Shipping aside, looking solely at the prices, I'm seeing that they are rather even.
British bias?
I would never recommend a dry suit for laser sailing. I personally find them too bulky, restrictive and not as warm as what I wear now.
I don't understand your British bias question. You made the argument about shipping cost being what made Rooster expensive in NA. Same for Zhik in Europe, I expect.
Rooster gear is available in NA (and some of it at really good pricing).
Intensity Sails, one of our forum sponsers, has a great deal on the Aquafleece right now.
Also another long time Laser sailor, John D-E, carries most of the line in Canada and will ship into the US.. http://www.jdemarine.com/
Good discussion from all on the real topic and given the international nature of our sport, how exchange and shipping rates affect buying power. Particularly good thoughts from 663, thanks.
A friend recently recommended Trident Drysuits, made in the UK. Significantly cheaper than what I have seen for sale in the US. Can anyone fill us Yanks in on them...quality, mobility (as applies to Laser sailing), etc...????????
ALJM
The responses that I've seen all seem to be talking mostly about keeping warm while still in the boat. Do the non-dry suit options keep you warm (enough) if you capsize and it takes a couple of minutes to right the boat?
The responses that I've seen all seem to be talking mostly about keeping warm while still in the boat. Do the non-dry suit options keep you warm (enough) if you capsize and it takes a couple of minutes to right the boat?
1- to say you are not going in the drink or capsizing makes me laugh.
2- drysuit drysuit drysuit. I hate getting wet and sometimes do flip or fall out of the boat. Plus I hate getting wet.
With the drysuit I can go straight to the bar in the same clothes I just sailed
in.
FWIW I wear:
Rooster Pro hikers + Lycra shorts over
Cotton t-shirt
Sweatshirt (if it is really chilly)
Rooster Aquafleece (tucked into the Lycra shorts to prevent the spray going up the back)
Fleece or thinsulate hat
Wetboots
Thick woolly socks
After years spent not frostbiting it's time!! Trying to decide between going with the old standard drysuit or skipping the "420/FJ" wear and trying the just as expensive Zhik Superwarm combo of skiffsuit and top. Anybody have direct experiences or for that matter, alternatives?
FWIW, sailing out of southeastern Virginia, so water only really cold starting in January...
Hey Everybody,
Great discussion!! Thanks for all your inputs, hopefully everyone who read the thread took some value away, I sure did!
First "frostbite" last weekend (not exactly Newport or LI Sound cold) was mid-40's airtemp and mid-50's water temp. Most wore wetsuits with a couple of drysuits. The few who swam in wetsuits (all ramp launched) were fine until we were finished and then got chilly while hanging out after sailing. A full wetsuit or skiff suit like the Zhik or Rooster would have been good to go, just would have wanted to change out asap after sailing if it was wet...
Happy holidays all!!
ALJM
Its amazing how quickly u get cold in a wetsuit when you stop moving, have to change before derigging sometimes...
cheers...
I agree (though cannot compare wet to dry suites in this regard). It is whilst sailing around between races that I start to shiver; during the race I seem better (though I do sometimes wonder if this is related to concentrating on other things during the race).
Ian
adrenalin. Once the racing starts that'll kick in and plus you are moving more.
If you get cold between races get in a few roll tacks to warm up.
or man up and go out win just your swim shorts? x
...
Agreed on the moving more part. Hiking usually doesn't provide much warmth, though.
...
I disagree - when I'm hiking hard my heart rate is between 140-160bpm, same as when I'm going for a brisk cycle or a run, and it keeps me just as warm as doing those two activities.
(I have to cycle in shorts unless it's below freezing or I get too hot).