DUI TSL 450 anyone?

[thor]

I was at the DUI demo and dived 2 suits. The CF 200 and the TLS 350. I liked the CF 200 a lot more than the TLS 350, which seamed a lot less streamlined (but maybe it was a bad fit) and more likely to tear. It could have also been that the CF200 seems more like a wetsuit feel. A couple of people suggested the CLX450 as a good in between- Rugged but lighter, flexible and dries quickly. Comments?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by thor

I was at the DUI demo and dived 2 suits. The CF 200 and the TSL 350. I liked the CF 200 a lot more than the TLS 350, which seamed a lot less streamlined (but maybe it was a bad fit) and more likely to tear. It could have also been that the CF200 seems more like a wetsuit feel. A couple of people suggested the TLS450 as a good in between- Rugged but lighter, flexible and dries quickly. Comments?

I think you mean CF200, TLS350, and CLX450.

The TLS350 is definitely the least rugged of the bunch, but it's not nearly as bad as you think. One of the most popular drysuits made, since it's so light and versatile. Fairly flexible, as well... the material has a little give to it.

The CF200 is the most durable drysuit made by DUI, hands down. Really tough suit. Weighs a ton, though, especially when wet, and takes a long time to dry. Most flexible of the batch as well.

The CLX450 lies somewhere in the middle, in terms of durability and weight, but it's the least flexible since the fabric is so tough. Drys slower than the 350, but faster than the CF200. It's also one of the best looking drysuits out there, IMO.

I dive the CLX450, and love it. When the point comes for a new one (which I expect will be many years down the road), I'll have to decide if I want to get another, or perhaps try out the CF200. I spend too much time shore diving in surgey ocean waters with lots of spiny urchins, so I need a fairly robust suit.

The stretchiness of the CF200 helps overcome certain fitting issues easier than the others, but any drysuit will fit well if you get one cut to your measurements. If the TLS350 you tried was too baggy, you had the wrong size on.

I've been told the recent TLS350's don't seem to be as well made as the CLX450's, but I couldn't say, since I only own the latter.

[thor]

Thanks compudude. You knew what I meant

I'll have to try the CLX450 or the CLX50/50 (CF200 bottom and CLX450top) the next time the DUI folks come into town.

[jj1987]

I have a TLS350...it's certainly not the most durable suit, but it's VERY comfy in the water compared to the 2 other suits I've owned.

If I were buying a suit again, I would SERIOUSLY look at a SANTI E-Space. They're amazing suits, my only worry with them is that if it's cut wrong, it has to be sent back to poland? to be redone, vs DUI is done in CA.

[CompuDude]

The Santi suits are definitely comparable to the DUI, but the problem is, I think, that you don't save a whole lot of money over the DUI. Add in the service issue you mentioned, and I think that's why you don't see more. I've heard great things about Santi undergarments, but those are less likely to need factory service.

[jj1987]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

The Santi suits are definitely comparable to the DUI, but the problem is, I think, that you don't save a whole lot of money over the DUI. Add in the service issue you mentioned, and I think that's why you don't see more. I've heard great things about Santi undergarments, but those are less likely to need factory service.

Knowing what dealer cost is on these suits, a santi dealer can easily get you in one at a price you want, and around the FL caves, SANTI suits are becoming one of the most popular custom suit out there, second only to maybe TLS350. The TLS350 still seems to be king when it comes to "cave cut".

I've heard good things about their undies as well....I have a pinnacle 250g undergarment, but just because you can pick those up for about $175 at my LDS.