Weezle Extreme vs. 400G Thinsulate?

[metridium]

Is there any consensus in the technical community on which of these is preferred?

I've read here others' concerns about the Weezle requiring too much gas for loft compared with the Thinsulate, and that it may have been implicated in the death of a PNW diver.

OTOH, almost all of the few tech divers I've met use the Weezle (Extreme or otherwise), and recommend it.

Any thoughts?

 

[madmole]

As a user of both a weezle and thinsulates, I'd rate the weezle extreme at about 150 gram thinsulate. Its not as warm as a 400 and does need air to work (which is fine for me as I use my drysuit for buoyancy).

The weezle is lighter and more comfortable than the thinsulates (especially apres dive), easier to dry and packs small. Only draw back in a membrane is that the weezle wicks so well you get more condensation against the suit than the thinsulate (they absorb a certain amounty)

When its cold I wear a Xerotherm set under the weezle and thats a great combination

 

[salty]

From the reaserch I have done that basicly is asking around I have found that the DUI thinslate (The expensive stuff) Is perfered for certin reasons. When that type (thinslate type B) is wet it will still retain most of its insulating properties especialy when used with argon. The weezle dosent do as good when wet and un-like the thinslate is not desighned to work when compressed.

 

[MechDiver]

salty once bubbled...
From the reaserch I have done that basicly is asking around I have found that the DUI thinslate (The expensive stuff) Is perfered for certin reasons. When that type (thinslate type B) is wet it will still retain most of its insulating properties especialy when used with argon. The weezle dosent do as good when wet and un-like the thinslate is not desighned to work when compressed.

I have both and prefer the Weezle. I use very little gas (usually argon) in my suit so there is always somewhat of a squeeze and the Weezle does fine. It will also keep you warm when saturated. We won't get into how I know that...

Phil

 

[MechDiver]

metridium once bubbled...
Is there any consensus in the technical community on which of these is preferred?

I've read here others' concerns about the Weezle requiring too much gas for loft compared with the Thinsulate, and that it may have been implicated in the death of a PNW diver.

OTOH, almost all of the few tech divers I've met use the Weezle (Extreme or otherwise), and recommend it.

Any thoughts?

The report of implication in his death is totally supposition, and bs by people who don't like the Weezle.

Phil

 

[madmole]

ANY undersuit with a windproof shell on it can block a dump valve. Weezle or thinsulate is irrelevent and a red herring

I've had it happen once about 15 years ago on a thinsulate suit. I made some small holes in the shell on my arm. Most valves nowadays have a dispersion base to prevent this

Fortunately I learnt to dry dive in the days of wrist seal dumping so had no problems controlling the ascent

 

[wb416]

MechDiver once bubbled...


I have both and prefer the Weezle. I use very little gas (usually argon) in my suit so there is always somewhat of a squeeze and the Weezle does fine. It will also keep you warm when saturated. We won't get into how I know that...

Phil

I have the Weezle Extreme Plus, and learned from experience that 40°F water INSIDE the suit is cold no matter what you're wearing...

If you want to read about my drysuit misadventure.....
http://www.bayareadivers.net/wb416/reports/DontDiveDrysuitLikeThis.htm

When the water gets sub-45°F, I've found I like to wear very thin polypro long johns and shirt under the Weezle. Sometimes even a wool shirt with cut-off sleeves. (I seem to get cold easier since I dropped some body weight.)

wb

 

[MechDiver]

cwb once bubbled...

When the water gets sub-45°F, I've found I like to wear very thin polypro long johns and shirt under the Weezle. Sometimes even a wool shirt with cut-off sleeves. (I seem to get cold easier since I dropped some body weight.)

wb

I'll do the same under 40 degrees, and use just a polartek long underwear shirt. I also use argon though most of the time.

And you're right, coldwater is coldwater ;-0

Phil

 

[icediver]

Well I thought I would add my two Cents. I just got the extreme plus and dove with them once. Can you say awesome. 125 minutes in 37 degree water. My only complaint would be that they don't make their booties out of the same material. Cold feet!

Terry

 

[Bob3]

I've sold 400gm Arctic Thinsulate (Viking) to guys in Alaska & they complain about it being too warm.
Thinsulate retains about 90% of its insulative properties when wet.
May not be quite as flexible at the Weezel.