So this is a pretty strokey question...

[Stoo]

In case you're wondering how I'm making out, I love this new suit (Viking Protech). It's completely dry as I expected, fits well, and the new style boots are the bomb. Rather that just suit material, they are made of 5mm crushed neoprene, dipped in rubber and glued to the suit. They are a tighter fit for sure but I'm only wearing two light socks underneath and my feet are actually a bit hot. Considering that the water has remained chilly here all summer, I'm ok with that.

I still admire the FLX when I see it, but after the dives, my friends have them inside out over the clothes-line where my suit is rolled up in its bag.

Im pretty happy with with my choice.

 

[Doppler]

that's because DUIs leak.

 

[PfcAJ]

The flx doesn't.

 

[Doppler]

The flx doesn't.

Based on Stu's observations, I'd say it's typical of the line.

 

[PfcAJ]

Condensation =! Leak

 

[LiteHedded]

my flx hasn't leaked a drop and it's been through a lot. never met any flx owner (i know a lot) that has said different

 

[vancouverdiver]

DUI has a great brand, great customer service, and great looking suits. The downside, IMO, is they are overpriced. Some buddies are satisfied with their 450's and 200, but I can't recommend the tls350 if u do shore diving, and have double 130's. I'm not entirely certain if the weight of 130s were a factor, but I went through 2 tls350s in 5 years and tons and tons of aqua seal. I wish I owned shares in aqua seal. Leaks started in the first month with turbo soles on the first suit, and in 6 months on the second suit. Leaks on a regular basis after 12 months. I found the backplate, while smooth edges and bolts, was causing abrasions and creating pinhole leaks along the lower back. I think the material just isn't durable enough on the back. The crotch seams leaked profusely at the 12 month mark in both suits. In my opinion, their seam technology is substandard. I was roughly diving once a week, one or two dives. So I didn't get a lot of dives on the suits before retiring them. I just bought a fusion which is very popular up here and everyone has proven they are relatively maintenance free. I've heard that whites customer service isn't terrific, but then, you don't need service so that is actually a blessing In disguise! Ps. They subsequently improved the design of turbo soles so perhaps they now last longer than one month.

 

[Diver0001]

DUI has a great brand, great customer service, and great looking suits. The downside, IMO, is they are overpriced. Some buddies are satisfied with their 450's and 200, but I can't recommend the tls350 if u do shore diving, and have double 130's. I'm not entirely certain if the weight of 130s were a factor, but I went through 2 tls350s in 5 years and tons and tons of aqua seal. I wish I owned shares in aqua seal. Leaks started in the first month with turbo soles on the first suit, and in 6 months on the second suit. Leaks on a regular basis after 12 months. I found the backplate, while smooth edges and bolts, was causing abrasions and creating pinhole leaks along the lower back. I think the material just isn't durable enough on the back. The crotch seams leaked profusely at the 12 month mark in both suits. In my opinion, their seam technology is substandard. I was roughly diving once a week, one or two dives. So I didn't get a lot of dives on the suits before retiring them. I just bought a fusion which is very popular up here and everyone has proven they are relatively maintenance free. I've heard that whites customer service isn't terrific, but then, you don't need service so that is actually a blessing In disguise! Ps. They subsequently improved the design of turbo soles so perhaps they now last longer than one month.

These are common complaints about some of the DUI suits. People I know who have them all say the same things. (1) they're the most comfortable suits they've ever had (2) they're teabags.

I think it's because the material DUI uses in some of their suits is very light. They've made a clear choice for comfort over durability. It's something you need to be aware of if you buy one.

R..

 

[Stoo]

I think it's because the material DUI uses in some of their suits is very light. They've made a clear choice for comfort over durability. It's something you need to be aware of if you buy one.

I wasn't concerned about abuse since I am the easiest guy in the world on a drysuit... I did precisely one (1) shore dive last year (out of about 130) and that was one more than I did the year before. If I can't do it from a boat, I'm probably not going to do it...

I was diving in the St. Lawrence a couple of weeks ago on a boat full of drysuits... DUIs, Whites, Bares. And me. I am not aware of anyone getting wet, so presumably all of these manufacturers have suits that are dry some of the time. I found myself still somewhat envious of the light-weight suits... I think my Viking must weigh about 30#s. Mercifully it pretty much goes from my house to my boat and back again...