Baggy drysuits

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Baggy drysuits

My drysuit has died on me and I need a new cold weather suit. I have noticed that many kiteboarders wear baggy style drysuits, while I have never, ever seen a windsurfer wearing one. Any thoughts on why this is? Is it just that windsurfers are cheaper than kiteboarders? Or are there other reasons?

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I looked at them last year when I bought my Polar Dry. I liked the fact that they were baggy but everyone had such success with the Bare that that is what I got. Price was comparable. I think they look a little funny but otherwise I like them. I haven't seen anyone wear one either, just pictures.

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Arent' baggy suits are called "body bags" for a reason? Blum 3

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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I have a brand bias for O'Neill because of their excellent service. They replaced the neck and cuffs & ankles on my old Oasis suit for free (plus shipping). The suit I have now is great. It's definitely extended my season.

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The baggy suits you have seen are the Ocean Rodeo Pyro Pro dry suits. To me they are (hands down) the best dry suits out there in the market. Chek it online at http://www.oceanrodeo.com. They don't come cheap tough with an MSRP of $679 (plus tax). Locus Wind run an special promo pricing to "seed the market" and sold 3 of them at $550 USD. The quality of the dry suit is umbelievable. Couple weeks ago, I was riding parallel and very close to shore, when my board caught on a rock, and I was catapulted to the shore clay with some speed. After I landed and was dragged maybe 10 ft, I thought for sure I had damaged the dry suit on my elbows and knees. To my amazement, it didn't break, cut, or damage in any way. this thing is bomb proof.

They are so good in fact, that US Navy seals are buying this brand drysuit. The manufacturer (OR) is a Canadian company.

Rgds,
Emilio

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Well over the last 15 years I have had an O'Neil, Bare, Neil Pryde and North drysuit, and none of them have ever been DRY! I know that the Kokatat drysuits are guaranteed to be absolutely dry, and they sure look way more comfortable than any neoprene suit I have owned. I don't buy the idea that that bag suits are somehow more dangerous -- as pointed out by Emilo, the Navy Seals (and Coast Guard Rescue) use them, and you would literally need a hacksaw to put a large cut in the material.

So Emilio, are the Ocean Rodeo suits completely dry? Are they breathable (i.e. do you sweat much in them)?

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loose dry suits

I have worn my polar dry without the fleece liner and you can really feel the cold water through the thin top. I guess the full loose suits would come with some type of full body fleece liner for insulation?

My bare doesn't breath like the kokatat gore-tex suit probably would but I found if I wear a thin polypro layer under the fleece top it wicks the sweat away from my body into the fleece and doesn't feel as clammy.
The bare is very dry though if you are careful to cut the neck rings down properly.... I love my bare

One thing I like about the Kokatats is the optional bio relief zipper, one thing I didnt like about them is the $800 price tag

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Couple weeks ago, I was riding parallel and very close to shore, when my board caught on a rock, and I was catapulted to the shore clay with some speed. After I landed and was dragged maybe 10 ft,

Emilio

nice plug for kitesurfing Emilio

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Hey...Kitesurfing aint for the faint of hart!... It is inerently dangerous, but most of the variables can be controled. Now, I did put myself in a risky-stupit situation and I paid for it, but it wasn't the sport in itself. Had I been more carefull, I would've never ride on strong on-shore wind.
Rgds,
Emilio.

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Well over the last 15 years I have had an O'Neil, Bare, Neil Pryde and North drysuit, and none of them have ever been DRY! I know that the Kokatat drysuits are guaranteed to be absolutely dry, and they sure look way more comfortable than any neoprene suit I have owned. I don't buy the idea that that bag suits are somehow more dangerous -- as pointed out by Emilo, the Navy Seals (and Coast Guard Rescue) use them, and you would literally need a hacksaw to put a large cut in the material.

So Emilio, are the Ocean Rodeo suits completely dry? Are they breathable (i.e. do you sweat much in them)?

I used to own a yachting drysuit (pre-Goretex) and, except for condensation which could be considerable, it was dry. It was also quite baggy. If I could afford a Goretex suit, I'd get one but they are pricey. The folks who windsurf up north swear by them. The baginess makes moving in the water feel a bit odd and you do have to "burp" them at first to expel the extra air (or you get a big bubble at your chin the first time you fall in).

Probably the reason you don't see more of them around here is the water isn't that cold for most of the year. Only briefly is it in the 40s as opposed to NJ, NE and the Great Lakes where the water may get to the high 60s in the summer.

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CV asked: So Emilio, are the Ocean Rodeo suits completely dry? Are they breathable (i.e. do you sweat much in them)?

Answer. Very dry. After kiting yesterday 2:30 hrs, I took my Dry-suit off, and put pants and a jacket on top of the same long underwear and long tshirt I was using under the drysuit, and drove to Frankies. Some water was making it through the first few times I used it, through the seal at the ankle/calf area. I just pull the seals up higher (2 inches) to make the seal tighter around the calf, and that solved the problem.

Strategically placed breathable fabric is layered under the stretch overlay panels at the armpits and waist. The neoprene overlay stretch panels are perforated allowing the breathable fabric an exit route. The outer stretch barrier layer also provides an impact barrier protecting the breathable membrane. In addition, there is a front Vent in the pectoral area, so yes it breathes very well.

Rgds.
Emilio.

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Thanks for the info Emilio!

It looks I'm right in between sizes -- do the sizes run smaller or larger than you expected? Or pretty much right on?

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I would say, sizes run a bit bigger than I expected. I explain you why:

I am 6'1'', 206 lbs, 36 waist size, I was considering the XXL, but finally after OR recommendation, bought the XL. It definatelly fits me perfect.

Yesterday I experimented by wearing the impact vest inside the suit, and it worked fine.

I hope this helps. If interested in a suit, let me know. I'll get a good price!.
Rgds.
E.C>

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Hey guys, I recently bought a Gill drysuit at the annual gill sale before thanksgiving. I got it for 200 bucks. Im assuming its a baggy type drysuit. Been windsurfing 3 times now with it. Its completely dry even though i cut a couple rings off the neck gasket so it was nice and comfortable. I strongly recommend ppl try the gill sale next year

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sbonham
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Speaking of BAGGY suits... I came across this jewel a few days ago...

IMAGE(<a href="http://myspace-418.vo.llnwd.net/01221/81/44/1221504418_l.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://myspace-418.vo.llnwd.net/01221/81/44/1221504418_l.jpg</a>)

the caption underneath read "WARNING: Do not fart in wet suit."

Surely dry and semi-dry suits are just as problematic?! Wink

Steve

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That's about as funny as a fart in a spacesuit. Lol

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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