Drysuits

[RonzoTheGreat]

hey im in dyer need of a dry suit but need to get a custom due to my chest. been looking at dui and bare trilams ... my LDS doesnt really sell viking ... but here are a few questions:

they told me viking is super tough but also tough to move around in for tech drills and such (true or just talking about something they rather not sell me)

the bare trilam is about $1600 for me with front entry
the dui is about $1600 rear/shoulder entry

(both with the pockets i want)

i see the difference in the cone vs bottle neck for the two dif suits ... but what do you fellas and ladies think from experience

also, the turbo soles vs. the bare soft sock ..... than of course the roc boot vs the bare hard boot?

thanks much ... and please dont get upset at other's opinions as they roll in. (to each their own) but im looking for what you believe

 

[dave4868]

Do I remember correctly that your chest measurement is 56"?

First thing I would do is make sure the manufacturer can actually provide a well-fitting suit for you, especially if they mix stock-sized suit sections to get a compromise.

I'm familiar only with DUI's TLS350 and Clx450 and the cut of the stock suit is excellent, but I'm average in shape and at the bottom of the range for the size I take, so it's roomy.

Good fit is very important, so make sure to get measured accurately, keeping in mind your heaviest undergarments and the general fit of that manufacturer's suits. If they mix stock-sized suit sections, perhaps you can try on the recommended sizes of the sections in various stock suits before committing to a "Special Order".

Might be a good idea to find an experienced drysuit diver to advise you about fit while you're at the shop.

As far as neck seals, I like the bellows latex neck seal since it's very comfortable, including when turning the neck.

I'm also partial to suit socks and Rockboots, since I do a lot of shore diving. I found TurboSoles sloppy and insecure on irregular surfaces. Never tried the typical hard-soled attached boots.

Good luck!

Dave C

 

[TSandM]

You can get a custom DUI suit for $1600? That's not bad. I was quoted 2300 three years ago for custom.

But I would highly recommend that, before you do it, you see if there's a White's dealer in your area, and go look at the Fusion. The reason for that is that custom suits seem to be a hit or miss proposition, and I can tell you from personal experience that a custom suit that is mismade is a frustrating and potentially VERY expensive proposition. The White's suit uses a completely different concept, and you might be able to get a fit without going custom, and for a comparable price.

 

[RonzoTheGreat]

i really appreciate your insight ts&m ... and respect it ... but my closest dive buddy got hooked up with a whites deal when they were doing the free undergarments this past summer and after 3 tries back and forth from the company to our LDS, they gave up and he went into a dui ...

im a 51" chest btw ... which wont allow me into anyones stock 2XLS ... grrrr ... no input on the vikings eh?

 

[Bob]

i really appreciate your insight ts&m ... and respect it ... but my closest dive buddy got hooked up with a whites deal when they were doing the free undergarments this past summer and after 3 tries back and forth from the company to our LDS, they gave up and he went into a dui ...

im a 51" chest btw ... which wont allow me into anyones stock 2XLS ... grrrr ... no input on the vikings eh?

You won't go wrong with DUI, quality dry suits and the best customer service out there. almtree: Bob

 

[hudson]

I agree socks are the best bet for maximum flexibility. When I was trying out drysuits, trilams were by far the most comfortable. Also consider you'd be able to self-don the Bare which I personally like but may not be a factor if you have a regular buddy.

 

[RJP]

im a 51" chest btw ... which wont allow me into anyones stock 2XLS ... grrrr ... no input on the vikings eh?

I love my DUI suits, so I'm not knocking DUI here but they don't do "custom cut" suits per se. They take all your measurements and then put together all of the many different stock size pieces needed to make your "custom suit."

For most people that's more than sufficient to arrive at a suit that fits perfectly. However, people with extremes in one or two measurements may not be happy with the results. For example, if you have a 51" chest and a 34" waist they are gonna have trouble matching the pieces together. Similarly if you are 6'5" but only weight 150lbs any pieces that are long enough for you may be likely to be too wide for you.

You may wish to clarify exactly what you're going to get before signing on the dotted line.

 

[all4scuba05]

I thought custom suits were made from scratch and not from other stock sizes put together?