Another Fusion review

[TSandM]

DiveJedi, what do you think about the reasonable durability for the suit? This is the one issue that comes up over and over again, especially with the bag being bilam. I know you give yours heavy use -- have you had to patch it at all? I was especially looking at the feet.

Ana, I wonder if the mobility is a little different, depending on where in the spectrum of people that a given size fits you sit. I am pretty small, I think, for the designed size of the S/M, so I suspect I have the maximum amount of loose bag to utilize. I really do think it felt like a wetsuit. There was no direction that I tried to move or flex where the suit impeded me at all. I could squat and put my butt on my heels, lean over and touch my toes, reach up and over and touch my backplate. And in the water, I could stretch my arms full out in front of me, and reach my valves without thinking about it.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

Lynne, What is the price point on the Fusion?

 

[TSandM]

I believe the suit is approximately $1100. The system, including undergarments, socks, and boots, can run anywhere from $1599 to $1899 MSRP, depending on the options selected. This is from the dealer where I originally tried on the suit.

 

[DiveJedi]

Whites has used a "dual" laminate system (different grades of nylon with polyurethane) for many many years (20 years ish) and has served us very well. There may be a perception that they are not as high quality largely because of other manufacturers' suits. But not ours - in 20 years we have had lots of time to practice.....Here is my "manufacturer lesson" for the day.....

If I am a manufacturer I can arrange to get product in from all over the world (for pretty cheap much like Walmart) and sell cheap - this way I can make more money.....but what happens when these suits actually come in?? Well - we've tried it. We have ordered samples from around the globe, for cheap - they arrive - we test them, dive them etc - the quality is just not there - essentially these manufacturers are really distributers - come up with ideas, get them made elsewhere, and distribute them.

Our suits are not made elsewhere, they are made in Victoria, BC, Canada - directly below me, everyday. This way we have maximum quality control. Bilaminate is very easy to repair - if you put a hole through it, easy solution - patch, hairdryer, roller - done (holes shouldn't happen - but everyone makes mistakes). My back up-suit, a bilaminate, has 800+ dives on it and still going strong - I have replaced seals - yes, but otherwise, I have never had a problem with it, and I hear this all the time. We distribute dual-laminate suits to marines, coast guards, police dept.'s etc. through all of Canada (90%) and the US, and have for many years (these are people that don't even pay for their suits, the government does - but it is still their suit of choice). I've heard stories of what these guys do to the sample suits we send - it is no accident. Quality first, price second.

So to answer your question regarding durability - I have no concerns - I have not had any leaks - do I recommend running over hot coals, or through fields of glass - no. If you treat your suit nice, it will treat you nice. I walk around on "typical roads", some gravel (although not comfy on my tender tooties) without boots, just socks, and have had no problems, nor do I expect any.

Our suits have a 3 year warranty - if you think we messed up - send her back. .

I hope I answered your question.

Until the next dive....

Tyler

 

[DiveJedi]

Lynne, What is the price point on the Fusion?

MSRP - $1398, bag and inflator hose included.
Package pricing depends on the fleece you want to go with it.

Until the Next Dive,
Tyler

 

[Gombessa]

When we do get the tech skins in (later this month) they will not be equipped with pockets (this will be a separate system

Hi Tyler,

Is the pocket system for the tech skin going to be different from that belt/garter system used to attach the Pocket Matrix? If so, can you say whether it will be more integrated?

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

Thanks Lynne and Tyler! Food for thought!

 

[Ana]

Ana, I wonder if the mobility is a little different, depending on where in the spectrum of people that a given size fits you sit. I am pretty small, I think, for the designed size of the S/M, so I suspect I have the maximum amount of loose bag to utilize. I really do think it felt like a wetsuit. There was no direction that I tried to move or flex where the suit impeded me at all. I could squat and put my butt on my heels, lean over and touch my toes, reach up and over and touch my backplate. And in the water, I could stretch my arms full out in front of me, and reach my valves without thinking about it.

Ok. yes I'm able to do those things also; lean, stretch, reach back to mess with my valve while I'm on the boat or in the water. In particular the stretch of the arms while in the water is a necessity for me, but I think it is based on the fact that I feel so restricted in general that every few minutes I find myself stretching.

So yes, the suit allows me to make those moves, but so are the zeagle and viking with the same ease as the fussion. For example the heels touching the butt, while hugging the kness is the first thing I do when I suit up in order to squez out any excess air. I even did that when I had to use the vulcanized rubber ones, it just took more effor to get done.

Now I also stretch when I put a 3mil suit before getting in the water but is not so much for the benefit of the suit, but just to strecth my muscles before the first dive of the day. During the dive the 3mil is none existent as far as movement, I don't even think about stretching unles I'm actually trying to reach something that is far from me. I don't have to pay attention to my position in the water, if I'm getting dinner and the creature gives me a hardtime the suit along with the rest of my gear is not an issue.

If I'm using a drysuit I have to pay attention to what's going with the suit. It doesn't stop me for doing what I need to do, and certainly makes my life a lot nicer when the water is cold, BUT is not like using a 3mil. It just isn't. I'm counting the days until the water warms up, as soon as we hit 70~72 the drysuit goes to the closet to leave room for the wetone.

 

[TSandM]

Thanks, Tyler, for answering my questions so promptly.

Ana, you and I will just have to differ about the wetsuit/dry suit perceptions. Personally, I'd dive this suit in the tropics, too -- especially with a light undergarment, it would be just incredibly comfortable.

I have a few pictures. They're not terribly flattering, but I don't think many women look good in the insulation you need for 46 degree water! You can see the fabric of the bag wrinkling up under the Lycra. You don't feel it, though.

 

[cppike79]

TS&M.....its good to hear your review of the Fusion......I must admit it excites me to see more and more people trying this suit out and for the most part raving about it. I've been diving this suit for a little over 3 months now (bought it immediatly after trying it on at a demo day). I absolutely love the suit, and was amazed with the comfort and flexibility of it.

My largest concern, as everyones, was also durability........and I can tell you that it has impressed the heck out of me so far. My buddy and I have really tried to put them to the test, and its funny you'll hit an urchin, scrape a rock, or something along these lines (not bouyancy issues...we dive for lobster a lot) and you'll be certain that you must have ripped or puntured the suit, and later when you start looking for the spot to see the damage to the suit or the lycra........Nothing!!!!

I love my suit so much that I almost immediately sold my 7 mil wetsuit, and will dive this year round.....in fact I'm diving tonight.....see ya at laguna

Happy diving,

Brian