I think the Santi is probably overall better quality and more durable. But, at least one version of their attached boots are, apparently (no firsthand experience, but a friend has), ****. You can search around here on ScubaBoard for more info on that and how crappy they have treated some of their US customers who've had boot problems. My friend whose boots developed a hole had only had the suit for 14 months and Santi just said "the warranty is only 12 months on the boots. Too bad."
The Hollis is a decent suit. But, I do have a buddy with that Hollis suit. His is not THAT old or THAT many dives and he has already had to fix several pinhole leaks.
I have seen several Santi E.lite suits that friends have. I would spend the same money and buy 3 Seaskin trilam suits before I bought one E.lite. Or buy 2 Seaskins and keep a pile of change.
I think the Seaskin Nova (trilam) is directly comparable in quality to the Santi E.lite. Keyword: Comparable. I am not getting into a debate over whether one is slightly better than the other. Seaskin suits are made to measure, for a LOT less money. I know 2 people personally that got Santi made to measure gear and it didn't fit right AND they had to fight to get satisfactory resolution. In contrast, while I'm sure it has probably happened, I don't know anyone who has gotten a Seaskin and said that the fit was totally off. My two Seaskin suits, purchased at different times both fit me perfectly.
Dry Suits from Seaskin Custom Drysuits home page - Seaskin Custom Diving Suits
My Seaskin Nova is almost 2 years old. I was diving it this past weekend and it still looks like new. I have never gotten wet in it (other than my own sweat). Though, I will freely admit that I've only done 40 dives in it. But, I used it for my whole Adv Wreck Penetration training class right after I got it, so it has definitely seen "some action".
