DIR- Generic DUI Cortez for Fundies?

[Hartattack]

While Santi’s are amazing—has anyone seen or had experience with the new Cortez? If so, would it be a contender going forward in GUE?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Looks nice. Looks like DUI is aiming right at that market. I have run into a couple of GUE divers lately who have said they currently favor DUI over Santi. I get the impression DUI went through a quality dip, but perhaps they are on a serious comeback.

 

[Hartattack]

I agree, and honestly, I could save almost $1,000.00 if I went with the DUI instead of the Santi Emotion +. That leaves a bit of saving for undergarments, gloves, and maybe another first stage or doubles wing.

 

[SuperSeaMonkey]

The material looks similar to the Santi Emotion. If you sit on concrete benches or rough surfaces quite a bit, you it appears it might not be very durable in the long term. Some of my friends have had the Santi Emotion, but have encountered "leak-a-thons" after a year or two of using them. The material should be pretty light weight and flexible, which will work out for travel. I guess it depends on what kinda of diving you plan to do. If you're on a tight budget and can fit pretty well into a stock size, perhaps look for a used drysuit for your first suit and save the rest for your Fundies class, gear, etc. You can always get a nicer drysuit that's MTM down the road.

 

[SuperSeaMonkey]

If your local dive shop only carries DUI, look into the FLX Extreme, which has a Cordura shell and is much more abrasion resistant. It should just be a little more than the Cortez and a lot more rugged suit that will last you a long time. If you look at WKPP pictures, a lot of the guys are using red colored DUI FLX Extremes.

 

[rjack321]

If you are on a serious budget why not just get a DUI Yukon?
Yes it only has one pocket but that is no big deal for fundamentals

 

[Hartattack]

If you are on a serious budget why not just get a DUI Yukon?
Yes it only has one pocket but that is no big deal for fundamentals

The Yukon does not come with the zip seals I believe. Also, I wouldn't say a serious budget, but $2,900.00+ for a Santi is fairly steep when you start factoring in the cost of classes and other gear purchases.

 

[rjack321]

The Yukon does not come with the zip seals I believe. Also, I wouldn't say a serious budget, but $2,900.00+ for a Santi is fairly steep when you start factoring in the cost of classes and other gear purchases.

Yukon comes with zip seals.
DUI | Drysuits & Diving Equipment from Diving Unlimited International

 

[Hartattack]

Yukon comes with zip seals.
DUI | Drysuits & Diving Equipment from Diving Unlimited International

Thanks, I'll take a look.

 

[Hartattack]

I'd also like to see if any GUE instructors chime in to get their thoughts.