NRS Sidewinder Bibs Review

Follow up my posting: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69780.msg787915#msg787915
I used a 20% off at Outdoorplay.com and got the NRS Sidewinder Bibs. I tested it several times over weekend and NOT impressed one bit.  I returned it back for a refund.  Forgot to take any pictures.

Pro: 
 
The relief zipper is great for peeing without taking the bib off.
 
Cons: 
 
The snaps that keep the suspenders in place won’t stay in place, the snaps that came from the factory do not lock.  The straps are only good for up and down setting and not good for side to side movement. The existing open eye snaps easily comes off or can be easily pushed out with very little effort,  I used my index finger to do this after doing the motions of sitting, standing, casting, pedaling and fishing.
Clothing worn during testing with worst results of straps coming off: T Shirt and Rashguard (loose clothing).  Polartec sweeter worked a little better because of extra bulk.  I tested the side straps at loose and tight settings.  Tight setting had slightly better results and loose where worst because top part of bib had too much side to side play.

Next test was putting on and taking off my Kokatat Tempest Jacket that I am planning to pair with the bib.  I set the wishbone and side straps to a comfortable setting and put my Kokatat Jacket on and off three times.  Twice the suspender straps came off after taking off my jacket.  NRS should change the suspender snaps that locks.
 
The bottom part of bib is their Eclipse fabric.  If you forget to tighten the Velcro straps the Eclipse fabric will drag on the ground and cause wear and damage.  Kokatat uses a neoprene gravel guard with Velcro to prevent this. NRS should strengthen this area.
 
This garment is made in Vietnam and still has a high $449.95 MSRP.  Similar products made by a competitor are made in US and come at a more affordable pricing.
 
Don't waste your money.

Mel

   Thanks for the review!

I think NRS has a long way to go in making kayak specific fishing gear.  With these bibs they didn't even put the right snaps to keep the suspenders in place.  I will stick with Kokatat for now.  Made in the USA and priced right.

Thanks for the review!

I was looking at the sidewinders as an alternative to the kokatat whirlpool bibs... not any more.

Forgot to mention, I tired on a Large size. I would consider these bibs as "slim fit".  I am 5'10 and 185 lbs.  NRS should add some more fabric for layering.  I think big guys won't would be comfortable in these.

For the price the Kokatat are hard to beat. I've used my set for 5 years now. I had leaky feat on year 4, sent them back and they fixed them no charge and sent them back to me. Plus they are made right here in CA.

For the price the Kokatat are hard to beat. I've used my set for 5 years now. I had leaky feat on year 4, sent them back and they fixed them no charge and sent them back to me. Plus they are made right here in CA.

Yeah *ahem*, sorry bout that Dan 


Since I borrowed your bibs I have given up on the idea of the dry suit. I plan to go with the paddle jacket/ kokatat bib combo.

Follow up my posting: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69780.msg787915#msg787915
I used a 20% off at Outdoorplay.com and got the NRS Sidewinder Bibs.

Would you mind sharing where/how you got the 20% off? I've been scanning the net for outdoorplay coupons for a while. 15% is the max I can find.

Follow up my posting: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69780.msg787915#msg787915
I used a 20% off at Outdoorplay.com and got the NRS Sidewinder Bibs.

Would you mind sharing where/how you got the 20% off? I've been scanning the net for outdoorplay coupons for a while. 15% is the max I can find.

If you sign up you get their special sales notifications.  On this purchase the special sale expired by a few days.  I was ready to buy so I called them and asked for the discount and they gave it to me. 

Follow up my posting: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69780.msg787915#msg787915
I used a 20% off at Outdoorplay.com and got the NRS Sidewinder Bibs.

Would you mind sharing where/how you got the 20% off? I've been scanning the net for outdoorplay coupons for a while. 15% is the max I can find.

If you sign up you get their special sales notifications.  On this purchase the special sale expired by a few days.  I was ready to buy so I called them and asked for the discount and they gave it to me.

Thanks. I'll try that.

Follow up my posting: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69780.msg787915#msg787915
I used a 20% off at Outdoorplay.com and got the NRS Sidewinder Bibs.

Would you mind sharing where/how you got the 20% off? I've been scanning the net for outdoorplay coupons for a while. 15% is the max I can find.

If you sign up you get their special sales notifications.  On this purchase the special sale expired by a few days.  I was ready to buy so I called them and asked for the discount and they gave it to me.

Thanks. I'll try that.

Last year when I needed a new drysuit, I called Outdoorplay and told them I was ready to buy on the spot and asked for 20% off.  They gave it to me.