New dry suit: DUI vs. Diving Concepts vs. ?

[koi]

I'm in the market for a new dry suit (actually my first).

I'm trying to make an informed decision as to which brand to buy. The two brands in my short list are DUI and Diving Concepts. I've read many things extolling the quality of a DUI suit. I don't think I've ever read anything bad about them, other than that they cost more than other dry suits.

However, when I spoke to my LDS about purchasing a dry suit (who also deals DUI), he recommended a Diving Concepts suits. He mentioned that they're less expensive, have much more robust zippers, and vulcanized seals. Plus, when ordering a custom Diving Concepts suit, they're built to your measurements. He mentioned that he heard from his DUI rep that when you are sized for a suit in their Signature series, that they take stock panels of various sizes to fabricate the "custom" suit.

Any reasons I should choose one brand over the other? Or should I consider other brands as well?

I would appreciate any input you folks have to share.

 

[ppo2_diver]

DUI has very nice suits. I'm not sure how the manufacture their custom suits. I have dove in them before and like them.

However, I own a Diving Concepts Neo Z suit. Fortunately, I fit into a stock size. I've made about 50 dives on it so far (even under ice) and I love it. I had the dry glove ring system sewn into my suit. That way I can switch between my dry gloves and wrist seals within minutes. I would highly recommend this feature. I keep spare wrist seals so if one tears, I can easily replace it. I wish I would have gotten a p-value.

The last time I talked to our DC sales rep, he didn't mention anything about how they manufacture the custom suits. But looking at some we got in at the store, it doesn't look like they used stock "compartments". But I'm no expert on how they make the suit.

In my opinion, DC suits are on the same level as DUI in terms of performance and features. You will pay more for the DUI. But there are a lot of DOGs out there who will disagree with me.