Temperate water drysuit recommendation

[Fathomer]

I do most of my diving in VA, NC and FL. Nothing too technical. I'm looking to dive dry year round, but mostly in temperate waters with an occasional cold water adventure.

I know of all the major brands. I'm just trying to find the one suit that will provide me with the greatest variety of temperature options without breaking the bank.

My list currently includes:

Oneill Specialist
Bare XCD2
Whites Fusion
Apollo 4.0 Ex
Bare Trilam HD
DUI TLS 350
DUI CNSE

I'm leaning more towards compressed neoprene because of the ability to use it without undergarments on warmer days.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PerroneFord]

The compressed neoprene can be used without undergarments in warm water, but if the water is quite warm, you'll overhead. I prefer the idea of the shell suit so that it can be used in ANY temperature water and thermal protection can be moderated easily.

I have a rather thick trilam suit and though it's excellent for it's purpose, I would have to say if I was looking to do casual swimming in temperate waters, the TLS350 would be HIGH on my list if my wallet could handle it. I was very impressed with the one I dove from the perspective of freedom of movement and comfort.

 

[foglesre]

I was very impressed with the TLS350 that I dove at a DUI DOG Days...I now have one on order.

I am still intrigued by the White Fusion though.

Bob

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

I have a Fusion coming in...really peaks my interest...Im going to do a write up when I get it, hopefully next week.....I have a trip going to the Bonne Terre Mines next weekend and my dad, our main instructor, is going to try it out there....Lucky guy gets to try it first and dive while I work

 

[fdog]

I have dove drysuits in the tropics, including an O'Neil Supersuit (1/4" neoprene), and a TLS350. I've also tried the DUI 30/30 in the pool, it felt pretty much like the 350 in terms of flexibility.

Although not a bunch of dives in the tropics per se, I recently spent 4 days (8 hours per day) in a heated indoor swimming pool, temps ranging day to day from mid 70's to low 80's.

I wore the Fusion drysuit ( there's a review of the Fusion here ). It was more flexilbe than my 3mm wetsuit, and much more versatile - all I had to do was vary the underwear.

Low 80's, I wore DuoFold Varitherm midweight top and bottom, and stayed very comfortable. When the pool was colder, I added the Whites Mk1 undies.

Having tried other drysuits in the tropics, this has them beat coming and going, especially with the flexibility and superb fit from the lycra. Enough so that it's going with me to Fiji this spring, and Cayman this fall.


All the best, James

 

[dave4868]

I have a DUI TLS 350 and a DUI Clx450. Never dove any other suits.

The light material and great fit of the 350 makes it a real pleasure to wear.

I used mine poking around some wrecks in NC and in some Florida springs. With light underwear, it lets you move like you have no suit on at all!

Stock size was a great fit for me.

I don't know if DUI still uses the same lightweight material on the 350, but it's definitely light and could tear if caught just right on something sharp. Not a problem unless you're clumsy.

Get it sized for your greatest amount of insulation and you can ice-dive, too! It will still have excellent range of motion and mobility even with lots of insulation.

I love mine.

Dave C

 

[orangelion03]

You may wish to consider adding another suit to your list, the Pinnacle Evo 2. Very similar in construction/material to the TLS350, lots of "standard equipment" at a reasonable price.

I'm in SoCal, I dive a CLX450 for most of the year, wet suit for beach dives during the 2-3 months it "warms up".

 

[PerroneFord]

You may wish to consider adding another suit to your list, the Pinnacle Evo 2. Very similar in construction/material to the TLS350, lots of "standard equipment" at a reasonable price.

I'm in SoCal, I dive a CLX450 for most of the year, wet suit for beach dives during the 2-3 months it "warms up".

I would characterize the Pinnacle Evo2 as heavier in construction than the CLX450, and CERTAINLY heavier than then TLS350. It's a couple hundred cheaper than a stock TLS350. Not knocking the suit, it was my top choice until I found out I couldn't change the rather smalll pockets.

 

[rk1]

I would characterize the Pinnacle Evo2 as heavier in construction than the CLX450, and CERTAINLY heavier than then TLS350. It's a couple hundred cheaper than a stock TLS350. Not knocking the suit, it was my top choice until I found out I couldn't change the rather smalll pockets.

I have one of the Evolution 2 Front-Entry Drysuits for a little over a year and really love it.
It was less money and I still think the best choice I could have made for the money. So far I have only found positive to say about the company and also the suit. BTW talk to your LDS and often Pinnacle has deals that include the underware,hood,hose, and also a great storage bag.

I have dived it in freezing water and also with just a Tshirt and jogging pants on. It is very tough and I would not hesitate to buy another one. My first one had some glue in the zipper and when I complained about it instead of just cleaning it up Pinnacle just sent me out to my LDS a brand new suit no questions asked.

Pinnacle Aquatics

• Fully self-donning front-entry design
• Diagonal YKK-BDM front zipper with protective zipper flap
• Rugged 220 gram Cordura™ exterior is strong and resists cutting and abrasions
• Cordura™ material is cut on the bias, allowing material to be far more flexible while maintaining all of its strength
• Trilaminate consists of bonded layers of nylon/polyester woven inner layer, butyl rubber core, and a Cordura™ nylon exterior
• Reinforced Cordura™ kneepads and seat area
• Telescoping torso with elastic crotch strap aids in donning and allows for greater range of motion
• Each leg comes with a pocket mounted to the thigh
• Each pocket is equipped with a Velcro closure, three internal and one external attachment point, grommeted drain hole, and elastic shock cord
• Si Tech low-profile 360-degree inflation and exhaust valves
• Internal elasticized waistband and suspenders improve fit and comfort
• Latex neck and wrist seals are made of the heaviest grade available for incredible durability, yet are extremely comfortable
• Standard vulcanized rubber outer, 5mm neoprene lined boots available in sizes 5 through 15
• Optional compressed neoprene sock available in lieu of boot at no additional charge
• Any size boot can be matched to any size suit
• Drysuit hood included
• Inflator hose included
• Deluxe Drysuit Bag included
• Options include convenience zipper, urine relief valves, upgrade to Merino™ Lined Drysuit Hood, and more

Available in Unisex sizes: XS, Small, Medium, Medium Large, Large Short, Large, XL Short, XL, XXL Short, XXL, XXXL, 4XL, King 1, and King 2.

 

[PerroneFord]

Not sure why you posted this. I've worn both the TLS350 and the Pinnacle Evo2. I still maintain the Pinnacle is far closer in construction to the CLX450 than the TLS.