my first dry suit

[dp_miller]

Hi

I'm about to buy my first set of gear. Most diving will be south coast UK and slightly-cold Mediterranean (costa blanca, Spain).

I'm hoping to find a dry suit that is good for both these locations but the choice is huge!

Broad choice appears to be a trilam with a range of undergarments, or a neoprene such as Typhoon Seamaster. The trilam seems to make more sense but the neoprene looks more comfortable and less hassle...

Any opinions welcome - thanks

Darren

 

[Mverick]

Gates VSN 1100
tri lam. Has stretch built into the material. Unlike any other on the market. Bullet Proof material.

or

DUI CF200
Compressed Neoprene. Has stretch also. Mine is a custom fit. Bullet Proof Material.

i have both. And prefer the Gates. But, I think Gates is Hunter now...

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Go with the trilam option.

 

[tkrock]

I like the DUI CF200!

 

[Bob3]

Which ever suit type you go with, getting one that made local to your area is fairly important.
If not made locally, at least be sure there is a good support system in place between the retailer & the local distributor.
You should like the stretch material of the Gates, and don't forget the Northern Diver offerings, such as the CNX and Cortex. Have them use Si Tech valves though, as the Apeks normally used have more frequent issues that require repair or replacement.

 

[SubMariner]

Trilam will definitely give you the widest range of undergarment options.

 

[big dog13]

dp
My wife and I use the Bare nexgen It is a trilam and we love them we dive west coast and I am an assist. inst. so we spend a lot of time in them very comfortable and durable(hunting lobster, scallops and spear fishing) over 100 dives and no problems. if you afford a custom suit like dui do it they have I think the best suit on the mkt and get the zip seal option after the kids are out of the house that will be our first investment. don't misunderstand the nexgen is a great suit but it is off the rack size and requires a suit shop to replace the seals. You will also use less lead with a trilam.
big dog