New Dry Suit by next M & G

[Barracuda2]

Ok friends, Im now really serious about a new dry suit before our next M & G. What better place to get some quality info than GLWC divers. I'm also inquiring on "Exposure Suits" to get input there, but I would rather hear from you guys and gals because we dive in the same conditions, and I respect your knowledge and experience. I've looked at the Custom DUI CF200 and am really impressed, but ye gads, $2700 price is scary, but not necessarily out of the question. Can I get a comparable suit less costly? The Pinnacle EVO 2 also looks good to me---what do you think? Because of my age, this will probably be my last dry suit purchase. I want to hear from you, especially Ber, Tim B. MittenDiver, Divin'Hoosier, Bladephotog, IndyScott, Jchoby, Wb416, Randy43068, Dean810, Betail, gtxl1200, and anybody else who wants to chime in. Seriously, your consensus will probably determine my purchase. Thanks in advance for the coming input.

Denny

 

[Divers Incorporated]

I myself, and most of the divers who dive with me regularly are exceptionally happy with the Pinnacle Evolution 2. It comes in nearly 14 sizes and if those don't work they are happy to alter it for you without a rediculous price. You should be able to get into it for a LOT less than a DUI.

I was also impressed with the new Hollis Drysuit line when I was at DEMA. A bit more expensive but stretchier and thier really durable fabric that they have used on BCD's in the past. After being in the Pinnacle EVO2 for nearly 2 years now (I got the third one ever built) I would be loath to get rid of the telecoping torso.

My 2 Cents, Hope it helps. Happy Holidays,

Rich

 

[Divin'Papaw]

New suit, eh Denny? Unfortunately you'll probably get about as may suggestions as folks who chime in.

I dive a Bare Trilam HD Tech. It's the top-of-the-line Bare trilam suit. I love it and after about 50 dives on it, I'd buy it all over again. It’s front entry and after a few dives to become comfortable with it, I have been able to don and doff without assistance ever since. I really like the trilam as it's lighter and more flexible in terms of temperature range than a crushed neoprene suit. I can literally wear the same suit in water from 35-75 just by changing the undergarment. The Bare trilam material is very durable and I don't at all concern myself with getting a hole in it. It comes with very rugged knee pads which is nice. I've been very pleased with the quality as well. I know of at least 4 other GL wreck divers who dive this suit and they all love theirs as well.

With that said, a buddy of mine has the Pinnacle Evo 2 and it is also a really nice suit. When I was shopping, those two were running neck and neck. I ended up finding my suit on clearance from Scuba Toys for $1,225 with free undergarments and that made my mind up right there. The Evo 2 was going to be over $1,400 not including any undies.

I'm not the guy to ask about DUI. I personally think they're over priced and I never gave the DUI models much consideration. I know alot of local divers have 'em and love 'em though. You'll have to get your input on the CF200 or other DUI models from those who dive them.

Be sure and either get it with pockets or add them yourself. I bought XS Scuba pockets from Dive Sports and glued them on myself. It worked great and I LOVE the pockets.

Whatever you decide, I’d love to come up to Gilboa and help you break it in!

 

[Ber Rabbit]

DH is right, don't we all dive different suits Anything with a dry hood is my recommendation, you just can't believe what a difference dry hair makes in your level of comfort. I'm happy with my Viking Xtreme
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Barracuda2]

New suit, eh Denny? Unfortunately you'll probably get about as may suggestions as folks who chime in.

I dive a Bare Trilam HD Tech. It's the top-of-the-line Bare trilam suit. I love it and after about 50 dives on it, I'd buy it all over again. It’s front entry and after a few dives to become comfortable with it, I have been able to don and doff without assistance ever since. I really like the trilam as it's lighter and more flexible in terms of temperature range than a crushed neoprene suit. I can literally wear the same suit in water from 35-75 just by changing the undergarment. The Bare trilam material is very durable and I don't at all concern myself with getting a hole in it. It comes with very rugged knee pads which is nice. I've been very pleased with the quality as well. I know of at least 4 other GL wreck divers who dive this suit and they all love theirs as well.

With that said, a buddy of mine has the Pinnacle Evo 2 and it is also a really nice suit. When I was shopping, those two were running neck and neck. I ended up finding my suit on clearance from Scuba Toys for $1,225 with free undergarments and that made my mind up right there. The Evo 2 was going to be over $1,400 not including any undies.

I'm not the guy to ask about DUI. I personally think they're over priced and I never gave the DUI models much consideration. I know alot of local divers have 'em and love 'em though. You'll have to get your input on the CF200 or other DUI models from those who dive them.

Be sure and either get it with pockets or add them yourself. I bought XS Scuba pockets from Dive Sports and glued them on myself. It worked great and I LOVE the pockets.

Whatever you decide, I’d love to come up to Gilboa and help you break it in!

Jim, I knew I could count on you for a great reply. I did admire your suit the last time we dove together but didn't say anything because I was concentrating on your pony that day. I'm going to take a closer look at the Bare Trilam HD Tech. You know what kind of build I have and flexibility, especially in the arms and shoulders, with thermo undies would be a real plus for me. I'm pretty sure I could use my current undies with a new suit.

