I.R. versus Kokatat versus others

[Monsoon]

I am trying to decide upon a dry suit. I am really choosing between an I.R. Double 'D' and a comparable Kokatat. So far the I.R. seems to be the way to go, however I see more people wearing the Kokatats. Anyone have any personal experience with both that could offer their opinion? Thanks!!

[james fleming]

I haven’t had the chance of wearing a kokatat, I have heard they are very good. Also, you don’t see many folks wearing them over here.

I recently bought the new Pal Stikine. Only had it on a few times and I think it really good.

Lots of folks wearing the IR stuff and have heard its good gear.

[turboturtle]

I've been paddling with an O.S. Systems Surface Water suite for the last Sixteen years and would never consider going any other way. I believe they still offer discount purchase for ACA members. I think they have had this offer for the last eighteen plus years. They offer Gore-Tech and non breathable pvc coatings. How much do you want to spend.

Their website is pretty informative,but doesn't answer all questions.

http://www.ossystems.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DMG]

I'm brand new to all of this, but I'm pretty thrilled with the Stohlquist bPod I bought brand new on ebay for $524 ($570 before PayPal coupon I had). I don't doubt that GoreTex is more breathable but it's also considerably more expensive. The world is full of compromises. If I never spend the extra money, I'll never know what I'm missing. I do know that my base layer was bone dry after a warm weather "conditioning run" on beaver lake last week. I paddled till my arms fell off. To me, that is breathable enough. I also like the neoprene neck gasket on the Stohlquist. The neoprene is doubled over and both edges are sewn in. There's no cut edge to wear out or tear like on my NRS Shorty. Time will tell how long it lasts, but it's comfortable and completely dry now. I suspect it will be more difficult and expensive to repair than latex whenever it does let go. Time will tell.

To me, the Stohlquist is at least worth a look. Just one opinion from a person who probably has no business offering it. Cheers!

~Dave

[Lupe]

The last thing you probably want is yet MORE options, but I know several people who recently got very good deals on Palm dry suits as well. They seem well made, quality suits - and very good for the price.

I discovered that many kayak academies (think Washington state, Alaska, etc.) use drysuits for 1 season and then sell very lightly used suits. Again, some friends have found nice deals recently doing extensive google searches and finding these slightly used dry suits for sale.

Happy shopping!!!

[Renee H]

All I can say is IR sucks!!! Everything I have ever had from them was about worthless and their customer service isn't all that great. On the other hand, Kokatat makes great products and their customer service is excellent. I have had 3 Kokatat drytops - sold the Whirlpool top only because it wasn't breathable. I have a Gore-Tex top that I've had for 6 years. I just bought a Rogue because my other top seemed small. I also have a Kokatat Gore-Tex drysuit that is the bomb. I don't know about the other brands, but I hear Stohlquist is good too. I am just a big fan of Kokatat because they make such a good product.

[RandyJ]

I don't have experience with any other breathable fabrics, but LOVE my Stohlquist Gore-Tex dry top. Didn't know you could be that comfortable in paddling clothing of any kind. Great comfort range and durability.

That said, my next dry top or dry suit will be Kokatat Gore-Tex. I've not read a single negative comment on any piece of Kokatat dry gear.

[RomanLA]

I was looking at the IR stuff the other day...is their material similar to Gore-Tex?

[Kim Tucker]

I've had IR drytops (not so dry) and Kokatat drytops and Kokatat drysuits. All I can say is that Renee is right! I love some of the other IR products, but not their drytops! I hate that because the IR tops are always the prettiest and have the best colors, but on a cold day I'd much rather by drab and dry than stylin' and soakin.' ).

Unless the fabric has changed (and that is entirely possible), there is no comparision between the IR stuff and Gore-Tex.

[Crane]

I have an IR SEMI-DRY top I've used now for several years. I'm pretty happy with it. Yes, it leaks a little, but not much, around the neck neoprene, but it surely is a lot more comfortable than the latex gasket on my dry-suit.