DUI vs Whites Drysuits: Complete Comparison Guide for Recreational, Technical, and Public Safety Diving
Brent Clevenger May 31, 2026
DUI vs Whites Drysuits: Complete Comparison Guide for Recreational, Technical, and Public Safety Diving
By Brent Clevenger, Owner, Sink or Swim Scuba
When divers begin shopping for a drysuit for recreational diving, technical diving, or public safety diving, one of the most common questions we hear at Sink or Swim Scuba is: “Should I buy a DUI drysuit or a Whites drysuit?
“Should I buy a DUI drysuit or a Whites drysuit?”
The answer is that both manufacturers produce outstanding drysuits, and the right choice depends on the type of diving you do, your environment, your budget, and your personal preferences.
At Sink or Swim Scuba, we have supported recreational divers, technical divers, swiftwater rescue personnel, and public safety dive teams for many years. While we remain longtime fans of DUI drysuits, we have also become increasingly impressed with the modern Whites lineup, particularly their recreational Fusion series and their expanding Public Safety Diving (PSD) product line.
One thing that sets Sink or Swim Scuba apart is that we work extensively with both recreational divers and public safety dive teams. That allows us to evaluate equipment from multiple perspectives and recommend what works best in the real world rather than simply recommending a particular brand.
My Personal History with DUI Drysuits
My own drysuit journey started with the legendary DUI CF200, a suit widely respected in public safety diving circles for its durability and performance.
Over the years I transitioned into a DUI CLX450, then eventually a DUI TLS350, which became my primary recreational, technical, and public safety drysuit for many years.
The DUI TLS350 remains one of the most versatile drysuits ever produced.
Its telescoping torso design provides exceptional comfort while maintaining outstanding mobility for:
- Recreational diving
- Technical diving
- Public safety diving
- Dive instruction
- Travel diving
Over the years I have helped countless recreational divers, technical divers, and public safety dive teams get properly fitted in DUI drysuits with excellent success.
There is a reason the TLS350 has become one of the most respected trilaminate drysuits in the diving industry. It performs exceptionally well whether you are exploring local quarries, teaching classes, conducting technical dives, or supporting search and recovery operations.
DUI Dealers Are Different
Many divers don’t realize that becoming a DUI dealer isn’t as simple as filling out an application.
Historically, DUI has maintained higher dealership requirements and inventory commitments than many other manufacturers.
Years ago, a DUI representative explained to me that many dive shops simply cannot afford the investment necessary to become a full DUI dealer.
That exclusivity has helped ensure that DUI dealers are capable of providing proper drysuit fitting, support, service, and training.
As a result, divers purchasing a DUI suit often receive guidance from dealers with extensive drysuit experience.
Whites Drysuits Has Earned Our Attention
While DUI remains one of our favorite drysuit manufacturers, Whites has developed several products that deserve serious consideration.
It is also important to note that Whites is no longer affiliated with Aqua Lung. The company was purchased back by its original ownership and now operates independently.
One thing many divers don’t realize is that Whites separates their recreational and public safety dealer programs.
A dive shop may be authorized to sell recreational Whites products without necessarily being qualified to support their public safety diving products.
This distinction helps ensure that agencies purchasing PSD equipment receive support from dealers who understand operational diving requirements.
Whites Fusion Series Drysuits for Recreational Diving
One of the most innovative drysuits available today is the Whites Fusion Series, particularly the popular Fusion Crimson.
Unlike traditional drysuits, the Fusion uses two separate layers.
Inner Waterproof Layer
A waterproof membrane that creates the actual dry barrier.
Outer Compression Layer
An elastic outer skin that compresses excess material and streamlines the suit.
The result is a drysuit that many divers describe as feeling more like a wetsuit than a traditional drysuit.
Benefits include:
- Excellent mobility
- Reduced drag
- Increased comfort
- Streamlined fit
- Easier movement on the surface
Several outer skin options are available, allowing divers to customize durability and appearance.
This is the same style suit that Charlie purchased as his first drysuit, and he quickly became a fan of the Fusion design.
For many recreational divers, the Fusion series offers one of the most comfortable drysuit experiences available today.
Whites Public Safety Drysuits for PSD Teams
As we have expanded support for public safety dive teams, we have increasingly incorporated Whites PSD suits into our recommendations.
Feedback from teams has been overwhelmingly positive.
Whites Kodiak 360 Public Safety Drysuit
The Kodiak 360 is one of Whites’ most popular public safety diving drysuits.
Features include:
- Trilaminate construction
- Front-entry zipper
- Lightweight design
- Excellent mobility
- Easy decontamination
- Reinforced wear areas
Several agencies we support are currently using Kodiak 360 suits with excellent results.
