NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Gearing Up and Rigging Up => Topic started by: TenCrabs on March 05, 2018, 09:49:49 PM
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I really like this 3mm but I don't feel comfortable way offshore with a 3mm.
https://www.nrs.com/product/17266.03/nrs-mens-30-farmer-john-wetsuit
I use a 7mm and was going to have it altered by the wetsuit shop in Monterey however she said they do not have a dual function zipper (top down - bottom up), she uses a heavy duty zipper. It is $60 for the alteration. I am thinking of going to a 5mm, that might be a nice compromise.
I contacted NRS and asked if they might be making a 5mm anytime soon. He said no... I asked if he knew where they get their zipper...no luck.
So! I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good quality 5mm Farmer John I could have altered some day.
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In my opinion, a 7mm is too thick and you may overheat above water (at least I did). If you overheat, the natural reaction is to unzip, which beat the purpose. I would say 3mm (I have 2mm with semi dry top).
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If you don't feel comfortable in a 3mm, get a dry suit. Just be sure you layer up under the dry suit.
I useed a 3mm FJ for years until it basically fell apart, in a dry suit now, but I do want to get another 3mm FJ. I have a 7mm FJ and it only gets used to rockpick. Hopefully I'll get to use it again.
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I should explain a little further. It's not a question of being comfortable out of the water but in the water. If I were stuck in the water waiting for a rescue for an hour would a 3mm be thick enough? I don't think so. You never know what is going to happen when you are on the ocean, conditions can change very quickly.
I carry an ACR ResQLink. I bought that when I used to go salmon fishing and crabbing in my friend's Zodiac. So I feel confident when I am way out there. I have been using a wetsuit for 40 years so that is what I am used to. Never really wanted to try a dry suit but who knows??
I feel comfortable in the 7mm, it's a cheapo Farmer John from Leisure Pro but I think the 5mm is the way to go for me with a shirt or top. I'll poke around and see what will work
Thanks!
Loren
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Love my farmer John 3 mil OTW, the zipper is the best— no stinky wetsuit to deal with since i got it a couple of years ago. I’ve been doing a lot of hooping for bugs in So. Cal,it’s been cold at night & a 5 mil FJ would nice .. some day,,,,,,