OP
You can find pics of my new USIA drysuit here:
ScubaBoard Gallery - USIA Aqua Pro Plus Custom Drysuit - Powered by PhotoPost
I ordered a custom USIA Aqua Pro Plus drysuit from the only USIA dealer in Texas as listed on the dealer section of USIA's website.
I shopped online for a few months and gathered information from many scubaboard users.... a BIG THANKS to ya'll that contributed!
After reviewing the many options, I narrowed down my selection by deciding I wanted the following features:
- Trilam suit - no inherent insulation or buoyancy... only what you put in it; quick to dry; many thermal insulation layers possible
- Custom cut - reduce drag, provide proportionate space for bubble across full body dimension
- Latex socks - allows wide choice in over-boots and insulation w/out going to larger fins.... I use Converse Chuck Taylors... idea from Gillty (thanks). They work excellent and the simple canvas design keeps bubble out and dries quick
- Pee-valve - don't want to have to hold it or pee in my own diaper :l:
- Large thigh pockets - with minimal profile drag, especially when empty
- Thermal Undergarments
- Warm neck seal
- Under $2,000 - Enough said
I first went to DUI, the "Cadillac" of drysuits (by price anyway)... I priced out my suit online and hit @ $3,600. No go... I approached a LDS I sometimes DM for that's also a DUI dealer and mentioned I was looking for a drysuit under $2,000. Even w/ a discount they couldn't make it happen... We didn't even factor in any options
USIA was next... I drove 200 miles to Garland and placed my order w/ the only USIA dealer in TX.
$1,700 :monkeydan
The experience didn't go well... the owner was unfortunately having health issues that ultimately led him to put his business up for sale, on Craigslist... I truly wish him the best and that his health situation improves.
Fortunately, I contacted USIA directly with my concerns and they arranged to ship my suit directly to me.
I placed my order Dec. 10th and was quoted 8 weeks production time for delivery due to the holidays. The suit was ready exactly 8 weeks later and on week 9 I went diving, DRY
I only have 4 dives in the suit, but am very satisfied with it's appearance (custom), fit (custom), and all the features I wanted.
I WOULD EASILY RECOMMEND USIA TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A DRYSUIT.
That is regardless of budget, although if you have limited funds, you might just find yourself there anyhow....
GREAT SUIT, GREAT PRICE :grngreedy
ScubaBoard Gallery - USIA Aqua Pro Plus Custom Drysuit - Powered by PhotoPost
I ordered a custom USIA Aqua Pro Plus drysuit from the only USIA dealer in Texas as listed on the dealer section of USIA's website.
I shopped online for a few months and gathered information from many scubaboard users.... a BIG THANKS to ya'll that contributed!
After reviewing the many options, I narrowed down my selection by deciding I wanted the following features:
- Trilam suit - no inherent insulation or buoyancy... only what you put in it; quick to dry; many thermal insulation layers possible
- Custom cut - reduce drag, provide proportionate space for bubble across full body dimension
- Latex socks - allows wide choice in over-boots and insulation w/out going to larger fins.... I use Converse Chuck Taylors... idea from Gillty (thanks). They work excellent and the simple canvas design keeps bubble out and dries quick
- Pee-valve - don't want to have to hold it or pee in my own diaper :l:
- Large thigh pockets - with minimal profile drag, especially when empty
- Thermal Undergarments
- Warm neck seal
- Under $2,000 - Enough said
I first went to DUI, the "Cadillac" of drysuits (by price anyway)... I priced out my suit online and hit @ $3,600. No go... I approached a LDS I sometimes DM for that's also a DUI dealer and mentioned I was looking for a drysuit under $2,000. Even w/ a discount they couldn't make it happen... We didn't even factor in any options
USIA was next... I drove 200 miles to Garland and placed my order w/ the only USIA dealer in TX.
$1,700 :monkeydan
The experience didn't go well... the owner was unfortunately having health issues that ultimately led him to put his business up for sale, on Craigslist... I truly wish him the best and that his health situation improves.
Fortunately, I contacted USIA directly with my concerns and they arranged to ship my suit directly to me.
I placed my order Dec. 10th and was quoted 8 weeks production time for delivery due to the holidays. The suit was ready exactly 8 weeks later and on week 9 I went diving, DRY
I only have 4 dives in the suit, but am very satisfied with it's appearance (custom), fit (custom), and all the features I wanted.
I WOULD EASILY RECOMMEND USIA TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A DRYSUIT.
That is regardless of budget, although if you have limited funds, you might just find yourself there anyhow....
GREAT SUIT, GREAT PRICE :grngreedy
