Submited By: Dennis L. on 05/25/2011 Verified Buyer Well I waited to get a few dives in the Hollis Biodry FX100 before I wrote my review. First off the construction is pretty solid. It's a durable suit also. I've been rolled a few times from surf exits. I've had to crawl a few times on the steps Casio Point dive park at Catalina Island and no signs or damage (I don't recommend doing). The suit cleans very easy and the thick latex seals are a plus on the wrists and neck. The pockets are nice and roomy for standard dive gear (SMB, spool, wet notes, backup mask, etc).
The valves work pretty good. It's easy to dump gas from the suit and inflation valve work just as good. There is a good degree of stretch to the material do reaching tank valves while doing drills is not a problem.
The gator straps are well IMO a little gimmicky. I really don't think they work. I don't use them for that reason. I will say that it feels like a heavy trash bag with sleeves when wearing it. The plastic like interior holds condensation vapor from sweat. I have yet to exit the suit from hour long dives that my undergarment isn't damp. The excess neck latex seal is a bit annoying. It puffs up a lot while at the surface from air in the suit. It also looks ugly. It can be tricky getting a good neck seal sometimes as a result. I have about 20 dives on it so far. The squeeze is not that bad. Make sure you wear decent undergarments, you will get cold in mid 50 water.
The last thing I'd say about the suit. It's worth the price paid. It looks good and you are almost always going to be the only person on a dive boat wearing one. I bought mine in Feb 2011 and the serial # is in the 700's. Make sure you get the size right or get a custom size. The stock size XL it quit a bit baggy on me at 210 lbs 44" chest, 6'3" tall it is spot on. 2" shorter and it's too long.
DRIS did a great job getting me the suit with re sized socks for my size 13 feet in time for my GUE class. (3 day shipping from the factory). BTW if you get a P-valve with a quick disconnect make sure all the parts are there before you install it yourself on the suit. That's another way to flood your suit lol. Did I mention the suit was easy to clean. Once everything was worked out Mike sent a new QD kit even-though I only needed one part. Thanks Mike. Yes the suit is comfy and dries well.
Dennis
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