HOLLIS BIODRY DX300

**SPECS
**• Price: $1,899
• Style: Front Entry, Diagonal Zip
• Suited For: Heavy-duty, Technical/Scientific Diving
• Available Sizes: 12, also custom sizing
• hollisgear.com

****FEATURES
****• Double diamond weave trilaminate construction is rugged yet relatively lightweight.
• The suit is fitted with Si Tech’s Neck Tite system with a silicone seal, plus a Si Tech Quick Change Solution Oval silicone wrist system.
• A heavy-duty trilam overflap protects the waterproof zipper, and the lower legs are covered of an additional layer of material to resist wear.
• The telescoping torso with non-elastic crotch strap keeps extra material under control, allowing for a more streamlined fit.
• Included are one large velcro and one zippered cargo pocket, both equipped with D-rings, as well as suspenders, a zippered hood, a carry bag and spare silicone seals.

****PERFORMANCE
****Ten test divers took the DX300 into the water, with ninety percent of them able to achieve a “Good Fit.” They found the suit’s front entry made for quick donning, and the flexible T-Zip zipper was very easy to manipulate. This made the DX300 one of the true “self-donning” suits of this group. However, common to all T-Zip zippers, care must be taken to make sure the zipper is fully closed and seated, which requires giving it a good tug at the end of the zipper track. A couple of divers didn’t do this before jumping in and paid the price. Having a T-Zip also greatly enhances the flexibility and range of motion in the chest and shoulder area, making for a more comfortable ride at depth. The telescoping torso only enhanced the freedom of movement while allowing for a more streamlined fit. The suit moved through the water quite well, the Si Tech silicone seal systems were efficient and comfortable, and the neoprene soft socks fit nicely into Rock Boots without bunching up. Divers also liked the volume and easy access afforded by the two cargo pockets, but the majority of them felt the position of the exhaust valve was a bit off, too far back on the arm. This wasn’t noticeable on the surface, but at depth divers found the valve hard to reach.

****BOTTOM LINE
****The Hollis DX300 was designed by technical divers for technical divers, and it shows. It is clearly a heavy-duty suit, but it’s a lot more flexible than others and offers more range of motion. If you do a lot of rigorous diving but you like being able to move around, this is a solid suit to consider. Oh yeah, if you want to get noticed, the highly reflective 3M safety stripes Hollis put on the lower arms definitely attract attention.

Want more? See the entire ScubaLab 2013 Drysuit Review!