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Gear Reviews

Scuba Diving Equipment Review: Truli Awesome Wetsuit! (Watch Video)

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Our recent trip to dive the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in Mauritius couldn’t have come at a better time as we were asked by Scubaverse to review a unique wetsuit from Truli. Designed specifically for women, we were intrigued to see what it would offer, particularly as I myself have a strong dislike for the often constricting neoprene of diving wetsuits. We hadn’t heard of Truli Wetsuits before the trip, but on researching the brand and exploring the products we had a good feeling about what was to come.

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Mia Toose, the creator and CEO of the company, is passionate about solving the same issues many women face when wearing a wetsuit with the motto “you deserve a women’s wetsuit that is true to you!”, quoting that it delivers “more freedom in the water with less wetsuit all while keeping you warm and cozy”. Mia’s aim is to provide a wetsuit that fulfills high-performance gear and captivating style. As an avid scuba diver and water sports enthusiast, she could not find one on the market that would deliver both of these qualities – so set out to design one herself… and what a wetsuit it is!

Location

We were heading to Mauritius primarily for the wedding of 2 of our closest friends, and seeing as we were to be located in the North East Grande Gaube region we took the initiative to plan headed with local Dive Centre Dodo Divers who organised a variety of diving over the week from shallow reef diving to deep wrecks – what a lucky find they were! As it was the start of the summer season air temperatures averaged 28 degrees and water temps ranged from 24-25 degrees, making conditions perfect. As part of a 12 dive itinerary, we had arranged a shark safari near the famous Round Island and Snake Islands (Round Island isn’t round, and all the snakes from Snake Island live on Round Island) and also opted for a sunset dive on the Djabeda wreck and night dive at Confetti bay. Depths ranged from 12m to 40m with a strong current present at some of the deeper sites.

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Truli Wetsuit Features

hayley-4Sleeveless: The Truli Wetsuit is sleeveless to provide maximum flexibility and freedom of movement when Diving. It also makes it very easy to get on and off as you don’t need to force your arms into tight sleeves. This does reduce the amount of protection and exposes your skin more but keeps the focus on your core. I wore my thermal rash vest with long sleeves underneath to maintain the flexibility whilst providing additional protection.

Blindstitched: A method of joining two pieces of neoprene so that the stitch thread is almost invisible. This form of stitching locks in the seam offering greater warmth by trapping water in the suit which warms against the core body temperature. For diving, I definitely prefer this method to the traditional flatlock seam that allows water to move in and out, keeping the body at an average temperature and is less suitable for cooler waters. Blind-stitching is also stronger, ensuring your wetsuit copes with the strenuous conditions of diving. Because of the benefits, this method is more expensive, but generally better value for money if you are a diverse diver.

hayley-5Fleece lined: In addition to the blind-stitched neoprene, Truli Wetsuits have really focused on keeping your core warm and incorporated a fleece lining to the design, ensuring an additional 0.5mm of warmth. Soft to touch, this is extremely comfortable and easy on the skin. It’s also nice and toasty when you are out of the water on those surface intervals!

Ultraspan neoprene, Form-fitting Custom Fit: When I initially read about the Truli Wetsuit I heard this term and wasn’t sure what it meant – some fancy technical term no doubt! However, ultraspan neoprene is all about flexibility – the fabric providing high elasticity and comfort. This, in addition to the form fitting custom fit adapts to the shape of your body, ensuring complete movement without restriction. It really did mould to my skin yet maintained suppleness dive after dive so it didn’t lose its shape like some other wetsuits do – meaning it became more comfortable the more I wore it. The wetsuit comes in a range of sizes from XS – XL ensuring you find the right fit for your shape.

hayley-6Front Zip & V-neck: A sturdy and strong zip hidden beneath the Dura glide neoprene secures the wetsuit with a snug fit. It’s easy to get on and off just like a jacket meaning even when wet there is little hassle changing and kitting up. The V-neck adds a comfortable setting to the neck and I found this particularly good when wearing my rash vest underneath as it avoided the usual pinch you find with a rounded neck and back zip. Another added benefit of the Truli Wetsuit is the lack of velcro or dangling straps that you would usually find on traditional wetsuits. My current O’Neill wetsuit has velcro on the neck and has pulled a lot of the neoprene on the inside, not to mention catching and pulling out my hair!

