Dry Suit Concerns....... help

Okay....so I know the old adage, "You get what you pay for".  But I just can't resist this temptation and I need help from the experts.

I am not new to fishing from boats.  I AM new to kayak fishing the salt.  And that is what I will be doing a lot of in the very near future.  Got me the kayak; Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game, used.  Appears to be a few years old model.  Good shape and ready to be outfitted.  A friend GAVE me an OS Systems dry suit in large or extra large that is in great shape except the gaskets are absolutely shot.  So, it will need gasket replacement.  I am 5'7", 175 lbs.  This suit is VERY big on me.  I figured, in order to be safe, fluid, and comfortable, I would need to secure excess material with bungees or other safe means to get it closer to my body.  I can replace the gaskets, easy deal.  Only cost me about $120.00.  The suit material looks to me like it is non-breathable.

Now the dilemma I have.  I checked all around.  Looked at the local on-line shops.  Saw the nice Katotat (or however  you say it) spendy suits, at least for me.  I can't afford such finery.  What I have to decide is......

Do I stay with the freebie OS Systems HUGE suit that needs gaskets?  Or should I plunge right in and get one of these???     

  http://cgi.ebay.com/Marine-Dry-Suit-Drysuits-one-piece-Orange-All-sizes-/220768577646?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3366d5286e

Found this on Ebay.  I know, I know...... it's Japanese at best.  It is a no-name brand.  You don't see it before you buy it, etc, etc.  Hey, this LOOKS like a really nice suit, and is certainly a great price!

Someone please check this suit out on Ebay and give me your honest, intelligent, EXPERIENCED opinion.

I need a suit soon.  The lings are calling me!

Thanks guys.  I really appreciate any feedback.

Robert, AKA Depoecod.  I moved to Depoe Bay a year ago.  I LOVE it and can't WAIT to fish the salt.

Ok, so im not EXPERIENCED with drysuits, But a suit with a relief zipper for that price is a good deal. I just wonder about the quality. I'm tempted to get one myself.

The setup i use,chest wader,splash top and my boots works fine and i feel safe but i have to practically take all my cloths off just to pee. Would love a relief zipper.

Just searching a bit if anyone is a small?

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=822501&pdeptid=1142

Welcome aboard!!

I don't consider myself a drysuit expert by any means, but I wouldn't buy the ebay suit. I bought a Stohquist B-pod new for about $120 more than the no name ebay suit and am very happy with it. It has recently sprung a leak, but I have already spoken to Stohlquist and they are going to warranty it so I won't pay anything more than shipping.

As far as your freebie suit, I don't think the extra fabric is going to really effect self rescue much. Once in your PFD most of what could get in your way should be held close to your body. Things like rope or bungee will pose a far greater risk than extra fabric. If it were me, I would put that $120 toward waders and a dry top, or a wetsuit and save $$ to buy a drysuit before it gets cold again. Also, a roomy drysuit isn't a bad thing. When the temp drops and you start layering that extra space disappears in a hurry.

Welcome to the board, Robert.

I searched for OS Systems as I hadn't heard of them before. Turns out they're in Scappoose, and their suits are made in the US. They've got a big product line with non-breathables going for $399, the economy breathable at $499 and their kayak fishing model (Breathable with relief zip) for $630. I'd be temted to contact them and see what they charge to replace the seals.

http://www.ossystems.com/index.html

If you immerse yourself, and let the excess air burp out the neck, you'll look like you're vacuum sealed!

I'd rather have a suit that was a little big, than a little small. I'd also rather deal with a local company.


Lastly, you've gone a whole year in Depot Bay without fishing the salt?!? You're much more patient than I am.

Depoecod,

At $342 you're within just $100 (approx.) of the price of a fine Kokatat Tropos paddling suit.  A lot of the guys own, use, and seem to believe in this suit here at NWKA.  Me included.  Whatever brand that you buy will likely need new gaskets at some point, so that's also something to consider when you buy one.

I bought my suit a little large on purpose so that I could wear a lot of winter clothes under it if I wanted to.  The extra size hasn't ever been a problem for me in any way... in the water or out.  Might look a little funky, but totally functional.

Fishin-T

I have an OS dry suit from Andy and Bax. The owner of OS lives in the Portland area and provides great customer service. My suit was recently scavenged for it's waterproof/breathable properties by mice in my garage. Since it is still in warranty (2 years), they decided that repair was nearly as costly as replacement. They are taking the zippers and neck seal from the old suit and building me a brand new one for $100.

Jay

Here is a big sized drysuit in real good shape with new gaskets. No relief zipper.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stohlquist-MayTAG-Drysuit-Adult-2XL-New-Gaskets-Booties-/120717776355?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D15%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8915847538933746320

Wow, Jay, that sounds like OS is treating you well, even if the wildlife in your garage didn't.

Anyone use a stohlquist B-pod? Thinking about getting one for the SLF.
Thanks,

While Wali and I were wandering around Andy and Bax's.. i noticed they had some dry suits. loocally made and a good deal you guys might want to check out..

Really good buy on underlayers for them also.


SG

The locally made suits at Andy And Bax are OS Systems.  A couple years ago, after spending the money on the Kokatat Gore-tex dry suit, I stumbled across the OS Systems at Andy and Bax.  They had a gore-tex blemished model for about $350.  A little glue had dripped on the  fabric from the seals.  I was a little upset that I hadn't found it before paying for the Kokatat.  That being said, I love the Kokatat and now am no longer upset.  Especially after finding out more about the Kokatat warranty. 

I would look into replacing the gaskets first.  They are not that expensive.  It would probably be the cheapest way to go.  Unless the suit leaks elsewhere.

-Craig

Depoecod:

OS makes fine suits and oversized (within reason) means you can layer underneath it and it will be easier to get  in and out of (no secret fish dance necessary)
BUT not breathable will leave you drowning in sweat. From your description it sounds like you may have a dry dive suit. GREAT for diving, not so much for paddling.

Conspicuously missing  from the $300 ebay suit is the word breathable.   I'd take a pass on that one.

Anyone use a stohlquist B-pod? Thinking about getting one for the SLF.
Thanks,

Yup, and I love it. Don't have anything to compare it to either though. Just sprung a leak (more a slow seep) after a good 45-50+ times on the water. Stohquist is going to warranty it, so no charge for the repair.

Thanks for all the help Y'all.  Good info.

I ended up getting new gaskets for the neck and wrists.  I got socks for the legs.  The job was very interesting.  Not terribly difficult, but very ackward.  Made my own forms for sleeves and legs.  Worked out well.

I have not tried it in the water yet, but now that I am retired (two days ago) I plan on "wetting" it in the next day or two.

Thanks again

I have not tried it in the water yet, but now that I am retired (two days ago) I plan on "wetting" it in the next day or two.

Congratulations on the retirement!