DUI TLS 350 or CNSE

[bigfeller]

Right, just wanted to say thanks to all for the advice.

In the end I went for the CF200X. It was not that much more expensive than any of the other suits mentioned and after trying it on last night the movement and feel is superb (though it was bloody hot in the apartment!). I really like the rock boots, very comfortable with the fourth element socks underneath. Also the front zip is dead handy - though the last 2 inches is a bit awkward to undo - but then again a bit of practice should sort that out.

I'm planning on putting a large cargo pocket on the right leg and at some point replacing the seals for heavy duty ones. Though I'll dive it a bit first!

I'm doing cox for a dive tonight but am going to bring the gear with me and drop in for a weight check - I think it'll be slightly more buoyant than the current bag suit but as I carry half my weight on my wing and half on a belt lashing another pound or two on the belt won't make a massive difference.

Report of the 5 minute dive and in water impressions tomorrow!

[RobA]

A fine choice!

I have had my CF200 for 8 years now, and it is still great! Worn on many UK dives, all year round, and even Malta early in the season. Warm, dry and very comfy!

I had the latex cuff seals replaced with Heavy Duty, as the originals were starting to perish just above the end on the neoprene sleeve.

Also had a bit of extra tape applied over the forearm stitching, as it was showing signs of fraying from the computer strap.

Rob

[bigfeller]

Originally Posted by RobA

A fine choice!

I hope so!!

Originally Posted by RobA

I have had my CF200 for 8 years now, and it is still great! Worn on many UK dives, all year round, and even Malta early in the season. Warm, dry and very comfy!

There is a few people I know with them about the same length of time and they've stood up to a lot of punishment. Hopefully this one will be the same!

Originally Posted by RobA

I had the latex cuff seals replaced with Heavy Duty, as the originals were starting to perish just above the end on the neoprene sleeve.

Yeah, I think I'd be a lot happier with the HD seals. Will get a month or two out of the supplied ones first!

Originally Posted by RobA

Also had a bit of extra tape applied over the forearm stitching, as it was showing signs of fraying from the computer strap.

Hmmm - what type of strap do you have? I use a VR3 which has a elastic strap. Can't see that causing too much wear...

[RobA]

Originally Posted by bigfeller

Hmmm - what type of strap do you have? I use a VR3 which has a elastic strap. Can't see that causing too much wear...

I have a Vyper, with a rubber strap, stainless buckle. Mind you, it was over a good couple of hundred dives!

[bigfeller]

Well, I've had it in the water and all I can say is that I am a little bit....delighted!

It's a fantastic bit of kit. It felt way better than my bag suit in the water. Wasn't wearing any ankle weights but the rock boots kept my feet down. And they fit into my jet fins. Score. Donning was easy, takes a little longer owing to the boots but once one it's easy to walk about in (had to walk about 1km to get the boat). The seals are a bit light but heavy duty replacements are on the cards. In the water it was lovely. Very free movement. Felt almost natural. Kept me completely dry (apart from the fact that I was bucketing sweat on the surface - it was damn warm last night but thunderstorms this morning - gotta love the Irish weather!). Finning in it was easy and the material seems as tough as old nails.

All in all I'm delighted with the suit. The only problems is I'm on call this weekend so no diving for me Looks like I'll have to wait for Wednesday. Suppose it'll give me a chance to dry it out and glue on a pocket. Can't wait to get back in the water with it.

If you are thinking of buying one just stop and go buy it! It's great Best Suit Ever!!

(And no, I'm not on commission - but I wish I was!)