufacturere's charge only a nominal fee for cutting a suit longer or wider, etc.-remember they don't have to fit like a wetsuit...

I hear a lot of divers are happy with DUI. I have tried them on and they are nice suits-very nice suits. But they are so ridiculously expensive -even for a dry suit. You can get the same quality without shelling out all that cash. Often hear it said "You get what you pay for" and with DUI you get just that the name "DUI" However, if you get a DUI at a decent price-say used then it's a great value. I don't want to put DUI down, cause a lot divers love them, I just think that you can get a better deal on a comparable suit. I view DUI like ScubaPro-sure they are good but they cost so darn much more than anything else.

I am sure many of my diving brethern have differing opinions....

Mike

 

[bigcat]

I dive a scubapro hyperthane. Similar to Viking Pro. Unfortunatly, scubapro doesn't market this suit anymore, Kind of bulky but durable and resistant to contaminants. Latex neck and wrist seals. Front entry diagonal zipper. Downfall is an integral neoprene hood. Going to have latex dry hood installed soon. Easily accomodates dry glove cuff rings and gloves.

Excellent suit for ice and cold water diving here in NE Ohio. I've used it regularly for the past three years without trouble. Really like it. :nuts:

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by TexasMike
White's Catalyst.....one of their newest models.

I take delivery of it this weekend and dive it next weekend. I'll make sure to get some photos and a gear report posted after I have a chance to use it.

Welll....nearly a month after I had posted the above, I finally took delivery of the suit. A few hiccups with regards to shipping and other things, but no worries....I'm happy to have it.

And it was worth waiting for.

So far, I've only had it on at the LDS where the shop owner was nice enough to assist in trimming the seals. Fit was excellent (I went the custome route) and this self-donning model is easy to put on.

No dives on it yet, but next weekend I plan to dive it as often as gas and NDL limitations will let me. So after that I'll provide some feed back on this brand/model of suit.

And much thanks should go to Southern Scuba in Fort Worth for providing excellent direction and assistance in choosing, fitting, and tweaking the suit. Alec does a great job!

 

[C_C]

Viking Xtreme with Weezle Extreme Undergarment.

 

[Waterlover]

Otter Trilam Dry suit with Andies undies for cold water.....

 

[Campana]

with various undies. I have the Viking one piece jump suit but I'm really starting to like my various fleece and polypro combinations better cause they give me more room to move. I bought some Cabela's Military Weight Polypro undies and tried them out today and they are great. Price was right too. Ordered some more polartech bottoms today. Better get em quick cause the yuppies aren't wearing the bottoms any more, just the tops, and they're getting a little harder to find. Cabellas has them and LL Bean still has one style in 200 weight.

The Xtreme is the only drysuit I have ever worn, much less owned, but the price was very right on a DEMA deal. It's not self donning, of course, but I can usually find someone to zip it up. In Texas, drysuits haven't been that popular but are getting very common this year. There were about 50 people diving today in 46 degree water. Last year, I'd be all alone.

Dave

 

[zodiacred]

For seven years now I have been using a Poseidon Unisuit.Still no leaks, original seals one of the b est investments I've made. I really like the fact that I can manage the zipper by myself.

 

[BILLB]

I own a DUI CF 200. This is the 100% crushed neopreme model. I was fortunate that the suit size off the rack was perfect for my body. As for my wife and buddy, I had to fork out additional cash for the DUI Flex50/50. Her suit is custom fitted. She loves it mainly because all other suits she has rented never fitted her properly.

The LDS I purchased both from probably has more models and manufactures than any in any area (Philly). When you look at the workmanship and compare DUI is the equal (or better) of any of the rest in all aspects (that also means other manufactures have good features too).

What made me a DUI buyer is first their total commitment to customer service. I have never had another dry suit company hold a DUI day at my local quarry (Dutch Springs). They simply went out of there way to put us into a drysuit that fitted ours needs and size. Our first dive in a dry suit was a resounding WOW! But to all who do not own a dry suit, what keeps you warm is the undergarments. Regular cotton layers are the worst thing to wear. That means you will have to budget even more money to but suitable undergarments.

They are expensive but my LDS gave me a good discount over advertised retail. I believe I got what I paid for. I am extremely happy and will save my pennies and dimes to do it all over again.

I am getting ready to dive again this morning in Monterey Bay. Water temp is about 45F. I am the only dry suit diver on the boat. I think that the other divers had there had their way they would throw me off because even after the dive I am still warm and comfortable in the 25 knot breeze that was blowing yesterday.

 

[Tavi]

Roughly what do the undergarments cost?

Thanks,

 

[diverguybcca]

sea tux 7mil. Deciding if I should buy a viking sport.