Okay, I need drysuit help...

[JT2]

Okay guys, I am fixing to take my drysuit class and I am going to be buying a new drysuit soon, so I would like to hear your opinions on which ones you use and why. I will mainly be diving in Texas and Oklahoma lakes where there are lots of snags and old trot-lines and tree limbs, so I need something that is going to be tough. I am 5'11" 205lbs with 48" chest and 36" waist, long torso and 32" inseam.. and I wear I size 171/2 neck with 34/35" sleeve dress shirts. Do ya'll think I will be able to be fitted off the rack, or will I have to go the custom route? My LDS does not stock drysuits, nor are they knowledgeable about them, I will be renting one when I take my class, but I am not sure what brands they have at the place I am taking the class.
Thanks!!

 

[cybordolphin]

You sound like you will fit a rack size XL! Lucky you.

Check out the DUI line. The CLX450 is a tough suit. Very good marks on Rodales testing, and many happy divers.

Northern Diver has some nice suits, and cheap! You can get a custom made suit for under $1,000.00.

I have a Diving Concepts Ultra Flex Pro. It is a very well made rugged suit.... but you want to make sure you get it large enough so that you have good range of motion in the suit. You look like you would fit their XLarge perfectly.

I have had a Moby's Twin Shell pro... that fit outstanding... and had great range of motion.... however it had quite a bit of drag.
I would defenitely look at one of these.

If there is anyway you can try on different suits..... DO IT!

If you get a suit that uses a "rock boot", you may want to purchase a pair of the "turtle" fins. They fit over the rock boots really well.

I would try several makes off the rack XL. If you find that they are too tight.... in say the forearms.... then go for a custom made suit to fit. Northern Diver is hard to beat for the price on their custom made to order suits. And their suits are supposed to be very high quality, and many different fabrics to choose from.

Try to take your time... or get a good return policy. You want to find a suit that fits well.

JMO.

 

[Uncle Pug]

That is the only way to be certain of the fit... I agree that you would probably be good to go with an off the rack XL in a DUI CF200 but an XL CLX450 might be baggy in the legs... you need to try something this expensive and important on before you buy IMO.

BTW... sounds like you need to add another LDS to your list of patronage.

 

[TexasMike]

JT2...

I'll bring my Whites Catalyst with me tonight to Athens so you can look at it and try it on on Dry Land. We can also talk more on what's what with drysuits.

Just like BC's, regs, fins, computers and all the other major bits of gear we divers accumulate, there are lots of choices out there...each with their strong and week points.

The instructor of your drysuit course is already planning to provide an overview of the major types of suits so you'll be more informed of what to choose.

And we'll go into it more during class, but my take on selecing your suit is to talk to the LOCAL folks who are diving them (aka me, Ronbo, CavernQT, and many others) about our experiences since we are diving in the same locales as you are. There are also lots of little options that you need to acquaint yourself about that can make all the difference in your enjoyment.

Custom fit is also the way to go...for not that much more, you totally increase your comfort with the suit and will be more happy with your purchase.


Again, we'll cover this in more detail at Athens and during your class.

 

[JT2]

I may not be able to make it to Athens tonight, I have to teach a (BS) class, oops, I meant sales class at a local business and wont be able to get out until about 10pm, how late will they let you in down there? Also, can I bring my Travel Trailer?

 

[TexasMike]

No prob

10pm is good...we should stll be up and I'll let Calvin know you're coming in late. Come morning...be sure to check in at the shop and advise them that you were in the night previous.

From what I've seen, the gate should be open when you arrive.

I would also call them (903.675.5762) and talk to Calvin or Shannon. Advise them you're rolling in late.

Travel Trailers and RV's are okay.

 

[vertaqua]

What drysuit you get really depends on how much money you want to throw into it. You could get a custom DUI drysuit for around 2500 dollars plus the undergarments plus the rock boots and all the other options they'll be glad to take your money for. I'm however about to buy a henderson neoprene drysuit. Now is it as easy to get on as some of the more expensive suits? no, does it need a little more weight? sure, but do they make you pay through the nose for such things as kevlar kneepads and boots? nope. Finally for the price of one DUI custom drysuits I could buy 5 Henderson Arctic 2 drysuits. Now I'm sure all you people who own DUI's are quite happy with them, but I just can't rationalize spending that much money when I don't have to.
Hope this helps,
Neil


Ps; Since all trilams fit a lot looser they will be less aerodynamic in the water and will require more effort which will make you breathe heavier and your bottom time will decrease.

 

[techdiver2us]

Gotta disagree about Henderson dry needing more weight. I use the same weight with my Henderson with light underwear as I do with my TLS 350 and heavy underwear.