Looking for dry suit advise and suggestions

[jaeckert]

I am looking to perchase my first (and for the time) only dry suit. My LDS is “White’s” dealer and offers no other options (though they are willing to custom fit/order) I know there is a lot I don’t know.

Are White's suits as good as any that are on the market at this time?

I certified in a White’s and did ok, but my build questions an “off-the-shelf”(I was put in an XXL and bouyancy was a real bear (lots of extra space within the suit)… thought I might be better in a Large Tall, or at most an eXtraLargeTall) product as be the best. I am more than willing to spend more to get more (less to get more would even be a bigger bonus; but personal experience teaches me I get what I pay for).

My body type is a bit out of the norm. I am 6’2,” and at/under 170 lbs. (yes; I am skinny... and stop smirking!). Long arms, long legs, and I get cold easily.

Should I look at a White’s custom built dry suit? Or, are there other manufacturers I should be considering?

Note: I am not shopping by price; only performance.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply!

 

[krawlings]

I am new to dry suit s all so but I would go with the custom fit. I don't fit in off the shelf suit either I am 5'-5" and 165 lb. . I got lucky and and a diving friend that was selling his . Beens he has the same body type (size shape weight, ect....)I tried it ,Perfect. GOOD LUCK

 

[eelpout]

You already mentioned a problem with a suit that does not fit. Too much space allows air to get trapped and move around while you dive. When you get measured for your suit, it should be measured with the considereation of what thickness and style your thickest underwear will be. There are certain movements and positions that you should be able to do with a drysuit/underwear to make it work the best for you.
Check this link Range of Motion

Don't forget the pockets, they are a must on a drysuit.

Jim

 

[a22shady]

Whites is a good brand so I have heard. So are Dui/Bare. All make quality suits each offers there own little thing. My Personal Opinon is I like bare over them all. Reason is quality/Price was best. They also offer a lifetime warranty on their seams and workmanship. My Second choice out of all manufactures would have been the DUI. I did all my research over all the brands and it came down to these 2 suits for me(DUI TLS350 - Bare HD-TechDry). Ultimatley I liked the more rugged looking exterior over the DUI smooth finish it just look/felt to me as if it would hold up more. Second I was also saving almsot800.00 for virtually the same suit. Also Bare offers alot of in between sizes/Off the shelf more so than others I have seen so might be able to save you bit of money. My firend is 1inch taller than you and 5lbs less and actually dove a Bare ML-tall this summer for a weekend as a rental and loved the suit.

Dive

 

[JahJahwarrior]

I had a Bare ML neoprene suit, it was a little long on me at 6-0 and a similar build as you. Had to get it altered. Don't trust anyone saying a suit will fit, but I'd atleast take the time to look at the off-the-rack sizes to see if one will work for you.

 

[fdog]

I've been diving a lifetime in dry suits: 6 different drysuits over the years since the late 70's. I have had the Whites Fusion for the last 3 years and it is the best one yet.

However, you came here looking for advice, and this is the best I can give you: try before you buy. Even if you have to travel a bit to get to a DUI Dog Days demo, or a Whites Demo Day event. A drysuit is expensive enough that you owe it to yourself to make sure about your choice.


All the best, James

 

[jaeckert]

Thank you all for your responses. Lots of food for thought (though you are NOT helping me narrow things down ).
My biggest issue with the tri/bi lams (and many others for that matter) is the bulk. because I am tall and slender, these seem to fit me like a commercial trash bag and the drag is ridiculous, not to mention the air migration all over the suit. I want a suit that will be as snug as possible while giving me GOOD insulation in 40-60 degree water (please remember I get cold quickly).
I am looking seriously at the Bare SB suit (w/ underwear). I would like to hear good/bad/something better. Fit, comfort, range of motion, stream-line, and to a lesser extent... weight, are all important to me. Cost is not a measure for me. It doesn't have to be the most expensive (though that won't get it thrown out of consideration); just the best.
Why isn't there a Consumer Reports for diving equipment (one that is truly unbiased and actually offers a rating system with preferences without just regurgitating the manufacturer's hype {listening Scuba Labs?})?
Thank you one more time for past AND future input.

Joel

 

[a22shady]

remeber its not the suit that keeps you warm it's the undergarment. If you get a suit that fit's too closely/snug and should you need to layer up or get a thicker then planned undergarment it might be too tight and might not have enough room in suit or be able to add adequate air for the undergarment to perform. Me personally I like a little room as stated I dive year round well atleast try and when waters are 45 and below I actually where two sets of undergarments due to getting cold easily (Fourth Element Arctic/XT250) which fits snuggly in my suit. As for drag unless it's rediculously big I doubt you will notice any drag between any suits.

As for the SB its a new suit coming out not relesed yet but it looks very cool. Go to www.diverightinscuba.com and go into there online store and look the suit up he has a video of the suit.

 

[jaeckert]

remeber its not the suit that keeps you warm it's the undergarment. If you get a suit that fit's too closely/snug and should you need to layer up or get a thicker then planned undergarment it might be too tight and might not have enough room in suit or be able to add adequate air for the undergarment to perform. Me personally I like a little room as stated I dive year round well atleast try and when waters are 45 and below I actually where two sets of undergarments due to getting cold easily (Fourth Element Arctic/XT250) which fits snuggly in my suit. As for drag unless it's rediculously big I doubt you will notice any drag between any suits.

As for the SB its a new suit coming out not relesed yet but it looks very cool. Go to Dive Right In Scuba | Plainfield scuba diving lessons and scuba equipment. We also provide scuba certification for the Chicago area. and go into there online store and look the suit up he has a video of the suit.

Thank you for your words.

One of the things that appeals to me about the SB is their undergarment system. You have a base layer (glorified rash guard=no bulk), + mid layer, and (if needed)a vest secondary layer; which should (?) cover me in most environments I expect to be in (including BC over memorial day weekend {+/- 40 degrees F}). I do not anticipate bulk changing much (unless I suddenly start to pack on the pounds ;p ).

I do appreciate your unspoken caveat about possibly needing additional thermal protection as I DO get cold easily and may need to go above and beyond... I had not given that thought before.

Regarding drag; did you see my stats? Putting me in an XXL Fusion was as good as zipping me into a giant zip-lock baggie and telling me to swim (compared to previous experience w/ 1970's wet suits). I felt like I had two of me to tow around on my back. And, then there was the whole issue of almost unrestricted air-shift all over the suit, which made buoyancy/body orientation a continual struggle. These are some of the reasons I seek a snugger suit.

Lastly; I thank you for the video link. I was a little surprised about the SB not being out yet; neither the Bare site nor my Bare LDS said anything about this being a "future" release (they were ready to place my order last week).

So, all things said, I am not 100% sold on the Bare SB ( I don't have access to a current "try-before-you-buy" option with this suit). Do you, or anyone else, have something else they think I should look at?

Thank you (everyone) for taking the time to read, and reply to, this post.

Joel
Boise, Idaho

 

[kathydee]

I love my DUI TLS 350. It's great to dive, very comfortable and DUI sticks by their product with excellent customer service!