[diveinfo] [betonava@earthlink.net: Re: [gavinscooters] Re: Detailed TLS350 Spec]
Jean-Sebastien Morisset
diveinfo@lists.mvlan.net
Fri, 26 May 2006 18:45:58 -0400
FYI. :-)
----- Forwarded message from betonava@earthlink.net -----
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 17:46:13 -0400 (EDT)
From: betonava@earthlink.net
To: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [gavinscooters] Re: Detailed TLS350 Spec
Well I have to give my 2 cents on the TLS350 vs other suits. I have used a lot of suits from many brands and models over
the years and the only thing I regret about my TLS350 are:
1) I wish I had bought one 10 years ago when I got my first drysuit .....
2) I wish I have two of them
;-)
-----Original Message-----
>From: john heimann <John.Heimann@oracle.com>
>Sent: May 26, 2006 2:16 PM
>To: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [gavinscooters] Re: Detailed TLS350 Spec
>
>Like Pete I have both suits. I dove two CF200s for more than a decade
>and then switched to a cave cut TLS350 but have kept a CF suit for
>backup. I do find it more difficult to reach valves and maintain good
>trim (which, thanks to working with Beto, I can actually do on
>occasion!) in the CF suit but I'm not sure whether that's because I had
>the suit measured almost a decade ago whereas I had the TLS suit made
>two years ago.
>
> Most people who have bothered to try both suits agree that a CF suit is
>in fact more insulating than TLS with a given undergarment. Bubbles
>compressed or not, the CF material is several mm think and has lower
>thermal conductivity than TLS material. If you don't believe this, you
>can do an actual experiment. Put your hand under each kind of material
>and run hot or cold water over it - you'll feel the difference in how
>quickly heat is conducted.
>
>The TLS suit is more prone to abrasion damage than a CF suit but when
>it's dry it's definitely dry, whereas the CF suit seems more prone to
>mystery leaks, which may be due to gradual breakdown of the material itself.
>
>Overall I believe it's easier to dive in a DIR configuration with a TLS
>suit, and prefer to dive it than my CF, but recognize that I may have to
>buy a new suit every few years whether it's TLS or CF.
>
>John
>
>Pete Gelbman wrote:
>
>> i guess your expert drysuit research may have missed out minor details
>> like actually diving both suits in many diff environments. tls350 and
>> cf200 are both excellent suits, i have both and like both - they have
>> some different features, no diff concept than wetsuit vs drysuit - -
>> right tool for the right job. nuff said
>>
>> --- In gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com, "Marcel Meyer" <m_meyer1@...> wrote:
>>>
>>> A CF200x is not the right choice. It�s stiff and heavy. You�ll have
>> problems to keep your trim as proper as with the TLS 350.
>>> The fit is tight and movements like reaching the valves, frogkick,
>> other kicks are difficult to perform.
>>>
>>> CF stands for Crushed Foam Neoprene. Crushed Foam Neoprene is
>> patented by DUI and nobody ever was able to copy.
>>> I was in San Diego and was teached there in everything.
>>> It is complete nonsense that the CF200x material has better thermal
>> insulation characteristics than the Trilaminate.
>>> Explain me why?
>>> All bubbles are elaminated during the crushing process.
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: Pete Gelbman
>>> To: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 6:27 PM
>>> Subject: [gavinscooters] Re: Detailed TLS350 Spec
>>>
>>>
>>> I got the cf200 crotch pad on my most recent suit and like it a lot.
>>> Also, I've seen some of the newer TLS suits with the cordora overlay
>>> on the leg instead of the kneepads - I'm not impressed. IMHO, these
>>> are the same problem as the main overlay on top of the TLS - really no
>>> major benefit and all the sowing causes about 10,000 extra holes in my
>>> drysuit that I'd prefer to to have.
>>>
>>> If you want to be really DIR, get a CF-200 - no overlay anywhere, thus
>>> zillion less potential seam leaks, and it will last you 10x as long.
>>> And be a lot warmer in the water. And its stretchy so you can get a
>>> slim fit without the hassles of cave-cut
>>>
>>> :-o
>>>
>>> ducks and runs for cover...
