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At the recent 2008 DEMA event, we tried on the new Whites ” DryCORE technology” dry suit, the Fusion Tech.  This dry suit boasts an innovative approach – the inner waterproof barrier is comprised of a “loose fit shell dry suit incorporating latex seals, dry zipper, air intake and exhaust valves.”  This inner shell is huge, according to sales rep Eric and allows you to move as you need to move.  The shell is held snug in place by your choice of three styles of a  ”second layer ‘over suit.’ This outer layer is made with a durable stretch fabric which is attached to the DryCORE at the wrists, ankles and dry zipper to form the streamline form fit of the inner dry suit.”  Said to be suitable for extreme colds and tropical climes, the suit is versatile by adding or subtracting undergarments as needed.

As Eric was giving his spiel, I was skeptical. He was raving about how streamlined it is, how flexible it is, how durable it is but I was thinking of bunched up wrinkled inner shell pressed against my body at depth.  John was thinking of little bubbles trapped in the wrinkled folds.  Eric assured us that this would not be the case, saying that the outer wrap made it assist in venting like a bungee cord on a tech diving wing or BC.

We took the plunge and tried them on.  The suit went on super easy.  I just basically rolled it up over my body.  I grabbed each shoulder as instructed to zip it up.  Again, easy. It is a true self-donning suit. Once on, it was completely form fitting without being constricting.  I was able to squat down with ease and reached a tank valve behind my back. I could twist and turn like a ballerina.  Although we looked like we belonged on the set of Star Trek, we were both intrigued.  Simply put, the suit is COMFORTABLE.

In their October 2008 article entitled, “A World Gone Dry,” Sport Diver magazine says the DryCORE technology “works like a champ” and gives this suit its “editors pick.”

We are both eager to try the suit underwater.  When we do we’ll report back to you.  For now, a hearty thumbs up on this innovative new idea for diving dry. MSRP is $1598 for the suit and $449 for the undergarment.