That is a very good question!! here are the main differences:
- The zipper configuration is different,
Our classic Catalyst has the traditional method - goes across the chest down to the waist.
The 360 has a front shoulder to shoulder entry - which is TRULY self entry, I own one of these suits, and I do not need any help getting in or out.
- Stretch panels are different
The Classic has 3 sets of panels: just above the knees at the front of the suit, at the waist at the back of the suit, under each of the armpits.
The 360 has 2 "sets" of panels: all the way around the leg just above knees (out of harms way), and all the way around the waist (360 degrees). The advantage to this is that the entire suit stretches vertically, which means that stretching from side to side, or over to touch your knees is VERY easy, and the suit has more stretch to fit the diver that is just a bit too tall for the "regular" sizes. The mid section can stretch up to 3.5 inches, and the knees can stretch as much as 4 inches!!
- Color pattern and detailing is slightly different
- Same boot system
- Same material
- Same pocket system
- You'll also notice that the pattern for the 360 is slightly simpler....what does this mean for you?? The suit is simpler to make, which brings down production costs, which brings down your cost. The 360 is less money.
I should mention at this point that all of the pictures that we took for this suit had the valve placed above the zipper. That was our original plan....we had our models here for some other shoots, so we figured we may as well shoot the 360 as well. After I dove it, I was very adamant that it be switched, so we switched it below the zipper...the decision to take pictures of it sort of put the cart before the horse.....but hey we all make mistakes.
The valve is BELOW the zipper!!! - see photo on our website!
Catalyst 360
In my opinion the 360 is the better suit, and my prediction is that the traditional Catalyst will become our second most popular suit.
- It's cheaper
- more flexible
- easier to get into and out of
- still has all the great features that the original had.
So there ya go!
If you have any other questions please let me know.
Happy Diving,
Tyler