The TLS 350 is a trilaminate shell-type suit. The advantages of shells in general are significant. They don't compress, so there are no buoyancy changes with depth. They're light and flexible, making them comfortable to wear and allowing great mobility when reaching back for isolation valves on doubles, etc. They dry fast, so repairs can often be made in between dives. And because they have no inherent insulation, it's easy to adjust your own insulation (undergarments) to the conditions.

The TLS 350 has its own unique advantages (some of which are common to other DUI suits). First, it has a telescoping torso that pulls up, allowing you to easily get it on (or off ) without stressing the seams, then pulls down with the excess folding underneath to lie flat for an near-custom fit. Second, it has a two-zipper system, with the outer zipper providing a degree of protection to the inner, watertight, zipper.

In addition, the suit comes with crushed neoprene socks over which you can wear DUI rock boots (or really any Keds-like sneaker with a few alterations). Most attached boots I've seen are heavier than need be and invariably wear out along the ankle -- meaning the whole suit has to go in for repairs. Rock boots can be worn until they fall apart, then you just get another pair. The material of the TLS 350 is also very durable, more so than it may look (although if you're doing heavy wreck diving, with penetration and lots of twisted metal, you might feel more peace of mind in the beefed up cordura version, the CLX 450). Still, factory knee pads are a good idea.

All in all, the TLS 350 is a great suit, well made for cold-water diving in the northeast and I highly recommend it. The suit retails for approximately $1500.

Jerry Shine