Opinions on Immersion Research Gear

[paddlinfool]

I bought an Immersion research semi-dry (Comp) top last year and have used it probably 3 or 4 times. The last time I used it I had to stick a finger in the left wrist gasket to let the water out multiple times on that trip. It doesn't leak from the neck at all (even when rolling) which I was excited about at first because it is so much more comfortable than latex. However, that doesn't matter if the rest of it leaks. Anyway, I was just hoping to hear some other opinions on, or experiences with, Immersion Research's tops in regard to material, quality, workmanship, customer service, etc. All opinions are welcome...

[Shep]

Are you sure there isn't water coming in at the neck? I also have an immersion research semi-dry top (latex wrist gaskets, stretchy neck non-gasket). I've been pretty happy with mine. I only really have to empty it after I go for a swim, but I also paddle an OC, so I'm not going through waves like a kayaker might be. But, when I DO go for a swim, there's a lot of water in it. Enough that I have to raise my arms over my head and pull the waist open to drain out.

HTH,
Shep

[perspective7]

http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =3&t=15544

I had the same problem with my IR All Conditions top...the gaskets are great but the material just doesn't keep all the water out (mine has letex gaskets) I got a bottle of 303 fabric guard from Autogeek.com (cheapest I could find - about $20), soaked it twice and let it dry and it is almost 99% dry now. The link above is the thread about it with some other ideas. I bought my top used, but the quality is bomber and would buy more IR gear for sure.

[paddlinfool]

I thought the same thing about the quality of the garment when I first bought it. Seems really well made, just seems the fabric doesn't keep the water out like it should. And I'm sure it wasn't coming in through the neck, the top of my gray t-shirt was dry when I was done. I got about a half a cup of water altogether out the left sleeve that day.

I read that other thread with the similar discussion which prompts a couple questions... A dry top (or semi-dry top) is more than it's DWR coating right? Isn't it supposed to be multiple layers of semi-permeable membranes that keep liquid moisture out, but let water vapor escape? I would think even with the DWR worn clean off it would still keep water out, or am I flawed in my thinking?

[perspective7]

Yeah, you think the 'goretex' or whatever other fabric that is used would keep everything out...obviously is does not on some gear. My goretex boots never leak any water and I have never coated them with anything. My goretex rain jacket gets spots where water seeps through...??

[okieboater]

I am a big fan of gore tex garments
having said that the outfit that makes the gore tex garment can do a good or bad job and the gore tex laminate does not work well

I did some research on the Gore Company and supposedly before a manufacturer can use the Gore Tex label on the garment, they have to go through a very detailed process that hopefully insures performance.

That is one reason we do not see as much genuine gore tex on the market.
and, my experience has been genuine gore tex garments are expensive.

If I had a gore tex genuine garment that did not work, I would send the garment to the gore company and ask for help. at the very least send in a picture and email to Gore quality control. I think that would get a lot more attention than just sending it back to the original manufacturer.

[paddlinfool]

Yeah I don't own any GORE-TEX garments... yet. Just mainly talking about these 3 & 4-ply non-goretex garments.

From what Scott and Jeremy said in the other thread it seems as if IR products are just prone to leaking. Are they worse compared to ALL other high-end brands? More specifically, are there certain brands (like IR) that a person should shy away from?

[perspective7]

My top doesn't say which material it is made of, only "3-layer waterproof/breathable, heavy duty abrasion resistant fabric." There are tons of fabrics being used today in this type of gear and many aren't Gore-Tex. And of course, my top is made in China

[Shep]

If it doesn't say gore-tex, It's definitely not. They make you logo the crap out of stuff if you buy their fabric... :roll:

Shep

[JBL1026]

I have the immersion pro comp dry top and semi-dry pants and have no complaints with them at all. I have only have one swim with them and only minimal water came in around my ankles which i would expect being "semi-dry" but the top has never leaked on me as of yet. I have always used the 303 protectant since my first dry top was a cheap one and needed it from the beginning. I will definitly purchase from them again when this one wears out. Can not compare to gore-tex since i have never owned one but until i have the money to put down on one of those I will stick with the Immersion gear. There customer service is also top notch! Give them a call if you have any problems with any gear and they simply tell you to send it back with no question asked for refund or repair. They even moved the tunnel back on my speacial K skirt so it wouldn't rub my back raw.

[RomanLA]

I have some IR products that I really like, but I haven't tried their dry tops. Kokatat recommends Granger XT Pro to restore waterproofing. I recommend Kokatat! lol I sent them my dry suit recently, because I suspected a small leak in one of the feet. They repaired a half dozen leaks and only charged me $20 for the return shipping.
http://www.kokatat.com/documents/cserv/ ... torage.pdf

[Crane]

I have had an IR semi-dry top for several years. I'm happy with it. Though I don't tend to need a roll often (okay, River Gods, I understand what I'm in for...) I did have it along on a Grand Canyon adventure where a yakker needed to borrow a top. He paddled the whole river in it in an open boat. He had several looooong swims in coooold water, including Lava. He thought enough of the top that he bought one when he got home. I'm just saying... Crane