TLS350 styles and options?

**neilh** · January 8th, 2006, 07:59 PM

I may need to get myself a new suit soon and it may "need" to be a TLS350

I've seen talk of stock suits, explorer suits, signature suits, classic zips, warm collars, etc - can anyone post a summary of the styles and what the differences are?! What should you look for on a TLS for UK diving?

Also if you picked up a 2nd hand TLS350, is it feasible to get it modified if it's not quite right (e.g. different sized turbo soles, pockets, etc)? (Cost permitting clearly)

it_throbs · January 8th, 2006, 09:14 PM

I too may soon be in the market for a new suit. I have an additional question; where, for someone in the UK, is the best place to buy a DUI suit? My definition of best is based on price (of course!) but also good customer service, sound pre-sales advice etc. Having tried a TLS350 on at the last Birmingham dive show I was told by the DUI rep that a size medium fits me like a made to measure suit. I'd like the opportunity to get a second opinion before stumping up the cash hence hesitation in buying mail order.

**Alastair** · January 8th, 2006, 10:11 PM

Stock suits = DUI specific sizes i.e. small, medium, large. Fine if you are a stock size but doesn't always suit people's body shape.

explorer suits = A TLS with a particular set of options, this includes some toughened overlays, re-inforced layers at the p-valve and heating jacket point and codura on the knees. Andy Kerslake was sporting one today!

Signature suits = includes a couple of options, kneepads, two pockets and warm neck collar as standard. I was wearing one of these today

classic zips = Two zips are available, zip up (quick zip) or zip down (classic). The quick zip only comes in one size so if you are a smaller diver it can be too long (thanks to David Martin for that one). It also means that the zip when done up sits on your shoulder. This has some disadvantages - it means the harness sits on the zipper and can pull it down or just rub uncomfortably. The classic comes in a number of sizes so fits better and doesn't get in the way of the harness as much.

warm collars = this is a bit of material on the drysuit that gives your hood somewhere to tuck in. This keeps you a bit warmer as it stops a bit of water flushing and keeps your neck warmer.

As for what to go for well it's all done to preference. You can pick all sorts of options. The advice I picked up was classic zip, two bellows pockets outside on the legs, high profile apeks or sitech dump, warm collar and fitted with a p-valve (you can do the p-valve yourself - well worth having makes you massively more comfortable).

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

Also if you picked up a 2nd hand TLS350, is it feasible to get it modified if it's not quite right (e.g. different sized turbo soles, pockets, etc)? (Cost permitting clearly)

I know the boots can be changed but I've not looked into this. Anyone else?

***Bob Cooper*** · January 8th, 2006, 10:16 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Alastair)

I know the boots can be changed but I've not looked into this. Anyone else?

I had a CLX450 with rockboots. I had the socks removed and replaced with turbo-soles. SDS in Sheffield did it. Very pleased with the result. I was wearing it today!

**Alastair** · January 8th, 2006, 10:22 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Bob Cooper)

I was wearing it today!

Running theme here Neil - you should have lined us all up today :D

**neilh** · January 9th, 2006, 11:41 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Alastair)

Running theme here Neil - you should have lined us all up today :D

Heheh, should have done! I was looking round at the different suits and kept thinking that the 350's looked the business. Damn :p

Anyone my size got a 350 they don't need anymore? :D

*Clare Gledhill* · January 9th, 2006, 01:43 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

Anyone my size got a 350 they don't need anymore? :D

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUI-TLS350-Dry...QQcmdZViewItem

You have four hours - undersuits included so very cheap at present price... even if it does have a quick zip ... think it will go up a lot...

**neilh** · January 9th, 2006, 06:49 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Gledders)

think it will go up a lot...

It did go up a bit... Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D

Think I'll be popping down the road to SDS for a chat! I'll update the thread with my findings.

Ian S · January 9th, 2006, 07:15 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

It did go up a bit... Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D

Think I'll be popping down the road to SDS for a chat! I'll update the thread with my findings.

ahhh so it was you!

Nice one!

You'll love it!

Sterny · January 9th, 2006, 07:34 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D

Was that a DIRX bidding war then? Good for you fella! I hope you like it!

