undersuit

StephenT · February 21st, 2006, 07:57 PM

I've decided to replace the original undersuit i got as part of a package. There seems to be 3 undersuits which have been mentioned regulary:-

DUI 400gram thinsulate
Polarbear PB400
Santi BZ400

Any suggestions? i like the second and third the best, DUI doesn't seem as nice

Little Pete · February 21st, 2006, 08:10 PM

DUI - have a good track record and are very warm. A few people have had issues with the sizing of them (ask Alastair) and they tend to be on the pricey side.

Polar Bears - A good suit (I use one) but for a MTM they seem to be a bit large on the sizing. Warm and good quality suits otherwise, the pricing is around the £200 mark depending on whether you are stock or not.

http://store.polarbears.co.uk/index....9cb76d83aab7c8

Santi - This is a relatively new suit but said to be good. Good pricing (£170 MTM including delivery I think) but you need to sort it out with Marcin on the board (as they come from Poland). Jen Cowling uses one and likes it a lot. IIRC it has stretchy panels to give better movement when wearing the suit.

Hope to help.

fraser · February 23rd, 2006, 06:06 PM

Must confess to having my eye on one of those Santi undersuits. They look pretty good, and then I could wash my old PB400 (or incinerate it, as my buddies would prefer)

Fraser.

**neilh** · February 23rd, 2006, 06:19 PM

One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g?

Owen Petchey · February 23rd, 2006, 06:23 PM

First post... hello.

I also have a Santi BZ400. It keeps me warm, is flexible at the shoulders (due to a ring of stretchy stuff here), fits well, and I'm very happy with it. I measured myself following Marcin's simple instructions and he got it to me very efficiently.

Hope that helps some,
Owen

Sterny · February 23rd, 2006, 09:47 PM

I picked up my new Santi BZ400 undersuit from Marcin last weekend, and it's very well made out of high quality materials and extremely warm. I was *too hot* in 6ºC water, under my 5mm neo suit (which is soon to be replaced - the Santi isn't meant for use with my current suit). I tried it with Arctics on underneath (I'd had it made to allow this) and it was ridiculously hot and still allowed me good freedom of movement - i.e. it should do for long dives in very cold water.

It's as buoyant as all new 400g thinsulate suits are reported to be - I needed several extra kilos of lead to get down. I imagine this will lessen over time as it gets older. The fit is... exactly what I ordered. I'll need more than one test dive to make up my mind whether I got this right, and hopefully it will be fixable or okay as it is. I'll post more about this when I've dived it some more.

By the way Marcin's customer service was top notch, and although there were a couple of delays in getting the suit, he kept me informed all along, and I made sure he knew I wasn't particularly bothered about speed as my only real deadline was today. He's a really nice guy to deal with and I'd have no hesitation in ordering a suit through him.

Mark Chase · February 23rd, 2006, 10:06 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g?

I have the DUI 400G and its great for warmth, the best I have ever owned. Unfortunately its very badly cut with stupid amounts of slack material making it unnecessarily bulky in the lower legs. The stirrup straps are useless way too stretchy and loose and the cut on the upper arms is for Arny Terminator look alike only.

Its a shame because if it were better tailored it would be worth the money

The Exotherm Arctic is pretty amazing. I wore one for DIRF over a forth element base layor and i couldn't believe that I was doing two 45 -60min dives in 5c water and feeling OK. I am mighty impressed with it.

I don't think warmth wise its on a par with the 400 DUI but its pretty good.

ATB

Mark Chase

sasdasdaf · February 23rd, 2006, 11:01 PM

I'm happy with my DUI 400G but here's another warning that the sizing is messed up. Make sure you try it on before buying. According to the DUI's sizing info on its website, it looks like I am in the middle of the M range. When I got my M suit, it was ridiculous huge, built for someone 3 inches and 50lbs heavier. Even the S is big on me.

DUI has also changed its sizing over time, so make sure you try it.

StephenT · February 26th, 2006, 02:10 AM

Thanks, i seem to be going towards the Santi. Due to it being MTM, and seemingly made to measure well. Im might wait a while though due to the fact i'm trying to gain some muscle,

Also i'll buy meself a Salvo, so that next time i see NeilH ,

And ofcourse i'll win ,

Leaving Neil ,

, leading to him

(man these emoticons rock)

*Brian Allen* · February 26th, 2006, 11:51 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh)

One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g?

Have previously spoken to Jim Standing (MD fourthelement). Artics are equiv to a 200grm, normal xerotherms are equiv to about 70grm.

