ajduplessis
Contributor
I upgraded my current SP Trilam Drysuit to a Whites (AuqaLung) Fusion Bullet and wanted to give my impressions/considerations around the suit selection. 95% of the diving I do is technical, trimix or cave on isolated doubles. I have made 2 changes in the way I approach diving. Firstly, I have been on a drive to increase my fitness levels and overall body strength. The second change was an increase in thermal protection as my diving boundaries increased.
My current suit was a perfect fit before, but now I have gained some muscle in my arms, torso and legs. The additional thermal protection and slight increase in body size resulted in a suit that is now to small and rather restrictive. This is a big issue for me and I had to start looking at something new. What I did know was that one’s body shape and size overtime changes (either for better or worse). I also know that your requirements change and I my case, longer and colder dives.
Both these parameters was important considerations when selecting a new suit. Up until now I never bothered looking at something else as my old suit was fine. My partner dives Fusion(s) sport & bullet, but I never gave it much attention. On our last cave outing and my obvious frustration he suggested looking at the Bullet.
The Fusion Bullet is really modular and more importantly flexible in sizing. The manufacturer Whites, only have 5 suit sizes that fits nearly all body sizes and thermal considerations. The suit is a 2 layer setup with an inner oversize drycore shell with an outer stretchy material to keep everything close to your body (streamlined). The main benefit is that the suit fit and feels like its tailored and very streamlined no matter the variables .
Many reviewers indicate don/doff to be problematic, but this is only true if you are unfamiliar with the process (very easy indeed). I like the SLT (silicone system) especially the wrist seals. I still need to “develop” an opinion on the neck ring/seal system. You can feel the ring on your shoulders and it takes up a lot of space. I think more space/flexibility can be gained by removing the ring system and going for latex neck only.
This is how I mount my Petrel to the SLT cuff along with my custom palm light for caving.
The entire suit inner can be repaired with heatgun and drytape/patches within minutes. Only need to include a heatgun to my kit. I need to spend more time with the suit but my initial feeling is that this suit is slightly colder (same thermals & conditions) that my current suit. Time will tell….
The silicone seals are soft, robust (touch wood) and very comfortable and extremely easy to change. The suit utilizes Apeks valves that are low profile with the shoulder valve in good spot, resulting in effortless diving without thinking about dumping air from the suit. It feels like cheating. I also immediately noticed greatly reduced drag profile first dive out. The suit is very well made with attention to detail and extremely durable. I did not add the Fusion boots as they are too bulky (IMO) and will most likely require a new set of fins. I use a pair of neoprene dive boots that works great, however if you dive a lot in very cold water you will have to add thick socks that will force you into boots and another pair of larger size fins.
The suit takes time to dry and this could be a bit of an issue where cold surface temp along with a damp/cold suit might not be ideal while suiting up for a second dive. In summer this will be a great benefit gearing up in the afternoon heat. The suspenders work great, I bypassed the inner attachment chest loops as they tend to pull through the loops impeding with movement. SB member suggested this “fix” and it works great, thanks. The suit is not cheap, BUT I think this is a very good option as the suit will scale as your thermal requirements change without sacrificing movement/flexibility.
I am very happy with this suit and will give more feedback over time as I get to know this kind of funny but extremely functional and thoughtful design. This suit just makes sense.
My current suit was a perfect fit before, but now I have gained some muscle in my arms, torso and legs. The additional thermal protection and slight increase in body size resulted in a suit that is now to small and rather restrictive. This is a big issue for me and I had to start looking at something new. What I did know was that one’s body shape and size overtime changes (either for better or worse). I also know that your requirements change and I my case, longer and colder dives.
Both these parameters was important considerations when selecting a new suit. Up until now I never bothered looking at something else as my old suit was fine. My partner dives Fusion(s) sport & bullet, but I never gave it much attention. On our last cave outing and my obvious frustration he suggested looking at the Bullet.
The Fusion Bullet is really modular and more importantly flexible in sizing. The manufacturer Whites, only have 5 suit sizes that fits nearly all body sizes and thermal considerations. The suit is a 2 layer setup with an inner oversize drycore shell with an outer stretchy material to keep everything close to your body (streamlined). The main benefit is that the suit fit and feels like its tailored and very streamlined no matter the variables .
Many reviewers indicate don/doff to be problematic, but this is only true if you are unfamiliar with the process (very easy indeed). I like the SLT (silicone system) especially the wrist seals. I still need to “develop” an opinion on the neck ring/seal system. You can feel the ring on your shoulders and it takes up a lot of space. I think more space/flexibility can be gained by removing the ring system and going for latex neck only.
This is how I mount my Petrel to the SLT cuff along with my custom palm light for caving.
The entire suit inner can be repaired with heatgun and drytape/patches within minutes. Only need to include a heatgun to my kit. I need to spend more time with the suit but my initial feeling is that this suit is slightly colder (same thermals & conditions) that my current suit. Time will tell….
The silicone seals are soft, robust (touch wood) and very comfortable and extremely easy to change. The suit utilizes Apeks valves that are low profile with the shoulder valve in good spot, resulting in effortless diving without thinking about dumping air from the suit. It feels like cheating. I also immediately noticed greatly reduced drag profile first dive out. The suit is very well made with attention to detail and extremely durable. I did not add the Fusion boots as they are too bulky (IMO) and will most likely require a new set of fins. I use a pair of neoprene dive boots that works great, however if you dive a lot in very cold water you will have to add thick socks that will force you into boots and another pair of larger size fins.
The suit takes time to dry and this could be a bit of an issue where cold surface temp along with a damp/cold suit might not be ideal while suiting up for a second dive. In summer this will be a great benefit gearing up in the afternoon heat. The suspenders work great, I bypassed the inner attachment chest loops as they tend to pull through the loops impeding with movement. SB member suggested this “fix” and it works great, thanks. The suit is not cheap, BUT I think this is a very good option as the suit will scale as your thermal requirements change without sacrificing movement/flexibility.
I am very happy with this suit and will give more feedback over time as I get to know this kind of funny but extremely functional and thoughtful design. This suit just makes sense.
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