...In my opinion, the Tri-Lam (I forget the nomeclature of the Tri-Lam suit that I tried out) wasn't any better than the Andy's DS-1 that I dive now....
I don't work for DUI. I just did a lot of research before buying my suit. Drysuits are also a staple for regular divers in the Pacific Northwest, so little differences can make huge impacts. Noted differences for me between the Andy's and the DUI TLS350 Trilam (warning - novella about to commence
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1. Rock boot system comes with the DUI, and most Andy suits have built in boots. Why do I like the rock boot system better?
...a) I can wear the rock boots when needed or I can actually switch and pull on a pair of wetsuit boots over it, if I don't need the boots (i.e. boat diving)
...b) Rock boots are more durable than the built in rubber boots. Durability is key when you're in the Pacific Northwest hoping over guard rails and hiking down steep rock terrain...yeah we're weird up here.
...c) Rock boots are more durable in that they can go over razor sharp oyster shells and any "hit" they take doesn't mean a leak to your suit since they are separate from your suit.
...d) Rock boots are pulled tight and keep air out of your feet. None of us DUI divers wear ankle weights to keep out feet down - they are unnecessary and that's nice because the tire out your legs and put weight you wrong in the water. Try to keep you feet up with weights on.
...e) Rock boots look cooler....ok, had to throw that in there - gotta look cool!
2. The DUI has a telescoping torso allowing for easy donning, a closer fit and freedom of movement. The telescoping torso means the suit is longer to help with the donning of the suit and to allow for the freedom, it also gives your suit more room for when you bulk up on the undergarments in the winter or in colder water. An adjustable crotch strap secures it after you're set.
3. Warm neck collar for use with warm neck hood. Most suits just have your latex neck seal and a short necked drysuit hood is pulled on and the neoprene hangs down to the neck seal and may overlap a bit, but ultimately your neck is are can be at times exposed to the water....brrrrr. DUI has a collar flange that a longer drysuit hood tucks into protecting the neck. And the DUI hood....I'd marry it if people wouldn't stop and stare....seriously, it is the most comfortable and warm hood I have ever owned.
4. DUI suits have a second zipper (a zipper guard) securing and protecting the waterproof zipper. It smoothes out the suit too.
These are just my personal thoughts on the subject. I did look seriously at Andy's when making my drysuit decision. I do like their products. The suits have a nice look to them and have a good reputation. A couple of my dive buddies dive them. I just know that I practically live in my suit on the weekends and so it was a very important choice for me. The difference I noted above may be unique to me and not be a factor for the type of diving others do.
Edited by Dive_Girl, 17 December 2004 - 12:37 PM.
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