Colour blocking: The Truli Wetsuit comes in 3 colours, Blue, Orange and Yellow. As you can see from the images, I chose the blue as I really liked the tone. The colour blocking adds personalisation and interest without looking old fashioned like the coloured wetsuits of the 90s.

Unique style: There are no other wetsuits on the market currently quite like the Truli. With it’s unique design and fit, is definitely not what you would expect. When it arrived, I wasn’t sure if it would appeal to me simply because I get cold diving even in warm temperatures and the lack of arms and legs may make it unsuitable. However, I was really surprised how warm it does keep you and I loved how versatile it was. The shape of the design is really appealing and flattering, defining your curves with the stitching patterns and suppleness of the neoprene.

Check out our video review of Truli Wetsuits:

Summary of pros

  1. The most comfortable wetsuit I have worn, very flexible!
  2. Really good warmth given the size and thickness
  3. Versatility – can be used on its own, with a rash vest or over a full wetsuit
  4. Fantastic design made with robust, quality materials
  5. Great addition to every woman’s dive kit, lightweight  (0.7kg) and really stylish

Summary of cons

Struggling to find many of these!

  1. The price is high for the amount of neoprene but it does deliver a high-performance product (approx £200 – excluding delivery).
  2. In temperatures below 24 degrees, it may not keep you warm enough on it’s own (can be worn over a long wetsuit for added warmth to your core).

Overall

For each review we write about we will give a rating out of 5 Mantas using the Black Manta Logo.

The Truli Wetsuit scores 5/5 for its quality, versatility and design.

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Check out the Truli Wetsuits website below for everything you need to know and how to buy one of your own!

www.truliwetsuits.com

Hayley is a passionate scuba diver, travel blogger, and underwater photographer, travelling the world with her partner Richard to complete the team at Black Manta Photography. A qualified TEC50 and sidemount diver, she's dived everywhere from Truk Lagoon to deepest Indonesia and loves nothing more than exploring new and exciting places, documenting her experiences with her camera above and below the water. As divers, Hayley feels we are privy to a secret beauty and by capturing it, hopefully, we can encourage more people to protect and cherish it.

Gear Reviews

GEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit

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In a review written exclusively for Scubaverse.com, diver and blogger Katy Woodroffe from Katy Jane Dives takes a look at the T2 Chillproof Suit from Sharkskin.

Sharkskin wetsuits attract a lot of attention in online forums, with some divers swearing by them whilst others just can’t understand how a suit so thin and lightweight can provide the warmth they require. I too had my doubts, but I was able to put this suit to the test in one of the most challenging open water environments we know.

Embarking on an adventure in the Galapagos, I found the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit to be an incredible ally. Designed to offer warmth, UV protection, and defense against the many marine stingers, this suit surpassed my initial reservations, providing a level of thermal insulation I did not expect and durability amidst the archipelago’s rugged underwater landscapes. Its lightweight, easy-to-wear design clearly sets it apart from traditional wetsuits, proving essential for divers prioritising comfort and efficiency.

Exceptional Performance in Varied Conditions

The suit’s performance was thoroughly tested in the Galapagos’ unpredictable waters. Despite its seemingly thin material, it offered extraordinary warmth and flexibility. The inclusion of Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology within the fabric reflected my body’s heat, enveloping me in a warm embrace that countered the cold without adding bulk. This level of tech came in handy when we hit the common thermoclines, with my dive computer recording a drop of several degrees in water temperature. This, combined with the suit’s ease of use and quick-drying capabilities, in my opinion marks a significant advancement in dive gear.

However, the perception of warmth in the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit can indeed vary among individuals. Divers accustomed to cooler waters may find the suit exceptionally warm and sufficient for their needs, due to their higher tolerance and acclimatisation to the cold. This aspect underscores the importance of considering personal resilience to cold and usual diving conditions when evaluating the suit’s effectiveness in providing thermal protection.

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Durability Meets Innovation

Diving the volcanic underwater landscape of the Galapagos, the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit proved its resilience. Engineered for both warmth and resistance to abrasion, it stands as a testament to high-quality construction and thoughtful design. I also tried out the optional accessories, including the hood and socks, which I felt complemented the suit well, and offered enhanced thermal protection and convenience.

The feature I enjoyed most about this suit was its neutral buoyancy, significantly lightening my load underwater. I found myself needing almost half the weight I typically would with a neoprene suit, making me feel incredibly free and unburdened.

