Santi E.Lite+ Drysuit Review
A rugged yet flexible drysuit ideal for cold-water diving with semi-custom fit and long-term reliability.
Overall Score: 9.3 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durability patches in high-wear areas | Premium price |
| Telescoping torso and front zip ease donning | Long lead time if custom ordered |
| Lifetime DRIS warranty with free annual maintenance | Slight bulk in the torso compared to minimalist suits |
Why I Chose the Santi E.Lite+
I spent nearly two hours at Dive Right In Scuba with one of their drysuit specialists, reviewing the full Santi lineup and competing models from DUI and Apeks. After a detailed fitting, I only needed a few adjustments for semi-custom sizing and Santi didn’t charge extra for them. The suit arrived with a perfect fit right out of the box.
I wasn’t planning to squeeze through jagged caves or only dive in clear water. I needed a suit that could handle Midwest quarries, boat ladders, and gear-heavy dives without feeling like a tank. The E.Lite+ gave me just that. A suit with targeted durability, great fit and finish, a telescoping torso, and color options that made it feel like mine. And with DRIS offering a lifetime warranty and free yearly maintenance, it felt like a future-proof investment.
Performance in the Water
- Buoyancy Control: Stable and predictable with no issues venting or inflating. Valves are smooth and reliable.
- Mobility: Telescoping torso and front zip allow free movement for valve drills and surface prep.
- Boot System: Neoprene socks gave me the freedom to switch from DUI rock boots to Fourth Element shoes for better ankle flex.
- Glove Compatibility: Silicone seals with Santi rings are perfect for wet gloves. Dry gloves work too, but take finesse and silicone spray.
Verdict
The E.Lite+ is a serious drysuit for serious divers. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but it performs flawlessly and fits like a second skin. The sock system lets me dial in my boot fit, and the ring system gives me flexibility across glove types. Add DRIS’s free yearly maintenance, and this suit is ready to last.
Would I buy it again? Yes — it fits my dives, my needs, and makes no compromises on quality.
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 10.0 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 8.5 | 15% | 1.275 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Value | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 10.0 | 10% | 1.00 |
| Total | 9.275 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 9.3 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 10.0: No leaks. Apeks valves work reliably. Telescoping torso and front zip offer flexibility without sacrificing seal integrity.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Donning is easy. Sock system simplifies boot fit. Ring system is great for seal changes, but gloves require practice and lubrication.
- Versatility – 8.5: Excels in cold-water and general diving. Slightly limited glove compatibility through the ring system drops it half a point.
- Durability & Build Quality – 10.0: Materials, stitching, seams, and zipper are all built to last. No signs of wear after repeated dives.
- Value – 7.0: High cost, but the included semi-custom fit and lifetime service program improve long-term value for regular divers.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 10.0: Santi’s quality reputation is well-earned. DRIS’s warranty and maintenance policy only add to that confidence.