DUI Dry Suits

[DeepDiverBob]

As I have mentioned many times here lately, I am going to be in the market to buy my dry suit. I am leaning towards the TLS350. I know I am going to have to get a custom made one, and I have no problem with that. I'm use to it. But does anyone have any info good or bad about this particular model?

For those that already have their own DUI, what model do you have, and what do you like or dislike about it?

[steve2281]

I've used the TLS350's at DUI days; they were great, lightweight, dried fast, and easy to get in and out of. Actually, I think the backzip suits are easier to put on, you just can't zip it by yourself. I've also used the CNS200 (I think that's the name). It was heavier, but I think I stayed warmer than in my suit (trilam) using the same underwear.
You won't go wrong with the 350, it's just the price that keeps me from having one. If I had a blank check, that's the one I'd buy.

EDIT If I had the blank check, I'd also get the zip seals, dry gloves you can change out, and a thigh pocket.$$$$$$$$$

[nauifins73]

I know nothing about dry suits - hopefully I will learn something at Beaver. I did have a friend recommend the DUI CP (a crushed neopreme) one. Anyone have any info on it?

Becky

[theskull]

The TLS-350 is by far their most popular suit--lightweight, flexible, fast-drying, and very easy to pack. It is definitely the model I would own were I not a cave diver. Many of the midwest cavers prefer the CLX-450 due to its greater abrasion resistance; we tend to squeeze through some tight openings with sharp rocky outcroppings, not to mention climbing up and down rocky hills to get to and from our locations. The CF-200 is DUI's trademark suit, and the most expensive model, made of crushed neoprene, which is very cut-resistant and therefore a favorite of many wreck divers; it also has inherent insulating properties (and is the most buoyant model) and is heavy and incredibly slow to dry.

I definitely recommend spending a day or 2 at a DUI DOG Days event to try out all 3 before spending your money on one of them.

theskull

[DeepDiverBob]

The TLS-350 is by far their most popular suit--lightweight, flexible, fast-drying, and very easy to pack. It is definitely the model I would own were I not a cave diver. Many of the midwest cavers prefer the CLX-450 due to its greater abrasion resistance; we tend to squeeze through some tight openings with sharp rocky outcroppings, not to mention climbing up and down rocky hills to get to and from our locations. The CF-200 is DUI's trademark suit, and the most expensive model, made of crushed neoprene, which is very cut-resistant and therefore a favorite of many wreck divers; it also has inherent insulating properties (and is the most buoyant model) and is heavy and incredibly slow to dry.

I definitely recommend spending a day or 2 at a DUI DOG Days event to try out all 3 before spending your money on one of them.

theskull

Thanks for the advice Bill. Thats exactly the info I was looking for.

[DeepDiverBob]

I've used the TLS350's at DUI days; they were great, lightweight, dried fast, and easy to get in and out of. Actually, I think the backzip suits are easier to put on, you just can't zip it by yourself. I've also used the CNS200 (I think that's the name). It was heavier, but I think I stayed warmer than in my suit (trilam) using the same underwear.
You won't go wrong with the 350, it's just the price that keeps me from having one. If I had a blank check, that's the one I'd buy.

EDIT If I had the blank check, I'd also get the zip seals, dry gloves you can change out, and a thigh pocket.$$$$$$$$$

Thank you for input as well Steve.

[DeepDiverBob]

Okay, heres what I am looking at right now. As far as the dry suit itself goes, looks like it is either going to be the clx450 or the TLS350. Underwear, I am leaning towards to the Polartec Power Stretch. Unless someone tells me something bad about it, I am going to get the warm neck self venting hood. I will also treat myself to the latex neck zipseal, and zip gloves. And finally, the rock boots. With my size, I know everything will have to be custom fit, so that will cost me extra money as well. I guess all thats left is for me to go try this stuff out and see what I like.