Best undersuit insulation?

[RedSeaDiver2]

The pro's and con's of thinsulate have been pretty well done to death on these forums, and I think that it is fair to say that over the longer term (i.e. after a few washes etc) that it might not be the best insulation.

So what are the alternatives? And how good are they?

Santi uses Climashield Contur in its Flex 190 and Flex 2.0 undersuits

Waterproof uses Dupont Sorona in the Nord undersuits

What are the pro's and con's of these? And what other alternatives are out there?

 

[lexvil]

Probably no significant difference in any of these other than the marketing “names” thickness and the ability to maintain loft is what you need. You can layer with more common stuff for less money (probably) and have the ability to adapt to different temperatures more easily.

 

[broncobowsher]

Noe of them are perfect.
You are not only dealing with insulation, but moisture. Your moisture.

 

[rfwoodvt]

Been pretty happy layered with 32°HEAT top and bottom, Minus33 merino midweight top and bottom, with meshtec 3d top and bottom.

Dive in 38° water this way for upwards of an hour and remain relatively unchilled

 

[Dsix36]

Look at the DUI Duotherm. I do not know what they are made of but I recently got one (300 version) and have been remarkably impressed. Even when wet it keeps me warm and the loft is less so my weight needed has become less too. My drysuit is currently leaking every dive and I do not even know I am wet until after the dive since the wicking seems fantastic. I dive in roughly 72 degree water in Florida caves and am a big wimp with water temps, just for full disclosure

 

[RedSeaDiver2]

Look at the DUI Duotherm. I do not know what they are made of but I recently got one (300 version) and have been remarkably impressed. Even when wet it keeps me warm and the loft is less so my weight needed has become less too. My drysuit is currently leaking every dive and I do not even know I am wet until after the dive since the wicking seems fantastic. I dive in roughly 72 degree water in Florida caves and am a big wimp with water temps, just for full disclosure

Interesting! I've never really taken much of a look at the fleece undersuits as they are a pain to keep clean without a nylon shell on them