DUI and Viking Durability

[Redshoerider]

Good Evening, all:

Well, the time has come for me to go ahead and make the plunge for getting a drysuit. I've tried quite a few different ones on (both in and out of the water), and I really liked a CF 200 (stock sized, no fancy options) that I tried on. Problem is, I have sort of a soft spot for Viking (I have no idea why). My LDS does not carry Viking, so I can't try one on.
The primary question I have for all of you:

Which is more durable in the long haul: A CF200x suit, or a Viking HD1500? So it's a game of compressed neoprene vs. rubber. I've heard that a CF200, over time, will basically break down and start to seep water though the fabric, as opposed to rubber, which as long as it's not cracked, will last basically forever. I'm going to be doing diving in colder waters, and a lot of wreck diving, so durability is a large concern of mine. I know that commerical divers will use either a Viking (or Gates) or a CF200 (depending on water contamination), so that didn't really help me in making my decision. How hard is it to care for a rubber suit, by the way?
Is there some magic tricks to it?

Your thoughts/opinions on the matter?

 

[rmediver2002]

I would be pretty impressed if you wore it out... Even the 1000 gram is going to be extremely durable.

I have used crushed neoprene, neoprene, nylon, and rubber and by far choose rubber.

They are a snap to field repair and even if your not taking proper care of it is going to stand up to it and last. The only thing you will likely have trouple with is the latex seals and even then if your keeping them clean (removing all body oil after every dive and a light dusting of talc) your going to get three or four years between replacement.

I am currently using Gates (now Hunter actually) but between Viking, Gates, and Amron the material is pretty much the same.

I would recommend shopping around for the cheapest price, Hunter can be had for less than $1000 for the 1000 gram.

Have you asked Bob3 about suits? He deals in Viking and could probally get you anything else you needed...

I am impressed that you taking the time to check fit prior to purchasing... Most people are to tempted to buy after trying one out (see DUI Demo days right...)

Good Luck on your selection...

Jeff Lane