For teams looking for a lightweight, mission-capable public safety drysuit, the Kodiak 360 has become a strong option.
Whites Hybrid Drysuit for Durability and Mobility
One of the suits that particularly caught my attention is the Whites Hybrid.
The Hybrid combines:
- Heavy-duty lower construction for durability
- Lighter upper material for comfort and mobility
This provides excellent flexibility while maintaining durability where PSD divers need it most.
The suit also decontaminates easily, making it particularly attractive for public safety operations.
In fact, I recently ordered a Whites Hybrid to become my primary public safety diving drysuit.
It offers an excellent balance between durability, mobility, comfort, and ease of maintenance.
Specialized PSD and Hazmat Drysuits
Whites also offers specialized suits designed for:
- Contaminated water operations
- Hazardous materials response
- Recovery operations
- Industrial diving
- Specialized public safety missions
These allow agencies to choose equipment that best fits their operational requirements rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Swiftwater Rescue Drysuits from DUI and Whites
Another category frequently overlooked is swiftwater rescue drysuits.
Both DUI and Whites offer outstanding solutions for:
- Fire departments
- Swiftwater rescue teams
- Technical rescue organizations
- Emergency response personnel
Unlike traditional scuba drysuits, swiftwater suits are designed around:
- Surface mobility
- Swimming performance
- Rescue operations
- Rapid deployment
Both manufacturers offer multiple swiftwater-specific configurations that have proven themselves in rescue environments throughout North America.
For agencies involved in flood response, river rescue, and technical water rescue operations, these suits can be an outstanding fit.
Heavy-Duty Public Safety Drysuit Options for Specialized Missions
Some public safety teams still use heavy-duty vulcanized rubber suits for contaminated water operations and high-risk environments.
Those suits can be appropriate in certain applications, especially when decontamination and chemical resistance are major concerns.
However, many teams today are looking for drysuit options that provide strong protection while reducing diver fatigue, improving mobility, and allowing better comfort during longer operations.
That is where DUI, Whites, and other modern public safety drysuit systems can be a strong fit.
At Sink or Swim Scuba, we help teams evaluate their current equipment and determine whether a traditional heavy-duty suit, a trilaminate public safety suit, a hybrid suit, or another option is the best fit for their mission.
Supporting Drysuit Divers Across the East Coast and Beyond
Many people assume we only support local divers.
The reality is much different.
While Sink or Swim Scuba is based in Gastonia, North Carolina, we regularly help divers throughout:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Florida
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- And throughout the United States
Recently, we assisted a diver from Alabama with the purchase of a DUI Yukon II drysuit and a Hollis sidemount system.
Through phone consultations, sizing guidance, and equipment recommendations, we were able to help her select the proper equipment without ever visiting the store.
Experiences like this remind us that the right equipment recommendation is often more important than simply choosing the most expensive option.
Why We Carry Multiple Drysuit Brands
After nearly three decades in diving, I have learned that there is no perfect drysuit for everyone.
Some divers love the streamlined fit of the Whites Fusion.
Some want the proven versatility of a DUI TLS350.
Others need specialized public safety features or mission-specific configurations.
That is why Sink or Swim Scuba works with multiple manufacturers including:
- DUI Drysuits
- Whites Drysuits
- Bare Drysuits
- Hollis Drysuits
Our goal is not to sell you a particular brand.
Our goal is to help you find the best suit for your diving.
Why Public Safety Dive Teams Work With Sink or Swim Scuba
Unlike many dive shops, Sink or Swim Scuba works extensively with:
- Public safety dive teams
- Sheriff’s offices
- Fire departments
- Emergency management agencies
- Search and recovery teams
- Recreational divers
- Technical divers
That real-world experience allows us to recommend equipment based on actual operational requirements rather than simply what happens to be sitting on a showroom floor.
Whether you’re looking for your first recreational drysuit, a technical diving suit, a swiftwater rescue suit, or an entire PSD team outfitting package, we can help.
Looking for the Best Drysuit for Your Diving Needs?
Whether you’re interested in:
- DUI Drysuits
- Whites Drysuits
- Bare Drysuits
- Hollis Drysuits
Sink or Swim Scuba can help you evaluate the options and select the right suit for your diving goals.
We proudly support recreational divers, technical divers, swiftwater rescue teams, and public safety dive teams throughout Charlotte, Gastonia, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, North Carolina, South Carolina, and across the United States.
If you’re considering a new drysuit and want guidance from divers who actually use the equipment, contact Sink or Swim Scuba. We’d be happy to help you find the best fit for your diving needs.
