Bare Trilam HD or Pinnacle Evo 2

[whitworthsa]

I'm looking to get a drysuit because I find that after 35-40 mins in the 42 degree water in a thick wetsuit I spend the rest of the day trying to warm my body back up. It's just not that much fun. Anyway I live in BC (where water temp is about 40-55 and outside air temp is almost never above 75) and lots of folks around here dive regular neoprene suits and seem to like them just fine. I've done a bit of research myself and there seem to be more advantages to a membrane/shell suit. I'm a pretty new diver (17 dives) and do mainly rocky shore entries but I'm really interested in getting into wreck diving in the future.

My research has brought me to consider the Bare Trilam HD or Pinnacle Evolution 2, which seem to have good reviews and be a good value.

1. Given that I get cold fairly easily does this make sense or would I be better off with a neoprene suit?

2. If this does look reasonable, which would you choose and why? Any comments on either are appreciated.
(at this point I'm leaning toward the Bare because they're made here in BC)

Thanks for your help.
~S

[Divingguy]

I can not comment on the Bare drysuit specifically, because I have not tried it. However, Bare is a great brand, and I have 3 of their Wetsuits. My Drysuit is the Pinnacle Evo2. I have been using it as a working Divemaster for 2seasons now. It is incredibly durable under very demanding conditions. I have had NO problems with it, and I have been totally pleased with it. My only regret is that I wish I had gotten the "convenience zipper" on it (so you can pee on the surface without having to take off the neck seal and wrists). There have been multiple threads about both suits here, and on Scubaboard.
Remember, drysuits are dependent upon the undergarment you wear. I wear the Pinnacle temperate, with multiple layers of poly-pro, and have been fine so far at 42 degrees F. Undergarments have also been beat to death. Run some searches and you should find all kinds of good info.
Good luck.

[DivingCRNA]

Originally Posted by Divingguy

I can not comment on the Bare drysuit specifically, because I have not tried it. However, Bare is a great brand, and I have 3 of their Wetsuits. My Drysuit is the Pinnacle Evo2. I have been using it as a working Divemaster for 2seasons now. It is incredibly durable under very demanding conditions. I have had NO problems with it, and I have been totally pleased with it. My only regret is that I wish I had gotten the "convenience zipper" on it (so you can pee on the surface without having to take off the neck seal and wrists). There have been multiple threads about both suits here, and on Scubaboard.
Remember, drysuits are dependent upon the undergarment you wear. I wear the Pinnacle temperate, with multiple layers of poly-pro, and have been fine so far at 42 degrees F. Undergarments have also been beat to death. Run some searches and you should find all kinds of good info.
Good luck.

P-valve dude. P-Valve.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by whitworthsa

My research has brought me to consider the Bare Trilam HD or Pinnacle Evolution 2, which seem to have good reviews and be a good value.

I dive a BARE ATR-HD trilam suit myself, and have been very happy with it. The trilam material is extremely resistant to tears and punctures, and the suit is well made, comfortable, and reasonably priced.

Originally Posted by whitworthsa

1. Given that I get cold fairly easily does this make sense or would I be better off with a neoprene suit?

A neoprene suit might keep you warmer if you dive without an undergarment, but keeping you warm is not a drysuit's job. A drysuit is supposed to keep you and your undergarment dry, so the undergarment can keep you warm. I dive with a Weezle Extreme undergarment, and have been comfortable in 38 degree water while wearing it.

[mm_dm]

How accurate do you guys find the fit of the suits relative to the sizing charts?

[RoyN]

My Evo2 pinnacle is my workhorse and will probably continue being so. The drysuit was build to my body instead of the shelve size and so far, I'm so happy with it I could go diving and cry about it.

[kathydui]

Hi,

Great question. Before I begin I wanted to let you know upfront that I am with DUI - Diving Unlimited International. Your question about staying warm in a drysuit is a great one. Often divers consider the drysuit and give little thought to their undergarments. The trilam or fabric drysuits are designed to keep you dry and the divewear keeps you warm. A neoprene drysuit will offer some insulation. This varies depending on the thickness of the neoprene.

We have posted on our website technical articles designed to explain about thermal insulation and how best to choose a system that works for you. One great feature of a fabric drysuit is that you can vary the insulation depending on your needs for each dive.

If you are interested in these articles they are available at:

Insulation Strategies
DUI Thermal Guides for Dry Suit Diving / SCUBA
How to be Warmer in a Wetsuit or Drysuit

Hope they are helpful!

Kathy

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by mm_dm

How accurate do you guys find the fit of the suits relative to the sizing charts?

Mine was close, but the arms and legs were a tad longer than I would have liked.

[whitworthsa]

Thanks all you guys. I'm leaning toward the Bare Trilam but now a few folks have tried to talk me out of front-zip for a few reasons:

1. it's easier to damage a front zipper
2. it costs more to replace a front zip
3. the telescoping torso produces more drag

I'm also looking at the XCD2. How would this compare? Would it be significantly warmer given the same underwear? Would it be just as tough or tougher? For me, a skinny guy in PNW waters. I'm looking at the Super Hi-Loft Extreme Underwear with either suit and warmer is better right?

[BORG]

I got a Pinnacle EVO2 last year. I love it. Diving in any water other that 70+ degrees is a real joy.
It is very easy to dive and use.
Try one on. You'll love it.