Just bought my DUI CLX450 [Archive]

Captain Caveman

January 3rd, 2007, 07:39 PM

Well after 3.5 years of diving I took the plunge and bought a CLX450 sign. dry suit And a Ultra 400 undies. I bought it from Steve(reefraf) @ Scuba Emporium in Orland Park. I have to say after 3 years of waiting till it was the right time in my diving and in my bank account to get it and this was the time. Steve and Harold were great at answer any questions I had. The measuring only took a min but the check signing only took seconds!!! Well I should have the suit in Feb some time and can not wait to hit the water. Thanks Steve, Thanks Harold

steve2281

January 3rd, 2007, 07:53 PM

Congradulations! You're gonna love it.

Captain Caveman

January 3rd, 2007, 07:55 PM

I sure hope so, Thanks for the encouragement

theskull

January 3rd, 2007, 08:08 PM

Big mistake. You really should have done more research before buying that lemon of a suit.

Only joking. I still love mine, and it looks almost new after the 7 or 800 dives I've done in it so far. Congrats.

theskull

SLIM

January 3rd, 2007, 09:25 PM

Oh they are just a peice of crap, and I could be cought dead in one as much as I wear it. Great suits there are a few things to think about. Like be carfull of your crotch strap on a BP/W, if you use stiff material it can and may rub a hole in it. Keep an eye on the seals. Get Convers All Stars, much cheaper then rock boots and I think are even cooler.

Enjoy all the great use you will get out of it.
SLIM

Captain Caveman

January 3rd, 2007, 09:46 PM

I got the signiture suit it came with rock boots, 2 pocket(my choice), I got zip neck and zip dry gloves with the new seal inside for extra protection ( ;) )
hood (camewith) and kevlar knee protection

theskull

January 3rd, 2007, 09:56 PM

scububa

January 3rd, 2007, 10:58 PM

I didn't want to get one, but SLIM and theskull made me :-D

I think I about wore them out with all my questions before I decided to get mine. They were great and other than the gloves, mine is pretty similar.

I am sure you will love it. Word of advice, don't cut the seals per the guidelines and do it with some very experienced help and sneak up on the final size.

DeepDiverBob

January 3rd, 2007, 11:14 PM

I asked theskull a whole lotta questions before I bought my 450 as well. The best advice he gave me was to get it all cordura. I love my suit. You might as well go ahead and order the p-valve now, too.

Captain Caveman

January 4th, 2007, 06:03 AM

o- I forgot, I got the balanced pee valve too. brain fart

MgicTwnger

January 4th, 2007, 08:34 AM

o- I forgot, I got the balanced pee valve too. brain fart
You'll just have to hold it and suffer with the rest of us.:D

reefraff

January 4th, 2007, 09:54 AM

:2628: It was more work talking him out of the pink overlay than I expected, but he's got a terrific suit coming...and it may get here in time for the ice dive at the beginning of February!

Wide Bands (http://www.amazon.com/Rochester-Medical-Wide-Band-Medium/dp/B0002Q13CG/sr=1-89/qid=1167922378/ref=sr_1_89/105-2474060-9570063?ie=UTF8&s=hpc) rule!

DeepDiverBob

January 4th, 2007, 10:46 AM

reefraff

January 4th, 2007, 11:14 AM

Side note, will there be ice diving this year? I just read that some ice fishing tournaments in Minnesota have already been canceled because there is no ice.

Was it pink overlay with the neon green piping?
We're still finalizing the details but the plan is to head up to Wazee, in central Wisconsin, for a couple of days the first weekend in February. Fun under the ice for those with cards, those without can take the class, everyone can gather round the campfire and swap tall tales. I've been afraid to check the ice up there but we can get by with a lot less ice than the fishermen, who need it thick enough ice to support their trucks and shantys.

You making fun of my green piping? ;)

DeepDiverBob

January 4th, 2007, 11:27 AM

You making fun of my green piping? ;)

not anymore... :p

ppo2_diver

January 4th, 2007, 12:06 PM

M&P+4

January 5th, 2007, 01:33 PM

Getting ice at wazee for early Feb might be a stretch. Looks like the temps won't start getting below freezing for at least another week. We'll be up at Red Granite this weekend and expect it to be the same as Wazee.

I live about an hour north of Wazee and there is a good 6-8 inches of ice. With weather in the upper 30's pushing 40 lately it isn't building but is also not loosing much either.