It was a dream to travel with, folding up really small and didn’t take up much room in my dive bag.  It was also super easy to get on and take off, even when wet, compared to your standard neoprene wetsuits (we’ve all been there), particularly when I used the socks with it too.

I also appreciate how Sharkskin has produced two styles, one for males and the other for females. The female fit was flattering, and it’s clear that the design team have worked hard to achieve this, all adding to the overall comfort of the suit.

A Worthwhile Investment

The suit is certainly priced in the premium segment, but I think it does justify its cost through the unique advanced features and excellent comfort. Its innovative features, such as the chest zip design and FIR technology, provide divers with a unique blend of warmth, flexibility, and ease of movement.  

My personal journey from skepticism to trust in the Sharkskin suit has affirmed its value, making it a highly recommended choice for divers seeking excellent performance in diverse diving conditions.

Find out more about the T2 Chillproof Suit and other Sharkskin products at www.sharkskin.com.

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Gear Reviews

Gear Review: Bigblue VTL2900PB Dive Torch: A Compact Powerhouse for Underwater Exploration

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In a review written exclusively for Scubaverse.com, diver and blogger Katy Woodroffe from Katy Jane Dives takes a look at the VTL2900PB dive torch from Bigblue.

Bigblue Dive Lights has established itself as a leading manufacturer of dive lights, known for its innovative approach to underwater illumination. With a focus on creating durable, high-quality lighting solutions for divers of all levels, Bigblue combines advanced technology with user-friendly design.

Their product range, from compact torches to powerful video lights, caters to a wide spectrum of diving activities, ensuring safety and enhancing the underwater experience. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, seen in their rechargeable battery options, reflects a dedication to eco-friendly practices in the diving community.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Unboxing the sleek and compact Bigblue VTL2900PB immediately hints at its potential as a top-tier dive torch. It arrived with a comprehensive set of accessories including a Goodman glove, rechargeable battery, and charger, highlighting Bigblue’s attention to detail. While the inclusion of a dry bag is appreciated, a hard protective case might have offered better protection for this bit of gear which does come with a premium price tag.

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Performance and Versatility

I tested this torch in various conditions whilst diving in the Galapagos Islands and was impressed with it’s power and range of lighting, all easily accessible at the push of a button.

Underwater, the VTL2900PB’s performance shines—literally. With a brightness of 2900 lumens across a wide beam and a 1000 lumens narrow beam, visibility in murky, or plankton filled waters like those around the Galapagos Archipelago, becomes a non-issue.

Its user-friendly interface, which allows divers to swiftly toggle between modes even with gloves on, enhances the underwater experience. I found the light’s beam distance and colour rendition to be excellent. The colour temperature sits at 6500k, or a “cool white” which does a good job at delivering a true display of colours, providing vivid visuals for photography and navigation.

Its versatility extends from illuminating vast underwater landscapes for photography to subtle communication with my dive buddies through its red light mode. I found this mode particularly useful when looking into small spaces within the rocks and coral, with the hope to not make anything stir and swim for cover.

Durably built from high-quality anodised aluminium alloy, and depth tested to 100 metres, the torch is both lightweight for travel and robust enough to withstand the underwater elements. I was quite confident that this torch would hold its own on the dive platform of a liveaboard boat without me having to worry about it too much.

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Sustainable Power

Powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, the VTL2900PB offers up to 1.5 hours of light on its highest setting—perfect for multiple dives. This eco-friendly approach not only ensures prolonged adventures under the sea but also aligns with sustainable diving practices.

Pricing and Value

Priced at £415, the Bigblue VTL2900PB stands out in the competitive dive torch market by offering exceptional value. Its performance, durability, and included features such as a red light and blue light for fluoro diving, make it a wise investment for divers at all levels, particularly those with an interest in photography and videography. Despite the absence of a hard case, its overall quality and functionality make it an indispensable tool for any dive.

Concluding Thoughts

The Bigblue VTL2900PB torch is a reliable, versatile companion for divers, offering a blend of powerful illumination and user-friendly features.

Its construction, long-lasting battery, and thoughtful design are evidently well researched and underscore Bigblue’s commitment to enhancing divers’ underwater experiences. For those looking to capture the undersea world in all its glory or navigate the depths with confidence, the VTL2900PB is a standout choice that promises not to disappoint.

Bigblue have been in the dive light game for years, and without a doubt, will be here for many more years to come.

www.bigbluedivelights.com

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