DiveRightInScuba had some killer Black Friday Sales, and after searching for a used suit for months and buying a suit that didn't fit right, and after reading hundreds of reviews, I decided to bite the bullet and order a custom fit suit. After some discussions with Mike Pederson at DRIS and discussing merits with some of the other suits I finally settled on the USIA Techniflex. Other suits in the running were the USIA Aqua Sport (on sale for $499), the Hollis FX100 (on sale for $1,049), and the Ursuit Heavy Light 2.0 (on sale for $1,359).
I had a few points that weeded out some of the suits. Because of my size I needed a custom fit, I wanted the ability to fit dry gloves, I wanted self-donning, I wanted neoprene socks so I could use rock boots (I didn't like the vulcanized boots for shore diving on the first drysuit I tried...), I wanted a warm collar (cold water, here I come!), and I wanted a suit that would hold up to some abuse (wrecks, here I come!). The Ursuit would have met all the requirements, but was a lot more expensive than other suits. Mike recommended against the Aqua Sport, he thought the material might not be as robust as what I was looking for. The Hollis didn't have custom sizing as an option (it may be available, I didn't ask) but otherwise was very competitive price-wise with the USIA. It was a bit of a toss-up. I liked that USIA had such a large military division (I'm Active Duty...), and I liked the reviews I had read on the USIA.
I went ahead and spec'd out the suit the way I wanted, custom sized with my measurements, SI Tech round rings, Neoprene socks (I had to request them instead of the soft or hard sole boots), exhaust valve on the upper arm, and no pockets. I had originally wanted pockets, but I've been spoiled having Halcyon Exploration pocket on my wetsuit and Mike told me the pockets weren't as large or functional as the Halcyon pockets, so I held off to put on larger pockets later. My wife finally has her sewing machine out, so I may get some cordura and try and replicate the Halcyon pocket functionality at home. Good winter project...
I added the SI Tech glove lock system to the order, along with two pairs of Atlas Gloves (1 set of 620, 1 set of 660), and a waterproof 5/10mm hood to round out the system.
The order is being sent off to USIA for construction. Info on the site says that it can take up to 3 weeks to get the suit, but being the busy season I don't really expect to get it before the new year (hope, but not expect...). Mike has been great to deal with, quick to answer questions via email or Skype and seems very knowledgeable on the suits. Being stationed in Korea it was great to have such fast responses.
I'll post an update to this post once I get the suit in with some pictures, and another when I get to take the suit out for some dives.
I had a few points that weeded out some of the suits. Because of my size I needed a custom fit, I wanted the ability to fit dry gloves, I wanted self-donning, I wanted neoprene socks so I could use rock boots (I didn't like the vulcanized boots for shore diving on the first drysuit I tried...), I wanted a warm collar (cold water, here I come!), and I wanted a suit that would hold up to some abuse (wrecks, here I come!). The Ursuit would have met all the requirements, but was a lot more expensive than other suits. Mike recommended against the Aqua Sport, he thought the material might not be as robust as what I was looking for. The Hollis didn't have custom sizing as an option (it may be available, I didn't ask) but otherwise was very competitive price-wise with the USIA. It was a bit of a toss-up. I liked that USIA had such a large military division (I'm Active Duty...), and I liked the reviews I had read on the USIA.
I went ahead and spec'd out the suit the way I wanted, custom sized with my measurements, SI Tech round rings, Neoprene socks (I had to request them instead of the soft or hard sole boots), exhaust valve on the upper arm, and no pockets. I had originally wanted pockets, but I've been spoiled having Halcyon Exploration pocket on my wetsuit and Mike told me the pockets weren't as large or functional as the Halcyon pockets, so I held off to put on larger pockets later. My wife finally has her sewing machine out, so I may get some cordura and try and replicate the Halcyon pocket functionality at home. Good winter project...
I added the SI Tech glove lock system to the order, along with two pairs of Atlas Gloves (1 set of 620, 1 set of 660), and a waterproof 5/10mm hood to round out the system.
The order is being sent off to USIA for construction. Info on the site says that it can take up to 3 weeks to get the suit, but being the busy season I don't really expect to get it before the new year (hope, but not expect...). Mike has been great to deal with, quick to answer questions via email or Skype and seems very knowledgeable on the suits. Being stationed in Korea it was great to have such fast responses.
I'll post an update to this post once I get the suit in with some pictures, and another when I get to take the suit out for some dives.
