DUI Dry Suit. Torn between 2 types.

[dougdrury]

I am going to get a DUI dry suit this month.
I am torn between the CLx 50/50 and the CF 200. Can anyone give me any pros or cons about either one?

I want to add pockets and move the dump valve to my wrist. Some people have said that it should be on my upper arm, but I feel that the wrist would be easier. I am planning on doing under water photography and videography. I have heard both sides to the story, but still feel the wrist dump would be best.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[mwpowell]

I have a CF200, and it is a good suit but is heavy. If you're planning on packing your suit on an airplane then consider the lighter suits. I would test dive some suits with shoulder dump and wrist dump before committing to the wrist dump.

Mike

 

[dougdrury]

I have a CF200, and it is a good suit but is heavy. If you're planning on packing your suit on an airplane then consider the lighter suits. I would test dive some suits with shoulder dump and wrist dump before committing to the wrist dump.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I appreciate the "weight" info.

Speaking of weight...We dive in Monterey. I currently use a 7mm wetsuit and 16 lbs of lead. If I go dry, will I add or drop weight? Did you notice adding or dropping lead when you went to your CF200?

Thanks.
Doug

 

[ERP]

I dropped a couple of pounds when I went dry, but it depends on the 7mm to some extent and also how you use the dry suit.

The CF200 is a very heavy suit, and it takes forever to dry personally I went with the TLS350 that's dry pretty much as soon as you walk out of the water.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Second the conversation so far; for uw photography the TSL 350 is a much better choice. Lighter, dries easier, and as a photographer you don't (ought not to) require the abrasion resistance of the heavier materials. Take a look at the 350, I suspect it would be a much better option for your stated purpose. Wrist dump is, for all but a very few purposes, unnecessary. It can also, depending on the valve, make it more of a PITA to get out of your gear. OTOH, pockets and knee pads are pretty important. You will find that the extra cost of the signature series makes some sense, as the fit is (generally) right and all the extras would raise the cost of your suit to that level anyway.

BTW, weight required is often dependent on type of undergarment and how 'tight' you dive the suit - e.g. how much gas you use in it. Ideal might be using an undergarment that does not require loft to provide warmth, e.g. thinsulate, and dive the suit with only enough gas in it to provide complete mobility. Any more gas than that and you'll routinely be wearing more weight.

FWIW. YMMV.

 

[theskull]

Second the conversation so far; for uw photography the TSL 350 is a much better choice. Lighter, dries easier, and as a photographer you don't (ought not to) require the abrasion resistance of the heavier materials. Take a look at the 350, I suspect it would be a much better option for your stated purpose. Wrist dump is, for all but a very few purposes, unnecessary. It can also, depending on the valve, make it more of a PITA to get out of your gear. OTOH, pockets and knee pads are pretty important. You will find that the extra cost of the signature series makes some sense, as the fit is (generally) right and all the extras would raise the cost of your suit to that level anyway.

BTW, weight required is often dependent on type of undergarment and how 'tight' you dive the suit - e.g. how much gas you use in it. Ideal might be using an undergarment that does not require loft to provide warmth, e.g. thinsulate, and dive the suit with only enough gas in it to provide complete mobility. Any more gas than that and you'll routinely be wearing more weight.

FWIW. YMMV.

What he said!!

And definitely don't move the vent to the wrist unless you have already dived a suit this way and love it. The upper arm is far more convenient and efficient.

theskull

 

[Tavi]

I dive the Clx50/50 Signature Series, Its a great suit. I have the old style zipper. You can order it that way if you want.
I have my dump on the left forearm. I find it much easier than the shoulder dump.

 

[AZ_Zoner]

I dive a 450 and a buddy dives with the 200. The 200s weight is amazing next to a trilams. Especially when wet. Also my 450 is dry and ready to pack up hours before the 200.

As far as lead weight goes, it all comes down to how much you put on under the suit. And the type of material your undergarments are made of. If you chill easy you will where more and thicker undergarments. Thus more lead. If you pay a few bucks and get good undergarment the thickness will be less, which means less lead. I reduced weight by a good 8 lbs when I went to a dry suit from a 7mm.

I have the dump on the shoulder. Once I got it set up and played with it a bit it required very little attention while diving. Just take the time to set it up where you feel comfortable with it.

If you are worried about toughness, I had the big kevlar knee pads added. And think they were worth the money.


Good luck with your decision

CB

 

[Life-Is-Good-Diver]

I dive a 450 and a buddy dives with the 200. The 200s weight is amazing next to a trilams. Especially when wet. Also my 450 is dry and ready to pack up hours before the 200.

As far as lead weight goes, it all comes down to how much you put on under the suit. And the type of material your undergarments are made of. If you chill easy you will where more and thicker undergarments. Thus more lead. If you pay a few bucks and get good undergarment the thickness will be less, which means less lead. I reduced weight by a good 8 lbs when I went to a dry suit from a 7mm.

I have the dump on the shoulder. Once I got it set up and played with it a bit it required very little attention while diving. Just take the time to set it up where you feel comfortable with it.

If you are worried about toughness, I had the big kevlar knee pads added. And think they were worth the money.


Good luck with your decision

CB

How do you like your 450? Im thinking of either getting the DUI 350 TLS, or the 450 series, i cave dive, water temps year round at 72, was thinking of going with the 150 weight undergarments, good for 65+ waters, with the 350 TLS, thanks

 

[AZ_Zoner]

How do you like your 450? Im thinking of either getting the DUI 350 TLS, or the 450 series, i cave dive, water temps year round at 72, was thinking of going with the 150 weight undergarments, good for 65+ waters, with the 350 TLS, thanks

I was fortunate enough to be able try several DUIs prior to purchasing mine. I liked the 350 better than the 200 or the 50/50. I guess the weight and ease of getting in was the plus for me. The 450 is a very easy suit to put on and take off. It was custom made for me so the fit was great. I’ve used it with a BP and Wings and a Zeagle Ranger with no problems or uncomfortable feel. I do use the Dive Rite gators on the legs.

I don’t get cold very easy and for 70 + water temp I’d be in long underwear and a long sleeve t-shirt. Under 60 degree I wear the 150 and under 50 degree I layer up. I need to purchase something better for the under 50 temp. For socks I’ve just been wearing thick wool and they keep my feet warm.

Because I don’t get cold and wear less under the suit, I can get away with less lead than when I dove with a 7mm wet suit.

I also opted for the Kevlar knee pads and thigh pockets on both sides. They come in real handy on almost every dive.

I have roughly 60-70 dives on it over three years and it still looks and works great.

CB