Give me a holler if you want an ice update - I'll check it out for you.

Lyle

ppo2_diver

January 5th, 2007, 02:25 PM

Is there ice on Wazee? All of the reports I've read on WI Scuba say there is no ice. We may be heading up there tomorrow.

Hell, if there's 6-8 inches of ice on Wazee, ice diving is in order!!!

reefraff

January 5th, 2007, 03:37 PM

Is there ice on Wazee? All of the reports I've read on WI Scuba say there is no ice. We may be heading up there tomorrow.

Hell, if there's 6-8 inches of ice on Wazee, ice diving is in order!!!A phone call to Keith at Wazee Sports might be in order, eh? 715.284.5181.

Captain Caveman

January 5th, 2007, 04:51 PM

As of now is a big no for me, since I have to take the class. the CLX put me into hidding till spring. :(

MgicTwnger

January 5th, 2007, 05:58 PM

As of now is a big no for me, since I have to take the class. the CLX put me into hidding till spring. :(
Don't hide! Mermet opens up in February. Take a ride down & get wet!

ppo2_diver

January 5th, 2007, 06:28 PM

Haigh opens March 3. I'll be running a dry suit class opening weekend.

theskull

January 5th, 2007, 09:17 PM

Haigh opens March 3. I'll be running a dry suit class opening weekend.

Now that he owns a suit he doesn't need the card! LOL! ;)

theskull

ppo2_diver

January 5th, 2007, 11:01 PM

Now that he owns a suit he doesn't need the card! LOL! ;)

theskull

He could join us for a dive as well.

theskull

January 6th, 2007, 08:29 AM

He could join us for a dive as well.

Either would be an excellent choice.

While I don't own a drysuit card myself, I was very well trained when I bought my first suit by the diver who sold it to me used. Had he been "credentialed" by PADI to sell me a card I'm sure I would have bought it from him at the time.

theskull

Captain Caveman

January 6th, 2007, 09:03 AM

I will be there for sure Duane

Captain Caveman

January 6th, 2007, 09:05 AM

Im dry cert been diving dry for years, I was talking about the Ice diving weekend in Feb.

skip

January 6th, 2007, 09:45 AM

Do you think there will be ice? As I understand it takes a few feet (read about it once, but don't remember the exact number) thickness and so far there is no ice at all (unless the class moves to denver!).

I too "signed up" for the ice diving class, so if it goes, see you there!

I have been diving dry for years, but no card.

-skip

MgicTwnger

January 6th, 2007, 10:10 AM

I got the class (PADI) for free when I bought my suit. I was the only one in the class, which went something like this:

Suit fit OK?
Yep.
Read the book?
Yep.
Any questions?
Nope.

We then did a dive in a mud puddle called Strode lake.

Worth every penny.

Wkndbum

January 6th, 2007, 10:21 AM

As I understand it takes a few feet (read about it once, but don't remember the exact number) thickness and so far there is no ice at all (unless the class moves to denver!).

-skip

If you are walking out on good clear ice, 6" is enough for a group. If driving, some say 12" is ok, I prefer 15" +. There are lakes in NE SD that have 10" to 12" right now & there will be people driving on them today.

There are so many variables with ice conditions, it should never be considered "safe".

There is no "safe" ice in Denver, it's all snow.

Ck these pictures out.

Terry

« on: December 30, 2006, 01:56:35 PM »
A few pics to motivate those thinking about driving a vehicle on any area lakes in the near future. LOL..Sucks to be these guys!!!
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/insearchofperch/vehiclethroughice.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/insearchofperch/car3.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/insearchofperch/car1.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/insearchofperch/car2.jpg

$4000 to yank one out, insurance wont cover it, and state says it has to be done within 24 hrs of going through. Hope you have some money in the bank you didn't have any plans for. lol

Atlaua

January 6th, 2007, 10:45 AM

Man, you gotta find better instructors.

I got the class (PADI) for free when I bought my suit. I was the only one in the class, which went something like this:

Suit fit OK?
Yep.
Read the book?
Yep.
Any questions?
Nope.

We then did a dive in a mud puddle called Strode lake.

Worth every penny.

