Kokatat drysuit questions

I'm looking at getting a new goretex drysuit / paddling suit.  When I was looking at the zippers it appears that the drysuits have a metal zipper and the paddling suits use a nylon zipper.  Does anyone know why?  or what's better?

Do all of their drysuits/ paddle suits use the same goretex fabric?  i.e. are there different grades of goretex fabric? ( Better )

I was wondering why the drysuits are more money than the paddling suit (goretex supernova angler )  I don't see many differences other than the neck material.  Are the drysuits a higher quality suit?

I'm looking at getting a new goretex drysuit / paddling suit.  When I was looking at the zippers it appears that the drysuits have a metal zipper and the paddling suits use a nylon zipper.  Does anyone know why?  or what's better?

Do all of their drysuits/ paddle suits use the same goretex fabric?  i.e. are there different grades of goretex fabric? ( Better )

I was wondering why the drysuits are more money than the paddling suit (goretex supernova angler )  I don't see many differences other than the neck material.  Are the drysuits a higher quality suit?

The metal zippers are more durable and will last much longer than the plastic ones, but it is still very rare to hear about the plastic zippers failing.  I like the metal zipper on my suit, but I wouldn't get a better suit just for the metal zipper, the plastic ones work just fine.

Goretex is the higher end fabric and there aren't any variations or different grades of it that Kokotat uses as far as I know. The Hydrus 3L is a step down in quality from the Goretex.  The most noticeable difference is breathability.  My Goretex suit feels kinda drafty almost and a Hydrus 3L suit won't have as much of an airy feeling.

The paddling suits do not have the water tightness of a dry suit because they use different gasket materials, i.e. neoprene vs latex.  The neoprene material, while not quite as water tight, is much more comfortable against the skin than latex and for most kayak fishing types of people, the slight decrease in water integrity is worth it.  The dry suits also have a number of bells & whistle features that get added on to some of the suits that make them a bit more expensive, such as a hood or fancy entry system.

A feature I recommend is the Cordura reinforcement on the legs.  Makes the suit very durable.

The nylon zippers last a long time, too.  Probably the lifespan of the suit.  Metal zippers will still be working long after the suit is in tatters.

The paddling suits have a neoprene neck gasket and latex wrist gaskets.  I've used dry suits with a latex neck gasket, and as rawkfish mentioned, I took the trade-off in comfort (and ease of pushing my punkin' head through the gasket) and bought a suit with the neoprene neck.

The neoprene neck gasket can allow small amounts of water to seep in around the neck - mine doesn't, yet, even with a head-first water entry - but I've never heard a tale of them leaking enough to be a problem.  I'm never far from shore, and comfort seemed a good trade off for me.

Kokatat has released the Gore-Tex Supernova - just like the Hydrus 3L Supernova, with the same neoprene neck gasket.  If I were in need of a new suit, that's the one I'd get because while the Hydrus 3L fabric is a very good, cheaper, alternative, it's nowhere near as breathable as Gore-Tex.

Hope that helps.

I purchased the Tropos Super Nova Paddling Suit.
While I have yet to take a spill in it or practice self rescue with it (coming soon) I do like the fit.  I was a little surprised that it didn't include the same lifetime warranty as the other dry suits.  The Troos only has a two year warranty, in case you were looking at one and that would make a huge difference.

I respectfully disagree with the zipper lasting longer than the drysuit (if you get the Goretex).  The Kokatat Goretex Drysuits have a lifetime warrantee and they absolutely stand behind it. I purchased a Kokatat Goretex suit in 2008.  In 2016, I sent it in for repairs (I do this every couple years because I use it a lot).  Kokatat will patch all your little hook, scute, and tooth holes for $25 then pressure test it to be sure it no longer leaks.  They also inspect the Goretex for any other issues. Kokatat found the Goretex was delaminating so they sent me a brand new comparable dry suit for free.  Actually, they let me pay the difference and for $75 they upgraded the suit to the Meridian.  I know a few people that are on their second or third "cheaper" drysuit in the same time period. Cheaper isn't always better.

Unless you really screw up and fall out of a moving vehicle, or get run over by a boat, your drysuit should never end up in tatters if you get a quality one. Rinse off the salt and sand when you get home.  Wash it in detergent recommended by the manufacturer, but not often.  I do it once or twice a year when the fish smell gets strong.  Make sure you rinse it inside and out then hang it to dry. I told Kokatat this is how I took care of mine when they sent me a survey about the delamination issue. I was told this was the proper practice.

Thanks for all of the good information.  I'm upgrading my supernova angler hydrus 3L suit due to a warranty issue.  I,m definitely getting goretex.  I'll probably get the new goretex supernova angler.  I am just trying to figure out if a drysuit such as the meridian would be a higher quality / more durable suit.  I want to get the best suit for the long term. 

I respectfully disagree with the zipper lasting longer than the drysuit (if you get the Goretex). 

Kokatat found the Goretex was delaminating so they sent me a brand new comparable dry suit for free.

And thus, my point is proven.  The zipper outlasted the dry suit!   

But I think you're saying that Kokatat's warranty and customer care is second to none, and if anything ever goes wrong, their lifetime warranty really does mean "lifetime" and that they stand behind their products and treat us right - and I couldn't possibly agree more.

I just got my suit back from Kokatat. Supernova hydrus.
1st time back in 4 years, specifically to replace a wrist gasket.
There must be 65 or 70 postage stamp sized patches on the legs and torso.
Pokey fish flopping, going to have to work on that.

What everybody else said.  Kokatat is King of the drysuits.

Further, regardless of which you go with, remember to use a small amount of the provided lubricant once a month or so and after each wash.  This will ensure that your zippers closes easily and completely every time. 

Finally, if you don't find the exact combo of features that you want, you can design and purchase a custom suit on the Kokatat site.  I've used this service myself and wound up with a beautiful Goretex suit, in the color combo I wanted with cordura lap and legs.

-Mark-