Waterproof vs DUI
D7 EVO vs CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
Shell or neoprene, seals and fit: which suit would we shortlist?
Waterproof
DUI
Scores are our editorial opinion of these models, based on features, suitability and ownership trade-offs—not hands-on test results. How we chose →
We’d pick the D7 EVO.
We’d start with Waterproof D7 EVO. Our favourite here for replaceable seals and a reinforced shell with a plastic dry zipper. Choose DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit instead if its strengths are a better match: we like the CLX450 for buyers who want a trilaminate shell with a heavier-duty fabric approach and configurable fit.
Which one suits you?
Waterproof D7 EVO
Our favourite here for replaceable seals and a reinforced shell with a plastic dry zipper. Confirm the fit with the undergarments you will actually wear.
Get to know this model →DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
We like the CLX450 for buyers who want a trilaminate shell with a heavier-duty fabric approach and configurable fit. Confirm the panel layout with the dealer: the official page conflicts on fabric placement. Price the boots, seals and undersuit together.
Get to know this model →Specifications side by side
The details that matter, side by side. “Check with the brand” means we have not confirmed that detail.
| Detail | Waterproof D7 EVO | DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Nylotech with reinforced seat and elbows | Cordura-based and polyester-based trilaminate |
| ZipperCheck with the brand | YKK Aquaseal plastic dry zipper | Check with the brand |
| Wrist systemCheck with the brand | Flexlock replaceable silicone seals | Check with the brand |
| Neck systemCheck with the brand | SI TECH Quick Neck | Check with the brand |
| Included bagCheck with the brand | TPU roll-top dry bag | Check with the brand |
| Specification caveatCheck with the brand | Check with the brand | Manufacturer page conflicts on upper/lower panel placement |
| EntryCheck with the brand | Check with the brand | Diagonal front zipper |
| FitCheck with the brand | Check with the brand | Telescopic torso and waist adjustment |
| Seals and bootsCheck with the brand | Check with the brand | Configurable; confirm exact order |
Showing all 9 specification rows.
What the differences mean when you buy
Shell and construction
Waterproof D7 EVO
- Material
- Nylotech with reinforced seat and elbows
DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
- Material
- Cordura-based and polyester-based trilaminate
Compare the actual shell, reinforcement and lining rather than treating all trilaminates as equivalent. Denier, fabric mass and neoprene thickness measure different things. An integrated mesh lining changes the system being evaluated, but does not establish a universal exposure limit. Durability claims need suitable testing, not just a material name.
Entry, fit and boots
Waterproof D7 EVO
- Zipper
- YKK Aquaseal plastic dry zipper
DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
- Entry
- Diagonal front zipper
- Fit
- Telescopic torso and waist adjustment
Fit the suit over the undergarments intended for use and check reach, bending, boot fit and entry. A quoted weight applies to its named size and configuration; do not compare it with an unweighed made-to-measure order. Front and rear entry create different dressing requirements that should be tried before purchase.
Seals, pockets and ordered options
Waterproof D7 EVO
- Wrist system
- Flexlock replaceable silicone seals
- Neck system
- SI TECH Quick Neck
DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
Ask the brand about this detail before ordering.
Write down the exact neck and wrist system, replacement parts and pocket configuration. Similar model names can use different rings and zippers. A field-replaceable seal system is useful only with the correct spares and knowledge; it does not make unrelated components interchangeable. Confirm current production changes and the options on your quotation.
A closer look at both
D7 EVO
The D7 Evo updates Waterproof’s Nylotech drysuit design with Flexlock wrist rings and a flexible YKK Aquaseal plastic dry zipper. Flexlock has a viewing window to check seal placement. The suit combines this replaceable-seal arrangement with reinforced seat and elbow areas, SI TECH valves and pockets that include a separate compartment in the lid.
What we like
Our favourite here for replaceable seals and a reinforced shell with a plastic dry zipper.
What would make us think twice
Confirm the fit with the undergarments you will actually wear.
More about the D7 EVO →CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit
The CLX450 Classic combines Cordura-based and polyester-based trilaminate panels with front entry, a telescopic torso and waist adjustment. It is a configurable shell suit for divers who want reinforcement without giving up movement through the legs. Boot and seal choices should be treated as part of the purchase, not assumed from a photograph.
What we like
We like the CLX450 for buyers who want a trilaminate shell with a heavier-duty fabric approach and configurable fit.
What would make us think twice
Confirm the panel layout with the dealer: the official page conflicts on fabric placement. Price the boots, seals and undersuit together.
More about the CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit →Four checks before you place an order
- Arrange a full fitting over the intended undergarments, including boot and fin compatibility.
- Check the actual entry procedure and range of movement with qualified fitting assistance.
- Record the ordered seals, rings, zipper, boots, pockets and alterations in writing.
- Ask about suitable training, servicing, repair turnaround, replacement seals and warranty conditions.
Ask for a quote for the complete kit, including the accessories you need. That makes the price comparison much more useful.
Price, accessories and owning the equipment
Price the complete exposure system, including undergarments, any dry-glove arrangement, alterations and required spares. Made-to-measure and stock suits can have different delivery and return conditions. A base price comparison becomes misleading if one quote includes boots or seal systems that the other treats as options.
Changing suit construction should prompt a review of fit and equipment compatibility with qualified support. A drysuit comparison is not operational training. Follow the model’s zipper, seal and storage instructions, and avoid assuming that a repair method or spare from another model is suitable.
How we scored these models & further reading
These are our subjective buying scores out of 100. We weigh the usefulness of the features, the intended diving or carrying job, and the compromises involved in owning the gear. They are not laboratory measurements, safety grades or customer averages. The verdict applies to the two named models, not everything either brand makes.
90–100: one of our first choices for the stated job. 80–89: a strong option with trade-offs. 70–79: a more specific fit. A different fit, camera, valve or dive plan can change which one you should buy.
Questions worth settling
Does the suit material tell me how warm I will be?
No. The whole exposure system, including undergarments, fit, conditions and duration, needs assessment. A shell material or nominal neoprene thickness does not provide a safe temperature limit, and we do not have a controlled thermal test establishing a winner.
Which is the better buy for this particular comparison?
Waterproof D7 EVO: Confirm the fit with the undergarments you will actually wear. DUI CLX450 Classic - DUI Drysuit: Confirm the panel layout with the dealer: the official page conflicts on fabric placement. Price the boots, seals and undersuit together.
Our pick is where we would start. Choose the other model if its fit or features better match your setup—especially where a camera, valve, boot or exposure suit needs an exact match.
