Drysuits

On Stohlquist versus Kokatat Tropos suits, I think the comparison is close. I haven't used the full drysuit much, but I have one of Stohlquist's semi-drytops in the same material, and have been happy with it. The breathability is good, and it's held up well. A bit of wear on the elbows, but that's pretty usual for all my tops. I've been using the Kokatat Angler for the last couple winters, and it's been great. Breathability is much improved over the original Tropos material, and the Cordura reinforcements are great. I've had virtually no wear on the thing, and used it a good bit last winter & spring. I think the neck seal on the Stohqluist is drier, but the Kokatat is easier to get on/off, and more comfortable while on the water. The zipper on the Stohlquist suits is lighter & more flexible. Also, the overskirt option is nice if you'll be using with closed-deck boats as well.

Wore the Kokatat T3 Angler yesterday on my favorite land-locked steelhead lake.  The suit really really suprised me.  I was expecting it to be stiff and cumbersome.  It was not.  It was actually more comfortable than my waders.  It fit great, and yet was still plenty loose for lot of layering options. 

It was difficult getting used to the wrists being so tight.  The neck got tight after about two hours (is it ok to fold the neck down?  It seemed to want to do that on it's own and was more comfortable that way)

Maneuverability was great.  I paddled out to do a self-rescue, telling the GF to watch and that she might get a good laugh.  Self-rescue was a complete joke.  It was one continuous move from water to seated position, and she didn't get any comic relief.  I was suprised at how easy it was.

When we got back I felt like my right foot might have been a little damp, I'll re-check next time, could have just been sweaty.

Other highlights from yesterday's adventure included the GF bringing her dog along for the trip.  I got a really cute picture of her, with the dog in the back hatch of the Tsunami 140.  5 minutes later I was pulling the dog out of the water and putting her in my lap. 

My fishing didn't go very well, got the biggest knot ever when my two lines crossed while trolling.  Two lines out with flashers on each is not fun when they get tangled.  I knew something was wrong when I crossed over my normal kill zone with not even a hit.

Again props to Outdoorplay for the sweet deal!

(If you're looking for another review on the T3 Angler, NANOOK did one a few months ago that details the things he put it through)

The wrist gaskets are indeed tight, I had to trim an inch off to stop my hands from swelling up like the Graf Spee....they still keep the water out, but
are comfortable now.

If anyone comes across a great deal on a drysuit, please post up.  (this includes "semi" drysuits.

Wish I would have seen this, we have palm suits 50% off.

sweet, glad you like it! Gaskets do take adjusting to. Kokatat doesn't recommend cutting the wrist gaskets, They'll stretch a bit with use, or can be stretched over a soup can, etc, to make them more comfortable. 303 or similar also does a great job keeping the gaskets pliable & stretchy. Shouldn't be a problem with folding the neck down, other than I'm not sure you'll get as good a seal. Let me know if the right foot's an issue, although sweat or water coming in through the neck can also end up pooling in one foot or another.

Brian

i just wish there was a place near Wenatchee i could go to try one on- these are great deals that i want to take advantage of- i am going to Spokane this weekend- are there any place i can go to try on a Palm suit, or the Kokatat or the Stohlquist so i can figure out what size i need? maybe REI?

NCWflounderer, maybe at Mountain Gear or REI in Seattle. Not many shops on this side of the mountains selling immersion gear.

Leavenworth Mountain Sports carries some NRS gear- might be worth a call to see what they have.

I already had neoprene and breathable waders, so just went with a drytop to match up with them.

The Kokatat website says they will ship a product to any dealer just so you can try it on.  The sizing chart was pretty damned spot on for me.

Anybody have a good price on the Kokatat Supernova  Angler suit???

I think I have a few in stock. All kokatat is 15% off right now. free shipping always. no sales tax.

http://www.aldercreek.com

If anyone is interested in a smoking deal on a Mustang dry suit I have a line on a L and a M. Goretex with reinforced and padded knees and elbows arms and legs are reinforced with kevlar. chest zip plus relief zip. PM me for more details.