>>>
>>> ~pg
>>>
>>>
>>> --- In gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com, "Marcel Meyer" <m_meyer1@>
>> wrote:
>>> >
>>> > R: [gavinscooters] Detailed TLS350 SpecHello.
>>> >
>>> > I installed several CF crotch pads, due to I do every DUI repair for
>>> the european DUI distributor.
>>> > The CF 200 crotchpad is hard to install on a suit because of the
>>> seam situation in the crotch. You can not get it flat so sewing and
>>> sealing needs precision and time.
>>> > When DUI is making a suit (Special Production, Signature or Select)
>>> they are not sewing the pad on the assembled suit. So for them it�s
>>> much easier to get it on properly.
>>> > The past showed, that the CF200 reinforcement in the crotch is
>>> useful for scootering, because the higher tension on the crotch strap
>>> could damage the crotch seam junction.
>>> >
>>> > Of course every reinforcement is making the suit stiffer.
>>> >
>>> > Also, be careful with heavy duty seals on the wrists. They are very
>>> stiff and most people will get water entries while making a fist or
>>> woving the wrist.
>>> > The standard latex seals from DUI are very flexible and have a
>>> bigger sealing surface on the skin.
>>> >
>>> > The non-turnable inlet valve from Apeks is still available.
>>> >
>>> > Instead of Kneepads sewn on the suit, Cordura Knee Overlays are an
>>> option, too. The second trilaminat layer from the knee to the ankle is
>>> from Cordura instead of trilaminat- no pads. The protection is "suit
>>> integrated". But of course stiffer...
>>> >
>>> > Correct is, that the turbosole should fit really tight. It�s more
>>> comfortable in the fin and underwater. Remember you only have to walk
>>> for some minutes to the water, but you�ll stay longer in it...
>>> >
>>> > best,
>>> > marcel
>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>> > From: Corvino Gennaro
>>> > To: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
>>> > Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 4:54 PM
>>> > Subject: R: [gavinscooters] Detailed TLS350 Spec
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > "CF200 material - for a crotch reinforcement panel, to stop
>>> harness crotch strap wear."
>>> > ...we think that's really no good idea! in the past we requested
>>> it on two dry suit and it was only a trouble for the addition of
>>> sewings that it involve.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > -----Messaggio originale-----
>>> > Da: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
>>> [mailto:gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com] Per conto di Inner Realm
>>> > Inviato: marted� 23 maggio 2006 0.12
>>> > A: gavinscooters@yahoogroups.com
>>> > Oggetto: RE: [gavinscooters] Detailed TLS350 Spec
>>> >
>>> > >> I am looking for the detailed TLS350 spec that I've seen
>> previously
>>> > posted on gavinscooters or quest
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > This is what I posted on Quest
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > List,
>>> >
>>> > I have recently ordered my first DUI TLS350 "Cave Cut" and was
>>> dismayed to find hardly any information available on the subject at
>>> all, in any usual archives.
>>> >
>>> > Having just recently received my suit I had compiled this post
>>> during the process and would like to share what I have learnt, that
>>> others following the "Cave Cut way", may have a firm definition and
>>> quality information to work from..
>>> >
>>> > The basic specifications are as follows, with some minor
>>> additional improvements;
>>> >
>>> > DUI Signature Series TLS-350 " WKPP" styled CAVECUT
>>> >
>>> > VALVES
>>> > Apeks LP swiveling inlet valve sitting @4.00.The Apeks fixed inlet
>>> valve is no longer available.
>>> > Apeks Old style "High profile" auto exhaust dump valve (left
>>> shoulder)
>>> >
>>> > SEALS
>>> > WRIST- Heavy duty Latex wrist seals.
>>> > .Specify if you want the latex seals to be undercut by the arm
>>> length of the suit, like GI recommends.
>>> >
>>> > NECK-Standard Latex seal.
>>> >
>>> > BODY
>>> > Warm neck collar for abrasion resistance from the harness wear.
>>> > CF200 material - for a crotch reinforcement panel, to stop harness
>>> crotch strap wear.
>>> >
>>> > *Request the old style design pattern, where the accent colour on
>>> the torso extends right down to the wrists.
