I had some great dives on Sunday at Dutch Springs in eastern Pennsylvania. Water temp was in the low 50's. My new (to me) White's Fusion dry suit kept me dry and mostly warm. I was diving the White's Fusion with the Limited Edition Tech Skin with two pockets and Evo3 boots. I was using the MK2 thermals, just the john, not the jacket, although the jacket did keep me warm on the way to the dive sit. I had dove this suit early in the year and just bought it for myself.
Fit was good overall, I am 5'9" and on the heavy side, so it is the 2x/3xl for me. The only exception on the fit is the arms which are a bit too long for me. The wrist seal bunches a little and it is a bit difficult getting my gloves (Fourth Element 5mm) to sit on top of the seal, keeping the seals flat, then getting the gloves under the over-flap. But once in place, I had very little water entry into the gloves. The over-flap is awesome!
Neck seal fit on my thick neck (the seal had been trimmed). While there wasn't a very wide band of latex against my skin, I didn't get any seepage. My hood (Waterproof 5/7, no bib) sat nicely on top of the neck seal, probably helping keep the water out. I have to remember to put my mask on before my gloves. Getting the mask skirt under the hood while wearing the gloves was a challenge. Thanks go to my dive buddy for the assistance.
The thermals kept me warm overall. Torso and arms were fine, with a little chill in the legs. Shifting the bubble to the legs helped. I think a good base layer all over will help, rather than just the Under Armor compression shorts and t-shirt under the MK2.
My feet were a little cold, but I think just need better socks. Thought I might have a leak, but they were nice and dry. I was using the White's 3mm neoprene sock. I think a good pair of hiking socks will do the trick better.
While the Evo3 boots fit in my fins, they didn't fit in all the way, so the fins felt a little strange on the foot. I might need to get a pair of Chuck Taylors or new fins. I like my new fins and the Chucks are cheaper than new fins.
Weighting was good. Started with an extra 10 lbs over my 7mm wet configuration. Was heavy at the end of the dive with about 600 in my tank. Dropped 2 lbs and was still good. Might be able to drop a pound or two off that as well. Hopefully I'll get a couple more dives in before the end of the season.
A big thumbs up for the White's Fusion. I am very happy with the purchase that will let me dive more and expand my options.
Fit was good overall, I am 5'9" and on the heavy side, so it is the 2x/3xl for me. The only exception on the fit is the arms which are a bit too long for me. The wrist seal bunches a little and it is a bit difficult getting my gloves (Fourth Element 5mm) to sit on top of the seal, keeping the seals flat, then getting the gloves under the over-flap. But once in place, I had very little water entry into the gloves. The over-flap is awesome!
Neck seal fit on my thick neck (the seal had been trimmed). While there wasn't a very wide band of latex against my skin, I didn't get any seepage. My hood (Waterproof 5/7, no bib) sat nicely on top of the neck seal, probably helping keep the water out. I have to remember to put my mask on before my gloves. Getting the mask skirt under the hood while wearing the gloves was a challenge. Thanks go to my dive buddy for the assistance.
The thermals kept me warm overall. Torso and arms were fine, with a little chill in the legs. Shifting the bubble to the legs helped. I think a good base layer all over will help, rather than just the Under Armor compression shorts and t-shirt under the MK2.
My feet were a little cold, but I think just need better socks. Thought I might have a leak, but they were nice and dry. I was using the White's 3mm neoprene sock. I think a good pair of hiking socks will do the trick better.
While the Evo3 boots fit in my fins, they didn't fit in all the way, so the fins felt a little strange on the foot. I might need to get a pair of Chuck Taylors or new fins. I like my new fins and the Chucks are cheaper than new fins.
Weighting was good. Started with an extra 10 lbs over my 7mm wet configuration. Was heavy at the end of the dive with about 600 in my tank. Dropped 2 lbs and was still good. Might be able to drop a pound or two off that as well. Hopefully I'll get a couple more dives in before the end of the season.
A big thumbs up for the White's Fusion. I am very happy with the purchase that will let me dive more and expand my options.
so I can't try it out or get a class done before I get back.
