Cheap... eBay drysuit undergarments

[all4scuba05]

Ordered the 3 layer quilted this week and it's already here. With the fleece socks. Both were size small. I have to say that this undergarment fits me to the T. Taylor fit and doesn't restrict me in any way. Final test will be in 40 degree waters soon.
As for the socks. Three layers I think. I wear size 7 1/2 shoes and ordered small socks. I think they're made to fit 8 1/2. No biggy. Better than them being too small. Now to sell my XS dui thinsulate.

 

[ClayJar]

Incidentally, do we have a Quilted vs. Antarctica warmth comparison yet?

I *didn't* overheat in the Antarctica doing five spring dives in a day, each at 68 degrees for an hour, but I wasn't chilled on mid-to-low 50s dives at a quarry, either. Would I have been hot or cold in the Quilted?

(I'm still tempted to order one... if it's about the same, could I claim that it's in case of complete suit flooding, so I can just swap and continue the day? )

 

[JcoldwaterIL]

Just bought the quilted one. I was going to get the antarctic but since I'm already a human furnace i didn't want something too warm. Hopefully it is as good as the other undies for 300 bucks

 

[Narcd_dvr]

I dove my antarctica undergament in a 52 degree lake and I have to say it kept me warm. The downside, I had to 8 more pounds of lead.

 

[TheWallDiver]

I want to thank all of you here for your comments and observations. Hopefully I can save some money using this information.

I just recently bought a DUI FLX50/50 drysuit, and I got their Stretchliner jumpsuit (rated at 70 degrees) & a lightweight fleece vest to go over that.

That was adequate when the water was in the mid-60's, but now the water is in the mid-50's, and I'm going to where the water is in the mid-to-upper 40's soon.

I was chilly doing one dive at 55 degrees a couple of weeks ago. I think I'd definitely be cold doing 3-4 dives in this setup.

I tried on a DUI Powerstretch 300 at the DOG Rally here a week ago and it fit me snugly, and was also snug inside my drysuit.

While I think this would work to keep me warm enough even in the mid to upper 40's, at $498 retail (DUI closely controls the price) I'm having a hard time buying one.

I've contacted Ron about his Antartica garment, gave him my measurements, and he is checking his sizes in stock now. I plan to buy something from him and try it out.

I'll write later to tell what I got and how it worked out.

Wally

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I wore mine a couple weeks ago, for my drysuit check dives. Man... I was relieved to get in the water. I was sweatin' like a dog!! I never felt cold, though. I've got the quilted ones. I was comfy.

 

[aboalreem]

How about if I dive in 38-45 F temp?..does the 4 WAY ANTARCTICA enough?!!!

 

[TheWallDiver]

Hi all,

After giving Ron my measurements he said the XXL will fit me, but it might be tight in my drysuit as it is about 25% thicker than a DUI Polartec 300.

As a result I'm going to try his Flex undergarment instead. It is apparently exactly like the Anartica except one layer instead of two. So of course it won't be quite as warm, but maybe warm enough for me. It should also fit in my drysuit better.

I'm going diving at San Miquel Island, in the Channel Islands off the coast north of Los Angeles next weekend. A report from a couple of weeks ago said it was 48 degrees.

I'll write a report on how the suit worked for me after I return.

By the way, I've NEVER met a seller more responsive than Ron. This is a great guy to work with so far.

Wally

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

By the way, I've NEVER met a seller more responsive than Ron. This is a great guy to work with so far.

Wally

Agreed. This guy ROCKS!!

 

[TheWallDiver]

I ordered my 4 way Flex garment Thursday late at night. Ron emailed me Friday that he had shipped it from NY Priority Mail. I received it Monday in CA! WOW! Can't get much faster than that!

The garment looks great. I really wasn't expecting it to look as nice as it does. It is a little long for me (I'm 6-2), as is very comfortable. I make take it up in length a little later, but I'm going to try it first.

I got a pair of the matching booties in XL, and they just fit my size 13 feet.

When I put them on and put them in my drysuit they just fit. When I put on my size 13 Rockboots it's tight.

I'm going to try a larger pair of black tennis shoes that I see a lot of the local divers using instead of Rockboots and see how that works.

I'll let you know how warm it felt after I dive with it this weekend.

Wally