>>> > This gives a double layer TLS material coverage over the high wear
>>> areas, right through the shoulders/elbows down to the forearms/wrists.
>>> >
>>> > This negates the need of elbow pads needed for the new design
>>> pattern which offers no durability in the high wear areas as the
>>> accent colour is restricted to the chest area only..
>>> >
>>> > I also chose a simple double layer TLS trilaminate on the Knees in
>>> suit body colour for extra durability.
>>> > Alternatively you could also order the smallest Kevlar knee pads
>>> (29.7cm x 12.1cm)
>>> >
>>> > It is absolutely imperative to order the old style self donning
>>> diagonal front zip .NO quick zip!!!
>>> > Standard Telescoping torso.
>>> >
>>> > WKPP - DUI Standard Bellows pocket/Velcro flap on side of left
>>> thigh.
>>> > The bellows pocket needs modifying with the stainless d-ring
>>> removed and two small holes burnt with new recommended longer length
>>> bungee loops added.
>>> >
>>> > WKPP - DUI Standard Flat neoprene pocket/Velcro flap on side of
>>> right thigh.
>>> > One bungee loop needs adding
>>> >
>>> > BOOTS
>>> > Standard CF200 Turbo soles with Velcro ankle ties.
>>> > Supply an accurate bare foot tracing is the best idea. .
>>> > Imagine placing your foot on an ink pad and measuring the length
>>> actually in contact with the ground is the best way then allow for
>>> 400G booties.
>>> >
>>> > It is extremely important to have an exact fitting sole for the
>>> turbo boot.
>>> > Request DUI supply the two closest sole sizes available to the
>>> measurements of your foot outline so you can decide on which size fits
>>> best.
>>> >
>>> > If you have the luxury of being able to try different sized soles
>>> with the correct booties take the opportunity.
>>> >
>>> > The Turbo sole needs to seriously undercut your actual foot, as
>>> this ensures a super tight fitting bootie which is firm to walk in, as
>>> opposed to the standard fare from DUI, which requires all sorts of
>>> silliness such as gators and fin keepers to manage.
>>> >
>>> > UNDERGARMENTS
>>> > DUI 400G Type B Thinsulate undergarment (Cave cut is best, same as
>>> suit, although DUI refused to taper the legs which necessitated a trip
>>> to the local tailor.)
>>> >
>>> > DUI 400G Type B Thinsulate booties, go for medium unless your feet
>>> are huge so as to keep it tight and slick.
>>> >
>>> > HOOD
>>> > Rubatex-Wetwear Nitrogen blown neoprene custom hood. (Get the
>>> plush lining if it is available)
>>> > <http://www.wetwear.com/index.htm>
>>> > G231SN Short neck hood 7mm (NO ZIP!)
>>> >
>>> > Their customer service is horrendous, as was the fit, I had to
>>> take it in to a local manufacturer and have 15mm cut out of all main
>>> seams and shorten the neck length by 50mm to get the correct fit.
>>> >
>>> > However the suit is now perfect and well worth the hassle of
>>> ordering blind from 10,000 miles away ;-)
>>> >
>>> > DRYGLOVES
>>> > Nordic Blue Delrin Ro-Lock dry-gloves with Quallofill lining for
>>> extreme cold, or normal lining for moderate temperatures. (If
>>> required) .or simply neoprene seals like Peter Steinhoff favors (both
>>> are excellent)
>>> >
>>> > I have found the Nordic Blue superior to other brands but this is
>>> only from my personal experience.
>>> >
>>> > OVERBOARD DISCHARGE
>>> > Halcyon Balanced pee valve
>>> >
>>> > Measurement tips
>>> >
>>> > With regard to measurement I was extremely cautious and was very
>>> conscious of correctly sizing the suit, I went over every measurement
>>> several times and guided my girlfriend in the process as I am fairly
>>> experienced in drysuit measuring as all the suits I provide are MTM.
----- End forwarded message -----
--
Jean-Sebastien Morisset, Sr. UNIX Administrator <jsmoriss@mvlan.net>
Personal Home Page <http://jsmoriss.mvlan.net/>
Underwater and Travel Photographs <http://www.mvpix.com/>