January 8th, 2006, 07:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
neilh (Online) Haemoglobin on the bus... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Barnsley, UK Posts: 1,900	TLS350 styles and options? I may need to get myself a new suit soon and it may "need" to be a TLS350 I've seen talk of stock suits, explorer suits, signature suits, classic zips, warm collars, etc - can anyone post a summary of the styles and what the differences are?! What should you look for on a TLS for UK diving? Also if you picked up a 2nd hand TLS350, is it feasible to get it modified if it's not quite right (e.g. different sized turbo soles, pockets, etc)? (Cost permitting clearly)

January 8th, 2006, 10:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Alastair(Offline) DIRX Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 693	Stock suits = DUI specific sizes i.e. small, medium, large. Fine if you are a stock size but doesn't always suit people's body shape. explorer suits = A TLS with a particular set of options, this includes some toughened overlays, re-inforced layers at the p-valve and heating jacket point and codura on the knees. Andy Kerslake was sporting one today! Signature suits = includes a couple of options, kneepads, two pockets and warm neck collar as standard. I was wearing one of these today classic zips = Two zips are available, zip up (quick zip) or zip down (classic). The quick zip only comes in one size so if you are a smaller diver it can be too long (thanks to David Martin for that one). It also means that the zip when done up sits on your shoulder. This has some disadvantages - it means the harness sits on the zipper and can pull it down or just rub uncomfortably. The classic comes in a number of sizes so fits better and doesn't get in the way of the harness as much. warm collars = this is a bit of material on the drysuit that gives your hood somewhere to tuck in. This keeps you a bit warmer as it stops a bit of water flushing and keeps your neck warmer. As for what to go for well it's all done to preference. You can pick all sorts of options. The advice I picked up was classic zip, two bellows pockets outside on the legs, high profile apeks or sitech dump, warm collar and fitted with a p-valve (you can do the p-valve yourself - well worth having makes you massively more comfortable). Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) Also if you picked up a 2nd hand TLS350, is it feasible to get it modified if it's not quite right (e.g. different sized turbo soles, pockets, etc)? (Cost permitting clearly) I know the boots can be changed but I've not looked into this. Anyone else? __________________ Helium is our friend - GI3

January 8th, 2006, 10:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Alastair(Offline) DIRX Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 693	Quote: (Originally Posted by Bob Cooper) I was wearing it today! Running theme here Neil - you should have lined us all up today :D __________________ Helium is our friend - GI3

January 9th, 2006, 01:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Clare Gledhill(Offline) GUE Instructor Site Admin Pacman Champion! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 1,540	Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) Anyone my size got a 350 they don't need anymore? :D http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUI-TLS350-Dry...QQcmdZViewItem You have four hours - undersuits included so very cheap at present price... even if it does have a quick zip ... think it will go up a lot... __________________ Clare . "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions....Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great." Interested in DIR dive training? Always happy to chat/answer questions so get in touch via PM or visit www.dirdiver.co.uk

January 9th, 2006, 07:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
Sterny(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The limpid tropical lagoons of Ealing, West London Posts: 550	Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D Was that a DIRX bidding war then? Good for you fella! I hope you like it! __________________ "I thought I had a great idea today, but it never really took off. In fact, it didn't even get on the runway. I guess you could say it exploded in the hangar." - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

January 8th, 2006, 09:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
it_throbs(Offline) New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UK Posts: 16	I too may soon be in the market for a new suit. I have an additional question; where, for someone in the UK, is the best place to buy a DUI suit? My definition of best is based on price (of course!) but also good customer service, sound pre-sales advice etc. Having tried a TLS350 on at the last Birmingham dive show I was told by the DUI rep that a size medium fits me like a made to measure suit. I'd like the opportunity to get a second opinion before stumping up the cash hence hesitation in buying mail order.

January 8th, 2006, 10:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Bob Cooper*(Offline) Moderator - "Don't stop me now!" Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 680	Quote: (Originally Posted by Alastair) I know the boots can be changed but I've not looked into this. Anyone else? I had a CLX450 with rockboots. I had the socks removed and replaced with turbo-soles. SDS in Sheffield did it. Very pleased with the result. I was wearing it today!

January 9th, 2006, 11:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
neilh (Online) Haemoglobin on the bus... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Barnsley, UK Posts: 1,900	Quote: (Originally Posted by Alastair) Running theme here Neil - you should have lined us all up today :D Heheh, should have done! I was looking round at the different suits and kept thinking that the 350's looked the business. Damn :p Anyone my size got a 350 they don't need anymore? :D

January 9th, 2006, 06:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
neilh (Online) Haemoglobin on the bus... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Barnsley, UK Posts: 1,900	Quote: (Originally Posted by Gledders) think it will go up a lot... It did go up a bit... Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D Think I'll be popping down the road to SDS for a chat! I'll update the thread with my findings.

January 9th, 2006, 07:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ian S(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NorthWest - UK Posts: 62	Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) It did go up a bit... Hopefully I haven't ended up with a turkey :D Think I'll be popping down the road to SDS for a chat! I'll update the thread with my findings. ahhh so it was you! Nice one! You'll love it!