The new version of the Ultraflex (or FifthD 1000) is fairly new. In the past, most people I have heard from didn't care for DC because they were so ill fitting. AG has spent over a year working with them to develop this particular suit and it is far superior to their older suits when it comes to how they were fit.
I do have the HD zipper. AG recommended it when we put the suit together.
My neck doesn't get that cold, or it really just doesn't bother me, so the standard latex seal is ok with me. They do have an optional colar for the undergarments that helps keep your neck warm. AG has one of those because he is a bit of a wimp when it comes to cold water
Yes, the DC undergarments are great. Are they as warm as the DUI 400 g Thinsulate? Probably not when they get wet. Unless you are doing extreme dives, I don't think you have to worry about flooding the suit and freezing during deco. Otherwise they are plenty warm. They are form fitting and don't ride up on the legs and arms when you don a snug fitting suit. They are easier to reach the valves. Some people have real problems when they don't get a good fitting set of DUI Thinsulate. Fit is very important.
I don't recall zippered pockets being an option, but if you do a search or ask about it in a DIR forum, you will understand why they don't recommend this. Velcro is so much safer. You can always get it open. The FifthD bellows pockets are huge. I don't think you will find pockets bigger than these. Pockets on the side are out of the slipstream, so the size isn't critical. One neat thing about the bellows pockets are the velcro strip that runs along the sides that can keep the pocket flat like a utility pocket when it is not in use or not full.
My opinion is I like both suits. The DC is probably going to be a little more durable and definitely costs less up front. However, DC undergarments may cost more depending on what type you get. Time will tell. I have only had mine since late last September or early October. I can't remember exactly when it came, but it has been about 6 or 7 months. No signs of wear on it so far and I usually average around 100 - 120 dives per year. A few of those have been in the DUI, so I would guess I have around 35 to 40 dives on it so far. The DUI is a little slicker in the water. That could also be the fact that you probably won't find a snugger suit (one that fits) on anyone than my 350TLS. I should post some pics of that sometime so people can see what a nearly perfect fit is.
One thing I like about the DC is the tapped seals. My DUI has had big problems with the wrist seals coming unglued. DUI finally mounted them on the inside and that has helped. I just think taping is not a detriment and adds protection.
There are a few owners around the Midwest and the number is growing. If you see Brando on the list (BCS I think) ask him how he likes it. He is the model on the FifthD site.
I would contact AG for really specific info on the suit. I know a fair amount, but like they say, no one understands something like the person who engineered it. He played a huge role in the new suit. He could provide much more detail than I can. Feel free to ask me more if you think of anything. If I don't know the answer, I know where to get it.
