Dry Suit issue

[SKREAM]

This is what I'm hoping for; a company that makes what appears to be solid equipment and stands behind it should something go wrong. I don't abuse my gear-just the opposite. So, we'll have to see what the manufacturer says in the end. I spoke to someone yesterday evening who suggested that the only similar issue they had seen was when someone tried to turn a suit inside out. Not something I'd even contemplate.

 

[paintsnow]

DUI has a 7 year warranty
its one of the things theyre famous for.
they have had the 7 year warranty for 40 years, so its nothing new that the LDS shouldnt know about.

 

[peterbj7]

When you say "below the zip" do you mean not associated with the zip at all, or maybe something to do with the stitching? I'd certainly get DUI to fix it, but if it's a stitching leak you can easily mend it yourself with Aquaseal. Apply it to the inside of the suit, not the outside.

I once had a DUI suit (made in England) and it was the only drysuit I've had that I wasn't happy with. To the extent that I sold it. I replaced it with a very heavy compressed neoprene suit made by a specialist manufacturer in England, and they don't have any warranty period as such - their suits are warranted for life. The difference between them and DUI was that with DUI I filled in the fitting chart and later received the suit, whereas with the "O'Three" THEY measured me AND there were three fitting sessions during the manufacturing process. Bit of a hassle getting there, but well worth it in the end. The price wasn't much different, but the quality was in a different league. The only snag with that suit is that it is REALLY heavy and there's no way I'd try to fly with it - I keep a trilaminate suit for that.

 

[SKREAM]

As to location of the leak, when I tested it the leak appeared at the base of the zipper in the area where the rubberized end block is. I could not tell if it was directly on the zipper or on the tab. The LDS also looked at it and said the tab was off.
Thanks, never having gone the dry suit route before it was a bit of a challenge initially getting the suit on and I did feel the weight difference initially; I can only iimagine a much heavier suit. I would not have minded the fittings if it meant a lifetime warranty.

My LDS has suggested that while DUI may look at the zipper, he feels it is shot and will no doubt have to be replaced. It's now been sent off and I can only wait to see if they'll cover it. There were good suggestions about local repair people and other zipper manufacturers but the LDS felt it best to see what DUI would say. The local repair person in the end charges about the same as the manufacturer. The other good suggestion was a fellow in Florida; but I'll see what DUI has to say before going elsewhere.

 

[SKREAM]

Thanks for the reply. DUI warrants the drysuit with the exception of the neck seals, wrist seals, Zipper and valves) to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of seven years. The zipper and exhaust valve and inlet valve are only warranted for a peirod of one year. The neck and wrist seals are warranted for ninety days. SO... if someone has told you that DUI is warranted for seven years, read their warranty. It's not the same for the more important bits.
In my case the issue did not develop until a year + after I bought the suit due to diving wet for part of last year's dive season.

 

[SKREAM]

Thanks to both Astrofunk and Radiocraig whose posts seem to support the decision to send the suit back off to DUI for them to have a look and possible repair of the zipper. I'll let you know what they've said, even though my LDS is not very optimistic. While I know how I am with the suit, it's hard for someone else like the manufacturer to know that when they only see the defect/issue.