DUI cf200 or Bare xcd2 tech?

[Potapko]

I currently have the Bare trilam hd tech dry but I am not satisfied. Movement is too restricted. I weigh 175 lbs at 5' 8". I tried the large short and sent it back because I could barely move. Received the XL/S and it was acceptable, or so I thought. It still binds in the crotch and shoulders when I reach back for my valves. I am looking to buy a more flexible crushed or compressed neoprene suit. Looking for reasons to choose one or the other. Is the Bare flexible like the DUI?

Thanks for the help,
JEff

 

[prostuff]

Hi Jeff,
I have had the chance to dive both the DUIcf200 and Bare XCD2. I ended up buying the CF200 Sig. series.....
CF200

• Made to measure
• Lots of flexability
• Bullet proof

XCD2

• Less flexable
• Poor fit (I am about the same build as you. L/short and still found it very tight and constrictive)

Yes, the DUI is much more $ but I think it's worth the cost. Some have also stated that they are heavy when wet and take longer to dry. Yeah, so!!! Not a deal breaker unless you are traveling with it (via Air)
Prior to the CF200 I had (And still use for Travel) a Bare ATR Lite.
Hope this helps.

 

[Potapko]

Hi Jeff,
I have had the chance to dive both the DUIcf200 and Bare XCD2. I ended up buying the CF200 Sig. series.....
CF200

• Made to measure
• Lots of flexability
• Bullet proof

XCD2

• Less flexable
• Poor fit (I am about the same build as you. L/short and still found it very tight and constrictive)

Yes, the DUI is much more $ but I think it's worth the cost. Some have also stated that they are heavy when wet and take longer to dry. Yeah, so!!! Not a deal breaker unless you are traveling with it (via Air)
Prior to the CF200 I had (And still use for Travel) a Bare ATR Lite.
Hope this helps.

Thank you for this information. It was very helpful. The only reason I would consider the bare is because of the cost. I love my Bare wetsuit but have had nothing but bad experience with the drysuits.

 

[bogrady]

Jeff,

Bare XCD2

I own both the Bare Trilam HD Tech and the XCD2 Tech, and I dove the CF200 at a Dog Days.

It was the Dog Day dive in the CF200 that sold me on dry diving – and don’t get me wrong –the CF200 is a great suit – but I ended up with 2 Bares.

The way I describe it is that DUI is the Harley of the diving world – you basically get a great product but you pay a whole lot extra to be “in the club”. The Bare suits are just way better on the price performance scale – same quality/performance as the DUI at a much lower price. Again, the CF200 (in fact any DUI product) is a great product, but I just didn’t see paying the extra price for basically the same quality suit. (Disclaimer – when I do get that big raise/bonus/promotion I will probably go out and buy a DUI – it really is a cool club – the food is better and the women are prettier.)

My first purchase was the XDC2 – I found it to be very flexible and very comfortable – the thing is bulletproof and very easy to dive and it is toasty! However – I dive mostly Texas lakes and I travel with it, so I really didn’t need the extra insulating power of the compressed neo XCD2, plus I wanted to gain the weight/drying advantages of a Trilam.

I now dive the Bare Trilam HD Tech. Like your experience – it is much more restrictive/less flexible that the XCD2 but for me it hasn’t proven to be a problem.

So – if your goal is to gain a more flexible/comfortable suit – I would go with the Bare XCD2 – the gain is in moving from the Trilam to the neo.

 

[Diver Steven]

The Bare XCD2 that I bought was custom cut, they called it "made to measure". I just switched from a Trilam for the same reasons you mentioned, I still have it, but for my money although Trilams are lighter and dry fast, which is nice, the compressed neoprene just dives better,. a bit warmer, and assuming it fits right, a lot more streamlined. I think you'll be happy moving from Trilam to Neo.. I definitely am.

 

[Potapko]

The Bare XCD2 that I bought was custom cut, they called it "made to measure". I just switched from a Trilam for the same reasons you mentioned, I still have it, but for my money although Trilams are lighter and dry fast, which is nice, the compressed neoprene just dives better,. a bit warmer, and assuming it fits right, a lot more streamlined. I think you'll be happy moving from Trilam to Neo.. I definitely am.

My only problem with the Bare Trilam is the lack of flexibility. If i could get that with the compressed neoprene. I would buy it. The DUI is simply so much more expensive it will take a lot to justify it.
thanks,

 

[bogrady]

My only problem with the Bare Trilam is the lack of flexibility. If i could get that with the compressed neoprene. I would buy it. The DUI is simply so much more expensive it will take a lot to justify it.
thanks,

I think the responses so far agree that a trilam suit is less flexible than a neo - and that the XCD2 would provide you the flexibilty that you are looking for. Doesn't that answer your question that the Bare XCD2 neo is a valid alternative to the more expensive DUI neo?

 

[Potapko]

Not until I try it on. But thanks for the response

I think the responses so far agree that a trilam suit is less flexible than a neo - and that the XCD2 would provide you the flexibilty that you are looking for. Doesn't that answer your question that the Bare XCD2 neo is a valid alternative to the more expensive DUI neo?

 

[Randy43068]

The CF200 is bullet proof... almost. It's tough as nails and easy to repair if needed. I'm not favorably impressed with the quality of Bare suits to he honest.

 

[hunter991]

I have been very please with Bare Drysuits. I just got a new one in the store and will be buying one for myself soon. I personally like the trilam suits a goot bit. The trilam doesn't stretch but it allows a wide range of temperatures that you can dive in. I can dive my suit in 85 degree water with very light thermals or 40 degree water with heavy thermals. Some of the neoprene suits don't allow this flexibility. A properly fitted trilam suit won't restrict your movements any more than any other suit.

Brent