Pinnacle Aquatics Evolution vs. DUI CLX450/CF200

[Offshore]

I thought I knew what I wanted in a drysuit until I strolled into the shop today and saw / felt / tried on the Pinnacle Aquatics Evolution suit and was extremely impressed by the feel of the material (very durable), the light weight, and the very modern design. Until now I had been renting a Diving Concepts Z-flex which fit me very well and I got several compliments on, except that I was leaning towards the tougher and stretchier material I saw in suits like the XCD2 from Bare and the CF200 and CLX450 from DUI. The only comment I'd have about the Pinnacle I tried on is that it was a bit baggy, but I couldn't really expect the store model to be my size?

95% of the use of this suit would be for local wreck diving, and I have seen probably 80% with me on dive boats wearing DUI, mostly the CF200 but also the CLX 450 and the TLS 350. I didn't like the TLS 350 because it had no stretch and the material felt like that of a light tent, and thought I'd hate the long-drying and heavy nature of the CF200, although I love the stretch and EVERYBODY up here seems to have one of those. I'd tend to stay away from DUI because right now I believe that most of the premium comes from the name rather than the quality of the suits, no? The other 5% of diving might be for specific trips, the one I am most looking forward to be ice diving in Antarctica or Northern Canada.

Does anyone have experience with the Pinnacle suit vs. others, or more generally, between crushed neoprene vs. cordura?

 

[PerroneFord]

The Pinnacle suit is very new. I too am looking at it. Problems (for me) include no custom sizing, and the pockets are a bit too small for me. I need to try one on, so I am hoping Pinnacle goes to DEMA or something so I can try on a suit. I can sort the pocket stuff out a different way.

It appears to be a VERY nicely put together suit. And will be significantly cheaper than a DUI Clx450 (which I just looked at again today).

Tough choice man. I don't envy you.

 

[meesier42]

I don't know about their drysuits, but their wetsuits are TOP quality and by far the best suits I have ever worn.

 

[lyonsce]

I have the Pinnacle drysuit and I love it. It is very well made, durable and the size charts are very accurate. The boots are insulated with 5mm neoprene so you don't need heavy socks. The exhaust valve dumps well and easily. The chest input valve operates smoothly and rotates easily. The valves are SITech. All in all the suit is a good value for the money. I also use the Merino wool undergarment and think they are excellent.

 

[PerroneFord]

I didn't know the boots were lined... With neoprene??? Not necessarily good for me.. but ok.

 

[lyonsce]

A link to the evolution drysuit description http://www.pinnacleaquatics.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=4&toplvl=10&catid=10&catprods=10

 

[jviehe]

The Pinnacle suit is very new. I too am looking at it. Problems (for me) include no custom sizing, and the pockets are a bit too small for me. I need to try one on, so I am hoping Pinnacle goes to DEMA or something so I can try on a suit. I can sort the pocket stuff out a different way.

It appears to be a VERY nicely put together suit. And will be significantly cheaper than a DUI Clx450 (which I just looked at again today).

Tough choice man. I don't envy you.

You know we have a XL and an XXL in the shop now...Im highly considering the XL.

 

[Rico867]

You should also check out the USIA Techniflex....

 

[PerroneFord]

You know we have a XL and an XXL in the shop now...Im highly considering the XL.

I did NOT know that. I'll stop by and try them on.

 

[lessardrp]

Can you get the suit with socks vice boots?