Hal
Contributor
Recently, was looking to buy a new drysuit and came across DUI’s Yukon II. Surprisingly, I found almost no user reviews. In the end, took a leap of faith and bought the suit. Having now used it locally (DC area) and then for a week in BC Canada, I offer thoughts.
Bottom line – really like this suit. 4.5 out of 5 stars
I had injured my shoulder a year or so ago, which decreased my mobility. Found that I could not comfortably get into my DUI TLS 350 when using thicker undergarments – even with assistance. As such, looking for a tri-lam suit that was easier to get on and off and provided for more flexible movement.
Donning/doffing. Much easier than the TLS 350. Has a zipper that starts behind the right arm/shoulder and goes down near lower left hip. It is extremely easy to get on even when wearing thick undergarments (Fourth Element Xerotherm and Arctic Expedition). This was true when putting on arms and then head but also when using the pre-attached zip gloves so putting on head first and then arms.
Movement. Very flexible. For diving I’ve used it for so far, has been great. I have not used it with doubles so have not yet been able to check reaching valves.
Staying dry. Oh, yes! Bone dry even after using it in strong current including one dive like a washing machine.
Durability. Too early to tell. Certainly seems very well made. Suppose I’ll find out in a year or two. Had originally been concerned about the plastic rather than metal zipper but found that the plastic one looks solid and is covered, which protects it nicely.
Seals. Comes with pre-installed zip seals – regular wrist and G2 neck. Never had zip seals and really like them. Easy to install/swap out. On recent trip, used both zip gloves and normal latex wrist zip seals with kubi dry gloves. The G2 latex neck seal did irritate my neck. Perhaps just too tight but not sure. On BC trip used bioseal that worked very well. Would have liked to try silicone neck seal but DUI doesn’t yet have G2 silicone neck seals. Hope that comes soon.
Pre-attached boots. Was a bit hesitant about these before getting the suit. No longer. Boots seem solid – perhaps not quite as tough as the rock boots but just fine for walking up and down docks, over rocks, etc. Like that they are easy to get on – saves a step. And like the Velcro strap around ankle/top of foot. Don’t have to worry about air moving to feet.
Price. Picked it up from DRIS for about $1500 w/ price-match. Seems very reasonable when comparing with other suits.
Room for improvement:
Came with one pre-installed pocket on the right thigh. Would have liked one on the left too – had to install
No knee pads – would have liked this added protection. Will have to have added at some point
Hope G2 silicone neck seal comes out – may eliminate need for the bioseal
Bottom line – really like this suit. 4.5 out of 5 stars
I had injured my shoulder a year or so ago, which decreased my mobility. Found that I could not comfortably get into my DUI TLS 350 when using thicker undergarments – even with assistance. As such, looking for a tri-lam suit that was easier to get on and off and provided for more flexible movement.
Donning/doffing. Much easier than the TLS 350. Has a zipper that starts behind the right arm/shoulder and goes down near lower left hip. It is extremely easy to get on even when wearing thick undergarments (Fourth Element Xerotherm and Arctic Expedition). This was true when putting on arms and then head but also when using the pre-attached zip gloves so putting on head first and then arms.
Movement. Very flexible. For diving I’ve used it for so far, has been great. I have not used it with doubles so have not yet been able to check reaching valves.
Staying dry. Oh, yes! Bone dry even after using it in strong current including one dive like a washing machine.
Durability. Too early to tell. Certainly seems very well made. Suppose I’ll find out in a year or two. Had originally been concerned about the plastic rather than metal zipper but found that the plastic one looks solid and is covered, which protects it nicely.
Seals. Comes with pre-installed zip seals – regular wrist and G2 neck. Never had zip seals and really like them. Easy to install/swap out. On recent trip, used both zip gloves and normal latex wrist zip seals with kubi dry gloves. The G2 latex neck seal did irritate my neck. Perhaps just too tight but not sure. On BC trip used bioseal that worked very well. Would have liked to try silicone neck seal but DUI doesn’t yet have G2 silicone neck seals. Hope that comes soon.
Pre-attached boots. Was a bit hesitant about these before getting the suit. No longer. Boots seem solid – perhaps not quite as tough as the rock boots but just fine for walking up and down docks, over rocks, etc. Like that they are easy to get on – saves a step. And like the Velcro strap around ankle/top of foot. Don’t have to worry about air moving to feet.
Price. Picked it up from DRIS for about $1500 w/ price-match. Seems very reasonable when comparing with other suits.
Room for improvement:
Came with one pre-installed pocket on the right thigh. Would have liked one on the left too – had to install
No knee pads – would have liked this added protection. Will have to have added at some point
Hope G2 silicone neck seal comes out – may eliminate need for the bioseal