Mike M

January 6th, 2007, 03:55 PM

I can just hear that cop asking that guy " WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING ? " ( or drinking ).
And " Where's your check book ? "

Mike M

skip

January 6th, 2007, 04:17 PM

I found this on scubadivng.com dive tips page:

Whether ice is safe to be on in the first place depends on several factors, including current beneath the surface. It is best to check with local persons (and see where they are traveling on the ice). In general, on NEW, good ice, at least 4 inches is recommended for a person walking or standing, 8-12 inches for a small vehicle, and 12-15 inches for a small pickup or similar truck, with more ice needed for larger vehicles/weights. For poorer quality ice, substantially greater thickness is required.

Other considerations include speed of travel and proximity of other vehicles and activity. A vehicle moving across ice creates long waves in the ice that, at critical speeds and depending on the depth of the water below, can break the ice. The critical speed over 4 ft of water is 9 mph, over 8 ft it is 12 mph, over 16 ft it is 18 mph, and over 30 ft it is 20 mph. Slower speeds reduce the chances of breaking the ice. Also, when more than one vehicle is on the ice, they should remain at least several feet apart from each other, both while traveling and when parked.

When inside a vehicle on the ice, unlike when on the road: (1) the vehicles windows should always be kept OPEN, regardless of the wind and cold, and (2) seat belts should be UN-buckled, to avoid getting trapped and to facilitate escape in case the vehicle goes through the ice. Even on good ice in the middle of winter, vehicles can and do go through, as shown in the following photo! Water pressure on windows and doors can make them difficult or impossible to open. Also, if a vehicle goes to the bottom, it can stir up the silt so one can't see or get oriented. In addition, the way it lands on the bottom, such as on a side or upside down, can block windows and doors or otherwise make escape difficult.

so how about it chicago? wisconsin? any ice yet?

-skip

Captain Caveman

January 6th, 2007, 04:57 PM

Ever hear of the Ice highway in Canada
http://www.thedieselgypsy.com/ICE-Truck-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/brianbogdan/root/february/Stuck3.jpg

MgicTwnger

January 6th, 2007, 06:13 PM

Man, you gotta find better instructors.

Actually, I'm not complaining. I knew the material, the instructor and I have known each other for years, so I was spared sitting through a boring class. We spent the time talking about the Zen of diving, whatever that is. The sound of one fin kicking?
The suit was custom cut and I've been loving it for 4 years. It did take me about 6 months of practice to get comfortable diving dry though. It's a whole new skill set.

DeepDiverBob

January 6th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Actually, I'm not complaining. I knew the material, the instructor and I have known each other for years, so I was spared sitting through a boring class.

How many dive accident reports start this way?

ppo2_diver

January 6th, 2007, 08:29 PM

The dry suit class is pretty straight forward. If the instructor is creative enough, the class can be very worth while. I always try to spring surprises on my dry suit students to hammer home some of the skills.

I'm not optimistic that there will be much ice this year. Ahh, it was just a short 4 years ago that I remember we had 18 inches of ice on Geneva Lake and the chainsaws could barely cut through it. Looks like we may have to head to Canada to get any ice this year. My buddies in Detroit don't have any ice either. I like to have 6-12 inches to support an ice diving class. That way everyone, and their equipment, can be on the ice helping out.

IL does have laws requiring that vehicles be removed from bodies of water before fines get levied. Every year I get a call from towing companies and dive stores to pull snowmobiles out of a lake. I've heard that some fines are $300 a day the vehicle is in the water. I already pull one snowmobile out of a pond when we had the last really big snowfall in November.

reefraff

January 6th, 2007, 11:22 PM

I grew up on a small lake and was first introduced to scuba in 1970 when I found an old horse-drawn buckboard wagon buried in the muck in about 30 feet of water. After a week of digging, I was finally able to retrieve it and a couple of local museum types came out and looked at it and pronounced it a probable leftover from an ice mining operation that had gone out of business many decades earlier, with the advent of refrigeration. Most likely they had been out on the ice too early or too late or had too heavy of a load, who knows. Interestingly enough, the wagon was located right at the edge of a drop-off, where the water went from about 10 feet to about 30 - perhaps indicating that the driver had been hustling home and the shock wave catching the wall caused the ice to fail.

