Product Review: Stholquist Shift

Ok Gang, I am finally getting around to a review of the Stholquist Shift Drysuit. I have been wearing this for 2 years and am very, very pleased. 

First: donning.  It's easy. The suspenders keep everything up and the shoulders are easy to slide into.  As far as the neck gasket, it is also easy.  The fact that you can unzip and take it off is a huge bonus.  You can fold it up and zip the coat without having the gasket on.  Once it's time to paddle, A quick stretch and its on.  I thought the zipper would be a pain, but it's actually very easy to zip across your back.

Fit: Ok...I am built kind of like a mason brick so keep that in mind.  The neck gasket is tight, but it is supposed to be.  No, I wont be stretching it out. The wrist gaskets are tight too, but they are supposed to be.  The wrist cuffs do a great job covering them and there is plenty of movement in the shoulder for hard paddling. The integrated socks are really nice, they fit true and have a very long overcuff.  I wear neoprene boots over them and the combo keeps my feet warn and dry. 

Doffing: Not as easy as Donning.  You need to commit to removing the neck gasket...one move, not a pull-and-tug thing.  It will hurt. Once the gasket is off, just slide the shoulder off.  I have to reach behind and grab the cuff with the opposite hand, but that's my build, not the suit.  I also have to grab the toe to pull the lower half off or it wants to turn inside out.   

Performance.  Warm and very dry.  I have been in conditions that the 24' sled guys called no joy to.  I stayed nice and warm thanks to the hood.

I got a screaming deal on it from Amazon on a third party store.  I love this suit.  Much easier than other suits I have borrowed in the past.

I agree. I love my Shift suit and really enjoy the way it fits. Very warm and removable hood keeps you dry

Agreed. I also have the Shift. The only downside for me is color, I hate red. And complain about grommets at cuffs - they should be made stainless or plastic not of zinc or whatever they made of. I already can see signs of corrosion at them even if I wash and dry suit after each out.