I'm wearing Artic 3 pc + Xerotherm 3 pc + Xerotherm vest at the mo, and getting cold after an hour... next dive i'm going to try eating readybrek first and see if that helps

Personally i find the setup really good for 10 degrees and above, right now i need 1 more layer

February 21st, 2006, 07:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
StephenT(Offline) New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tynemouth Posts: 108	undersuit I've decided to replace the original undersuit i got as part of a package. There seems to be 3 undersuits which have been mentioned regulary:- DUI 400gram thinsulate Polarbear PB400 Santi BZ400 Any suggestions? i like the second and third the best, DUI doesn't seem as nice

February 23rd, 2006, 06:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
fraser(Offline) "I'm only late on your timescale" Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 463	Must confess to having my eye on one of those Santi undersuits. They look pretty good, and then I could wash my old PB400 (or incinerate it, as my buddies would prefer) Fraser. __________________ Damn it feels good to be a gangsta

February 23rd, 2006, 09:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sterny(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The limpid tropical lagoons of Ealing, West London Posts: 550	I picked up my new Santi BZ400 undersuit from Marcin last weekend, and it's very well made out of high quality materials and extremely warm. I was too hot in 6ºC water, under my 5mm neo suit (which is soon to be replaced - the Santi isn't meant for use with my current suit). I tried it with Arctics on underneath (I'd had it made to allow this) and it was ridiculously hot and still allowed me good freedom of movement - i.e. it should do for long dives in very cold water. It's as buoyant as all new 400g thinsulate suits are reported to be - I needed several extra kilos of lead to get down. I imagine this will lessen over time as it gets older. The fit is... exactly what I ordered. I'll need more than one test dive to make up my mind whether I got this right, and hopefully it will be fixable or okay as it is. I'll post more about this when I've dived it some more. By the way Marcin's customer service was top notch, and although there were a couple of delays in getting the suit, he kept me informed all along, and I made sure he knew I wasn't particularly bothered about speed as my only real deadline was today. He's a really nice guy to deal with and I'd have no hesitation in ordering a suit through him. __________________ "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 Last edited by Sterny; February 23rd, 2006 at 09:51 PM.

February 23rd, 2006, 10:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mark Chase(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kent England Posts: 905	Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g? I have the DUI 400G and its great for warmth, the best I have ever owned. Unfortunately its very badly cut with stupid amounts of slack material making it unnecessarily bulky in the lower legs. The stirrup straps are useless way too stretchy and loose and the cut on the upper arms is for Arny Terminator look alike only. Its a shame because if it were better tailored it would be worth the money The Exotherm Arctic is pretty amazing. I wore one for DIRF over a forth element base layor and i couldn't believe that I was doing two 45 -60min dives in 5c water and feeling OK. I am mighty impressed with it. I don't think warmth wise its on a par with the 400 DUI but its pretty good. ATB Mark Chase __________________ The only DIR Inspiration diver in the village

February 26th, 2006, 11:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
Brian Allen(Offline) GUE Instructor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London & Plymouth Posts: 594	Quote: (Originally Posted by neilh) One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g? Have previously spoken to Jim Standing (MD fourthelement). Artics are equiv to a 200grm, normal xerotherms are equiv to about 70grm. I'm wearing Artic 3 pc + Xerotherm 3 pc + Xerotherm vest at the mo, and getting cold after an hour... next dive i'm going to try eating readybrek first and see if that helps Personally i find the setup really good for 10 degrees and above, right now i need 1 more layer __________________ ...dive planning again ... GUE fundamentals and Halcyon Equipment Online www.ocean-explorers.co.uk

February 21st, 2006, 08:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Little Pete(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 509	DUI - have a good track record and are very warm. A few people have had issues with the sizing of them (ask Alastair) and they tend to be on the pricey side. Polar Bears - A good suit (I use one) but for a MTM they seem to be a bit large on the sizing. Warm and good quality suits otherwise, the pricing is around the £200 mark depending on whether you are stock or not. http://store.polarbears.co.uk/index....9cb76d83aab7c8 Santi - This is a relatively new suit but said to be good. Good pricing (£170 MTM including delivery I think) but you need to sort it out with Marcin on the board (as they come from Poland). Jen Cowling uses one and likes it a lot. IIRC it has stretchy panels to give better movement when wearing the suit. Hope to help.

February 23rd, 2006, 06:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
neilh(Offline) Haemoglobin on the bus... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Barnsley, UK Posts: 1,900	One thing I've been wondering about is how the Xerotherm arctics stack up against these undersuits. Anyone know if the arctics are, for example, equivalent to a 200g suit and arctics plus base equivalent to 400g?

February 23rd, 2006, 06:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
Owen Petchey(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sheffield Posts: 40	First post... hello. I also have a Santi BZ400. It keeps me warm, is flexible at the shoulders (due to a ring of stretchy stuff here), fits well, and I'm very happy with it. I measured myself following Marcin's simple instructions and he got it to me very efficiently. Hope that helps some, Owen

February 23rd, 2006, 11:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
sasdasdaf(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 377	I'm happy with my DUI 400G but here's another warning that the sizing is messed up. Make sure you try it on before buying. According to the DUI's sizing info on its website, it looks like I am in the middle of the M range. When I got my M suit, it was ridiculous huge, built for someone 3 inches and 50lbs heavier. Even the S is big on me. DUI has also changed its sizing over time, so make sure you try it.

February 26th, 2006, 02:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
StephenT(Offline) New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tynemouth Posts: 108	Thanks, i seem to be going towards the Santi. Due to it being MTM, and seemingly made to measure well. Im might wait a while though due to the fact i'm trying to gain some muscle, Also i'll buy meself a Salvo, so that next time i see NeilH , And ofcourse i'll win , Leaving Neil , , leading to him (man these emoticons rock)