How did you get fitted for your suit when you bought it from Scuba Toys? I hate baggy--that's why I don't wear my dry suit very often---Did you just send in measurements or what? I don't mind paying extra for "custom". Again, thanks for the info.

Denny

 

[bladephotog]

Hey Denny. I also dive a Bare HD Tech and it's a nice suit. Fit me great off the shelf when I bought it. Doesn't fit so great now since I've put on a few pounds. I've got about 200 or so dive in it. I've replaced the neck seal and the zipper. I think the zipper leaking was a result of me putting too much pressure on it when I suited up. I'm more careful now. Even though Bare said it was my fault they gave me the new zipper at half price and fixed it in a timely manner.

I do think it's a pretty durable suit. When I bought it, it had all the features I was looking for and not nearly as expensive as a DUI. I'd probably buy one again. Sea Level Scuba in Northwood is where I bought mine. Dale Musser, the owner, sized me and then spoke directly with Bare, while I was there, about which off-the shelf suit would fit best. The only thing I'd do differently is get attached boots. My SO has the same suit with attached boots and loves it.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Jim, I knew I could count on you for a great reply. I did admire your suit the last time we dove together but didn't say anything because I was concentrating on your pony that day. I'm going to take a closer look at the Bare Trilam HD Tech. You know what kind of build I have and flexibility, especially in the arms and shoulders, with thermo undies would be a real plus for me. I'm pretty sure I could use my current undies with a new suit.

How did you get fitted for your suit when you bought it from Scuba Toys? I hate baggy--that's why I don't wear my dry suit very often---Did you just send in measurements or what? I don't mind paying extra for "custom". Again, thanks for the info.

Denny

I measured myself using the sizing guide on the Bare website and then compared the measurements to the chart. Then I ordered and prayed! Luckily it fit very well. Their sizing chart is true to size so if you take the measurements they recommend and follow the chart, it should fit well.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Hey Denny. I also dive a Bare HD Tech and it's a nice suit. Fit me great off the shelf when I bought it. Doesn't fit so great now since I've put on a few pounds. I've got about 200 or so dive in it. I've replaced the neck seal and the zipper. I think the zipper leaking was a result of me putting too much pressure on it when I suited up. I'm more careful now. Even though Bare said it was my fault they gave me the new zipper at half price and fixed it in a timely manner.

Andy ... what were you doing that you think was putting undo pressure on the zipper. I'd like to make sure and avoid that!

 

[Divin'Papaw]

The only thing I'd do differently is get attached boots. My SO has the same suit with attached boots and loves it.

That's a key decision you'll have to make Denny. Being an experienced drysuit diver already, you may already know what you want. This is really a very personal decision. I have the neosocks and wear Trek boots and I actually like that combination a great deal. I know others who, like Andy, wish they had the attached boots or do have them and really like them. Give it some thought though because it's quite expensive to change after the fact.

 

[gtxl1200]

Ok friends, Im now really serious about a new dry suit before our next M & G. What better place to get some quality info than GLWC divers. I'm also inquiring on "Exposure Suits" to get input there, but I would rather hear from you guys and gals because we dive in the same conditions, and I respect your knowledge and experience. I've looked at the Custom DUI CF200 and am really impressed, but ye gads, $2700 price is scary, but not necessarily out of the question. Can I get a comparable suit less costly? The Pinnacle EVO 2 also looks good to me---what do you think? Because of my age, this will probably be my last dry suit purchase. I want to hear from you, especially Ber, Tim B. MittenDiver, Divin'Hoosier, Bladephotog, IndyScott, Jchoby, Wb416, Randy43068, Dean810, Betail, gtxl1200, and anybody else who wants to chime in. Seriously, your consensus will probably determine my purchase. Thanks in advance for the coming input.

Denny

Chime!!! Chime!!!
Well Denny I kind of have a love hate relationship with my dry suit. I love it when it works like it is supposed too. and I hate it when It doesnt. For me 90% of my dives I hate the stupid thing. I think you have heard me chime in before that diving dry is just a concept. There is a rare occasion though that it ony leaks a little and life seems good.
You need to decide what kind you want to go with the trilam or "bag" type or the neoprene type. I think 90% of drysuit divers use the Bag type just because they can change their under garments to the conditions. I actually wore my drysuit in Florida one time the air was real cold and it was windy the water was 70 though I just wore shorts and a t shirt underneath it when the dive was over I was happy the wet suit divers were shivering and turning blue. they laughed at me pre dive but I was the one laughing post dive. No one can give you the right answer. We can just tell you what we use and what we like and dislike about the one we use. I wear the el cheapo Bare Nexgen suit. I'm not a millionaire like Mitten Diver. what I like about it when it works I'm dry and warm after the dive. what I hate about it is the rear entry always needing some help zipping it up. the other thing I dont like is no suspenders so during warm suface intervals and you just want to take the top part down. nothing to hold it up. I just tie the sleeves in front of me together to hold it up.
list for next suit
1. front entry
2.suspenders.
3.doesnt leak yeah right like that is going to happen.