Meanwhile, old-timers may recall studded snow tires - they were road eating monsters but they made it possible to race cars out on the open ice. We'd mark a track out in the middle of the lake (maybe 100ft deep) and try to avoid running into each other. The track was short enough that we rarely got going much faster than a quick trot and we never lost anybody. There would be constant cracking going on but we found that having somebody sit on the ice was a good way to monitor the situation - they could feel the cracking better than hear it and when the monitor started feeling some big ker-chungs it was time to call it a day. Generally, we found that clear ice was the best and could hold the most weight. After a couple of sub-zero days, six inches of black ice could easily hold a car without the lake sounding like King Kongs' Rice Krispies, though we usually didn't put multiple vehicles out on the ice until there was a foot or more of solid.

do it easy

January 6th, 2007, 11:52 PM

There would be constant cracking going on but we found that having somebody sit on the ice was a good way to monitor the situation - they could feel the cracking better than hear it and when the monitor started feeling some big ker-chungs it was time to call it a day.

What happens when their butt goes numb? :D That does sound like fun, although I might have to borrow someone's car. :D

mikiedfd

January 7th, 2007, 01:05 AM

We had one of our park trucks go through the ice last winter as they plowed the harbour for ice skating. We always wait for 8" of ice before we let ANYONE or AnYTHING touch ice. The ice was measured at 11" thick and they still managed to sink the back end (not the plow end) of the park truck. Though we are quite good at putting things into the lake such as; golf cart, dump truck, human in hipwaders, the bottom of an old pool, a trailer. Sadly we get them all out so nothing worth asking to dive in for.

Still I don't trust any ice. Unless I'm in northern Wisconsin where it is usually 20" thick in January. Although this year, they still have water and the ski resort (Ski Brule) that is usually 100% open by Thanksgiving, is still struggling to get to 100% open. . . How sad.

Captain Caveman

January 7th, 2007, 09:04 AM

The only time I drove on ice was out in Wy when we went ice fishing. It was below freezing for 3 weeks and the ice was about 14" thick. We had a blast in the Explorer, heat on full blast and windows down.

scububa

January 7th, 2007, 02:30 PM

If you are walking out on good clear ice, 6" is enough for a group. If driving, some say 12" is ok, I prefer 15" +. There are lakes in NE SD that have 10" to 12" right now & there will be people driving on them today.

There are so many variables with ice conditions, it should never be considered "safe".

There is no "safe" ice in Denver, it's all snow.

Ck these pictures out.

Terry

« on: December 30, 2006, 01:56:35 PM »
A few pics to motivate those thinking about driving a vehicle on any area lakes in the near future. LOL..Sucks to be these guys!!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f28/insearchofperch/car3.jpg

$4000 to yank one out, insurance wont cover it, and state says it has to be done within 24 hrs of going through. Hope you have some money in the bank you didn't have any plans for. lol

Lots of folks would tell you to descend feet first and not head first. Is there a PU Cert Card?

M&P+4

January 7th, 2007, 08:07 PM

The ice will be just fine for diving - the 10 day forcast only calls for one day with temps over freezing which will make ice for sure. As for thinckness of ice for safety - that can be debated forever. I've had my suburban on 10 inches of ice and felt quite comfortable - usually the shore line starts to degrade before the center of the lake. Lakes that have aerators typically have someone that marks them out so people stay clear.

The die hard fisherman around here start fishing with 2-4 inches of ice.....the rule of thumb I've always heard is 2" would hold up a person, 4" a small machine (snowmobile or 4-wheeler) and 6" a small vehical.

Steve's post "A phone call to Keith at Wazee Sports might be in order, eh? 715.284.5181. " is probably the best bet for 'solid' information.

Lyle

reefraff

January 7th, 2007, 10:40 PM

The die hard fisherman around here start fishing with 2-4 inches of ice.....the rule of thumb I've always heard is 2" would hold up a person, 4" a small machine (snowmobile or 4-wheeler) and 6" a small vehical.
That's pretty much the same "rules" I grew up with, though we did get very tentative if the temps had been above freezing within the past couple of days or if the sun had been shining brightly for more than a couple of hours. I remember people (and things) going through the ice, but never when these rules were being followed.

Captain Caveman

February 7th, 2007, 08:57 PM

I got the suit in today. yaaaa. The suit fits so good I dont want to take it off. I have tons of pics but need to get them up an my comput. The pockets are nice and big and the gloves are diffrent. hard to don but not bad I didnt tim the glove wrist dam so that made it hard. The only thing is the rock boots are to small and the gloves are the light duty so there going back. I also order a set of ex gloves for back ups. I dove the suit in the pool and its a touch heaver than the TLS but not bad I needed 3-4 lbs more.