Dry Suit Questions

A little excess material is common and not a problem in most cases, unless you are fussy and get uncomfortable easily. Most suits will have excess length. I have an XL and it is long for me and there is extra length but it is no issue to me.
I suggest you start trying on suits from whatever manufacturer you are considering.
Drysuits take a bit of getting used to.
I have been wearing one since the 70's so I am comfortable in one and don't get bothered by little things like a tight gasket or a little sweat on a hot day or excess length etc.

Any of the big guys like me have suggestions on drysuits?    I've looked at the kokatat sizing charts, and for the XXL's it look to be for someone much taller than me.  Took a look at what it would take to have one custom made... upwards of 1400$!!!

Clavey paddlesports has extended their Kokatat Super Nova Angler paddle suit sale until June 14th 20% off retail of 599

That is a sweet deal !!

I'm paddling in an FJ and a kokotat paddle jacket.  I never minded peeing in a wetsuit (horror) but how does one relieve themselves in a dysuit?

I'm paddling in an FJ and a kokotat paddle jacket.  I never minded peeing in a wetsuit (horror) but how does one relieve themselves in a dysuit?

I assume your dry suit has a release zipper.  If you have a stable kayak, you can do it standing up otherwise a 15" PVC tube will do.  Make sure the PVC tube diameter is big enough...

I'm paddling in an FJ and a kokotat paddle jacket.  I never minded peeing in a wetsuit (horror) but how does one relieve themselves in a dysuit?

I assume your dry suit has a release zipper.  If you have a stable kayak, you can do it standing up otherwise a 15" PVC tube will do.  Make sure the PVC tube diameter is big enough...

How about using a Hawg Trough then?

Most drysuits dont come with a relief zipper. i had to pay extra to have one put in mine.

A good article, from a dealer, on the issue of "Gore-Tex vs Tropos" for a drysuit:
http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/tropos.html

I have talked to people who have tried both on multi-day sea-kayking trips, and all of them have said they prefer Gore Tex, by a wide margin, for the reasons this article states.

The Tropos Angler suit is less expensive than any other suit made with gore-tex. Its not even really listed as a dry suit. Its listed as a paddle suit. It is lighter though and throughly meets the needs of anglers with the heavy cordura overlay on the seat and legs for handling fish and gear without damaging the integrity of the suit itself. Handling fish with the potential of spining the material in a 900.00 dry suit isnt my idea of good common sense.

I've been using a Goretex suit for the last 4 years and have never had a problem with spining.  Bobbing around in a big ocean in a kayak while fishing for spiney fish doesn't make much sense either, but we still do it!!!   

-Allen

Most drysuits dont come with a relief zipper.....

The Kokatat Super Nova Angler does....but I guess it's not technically a dry suit.

I'm paddling in an FJ and a kokotat paddle jacket.  I never minded peeing in a wetsuit (horror) but how does one relieve themselves in a dysuit?

I assume your dry suit has a release zipper.  If you have a stable kayak, you can do it standing up otherwise a 15" PVC tube will do.  Make sure the PVC tube diameter is big enough...

I got some 1/4" left over from making the floatlines if any one is foolish enough to say they want some! Come on....any takers!

A good article, from a dealer, on the issue of "Gore-Tex vs Tropos" for a drysuit:
http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/tropos.html

That is an excellent article. Of course it seems to be written by a Kokatat dealer so it's biased.
My question for those that have been using, say at least 20 times a year, these suits is how many years can a Tropos suit be expected to last before leaking? Can you just send the suit back and they can 'recoat' it with the Tropos spew?

A good article, from a dealer, on the issue of "Gore-Tex vs Tropos" for a drysuit:
http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/tropos.html

That is an excellent article. Of course it seems to be written by a Kokatat dealer so it's biased.
My question for those that have been using, say at least 20 times a year, these suits is how many years can a Tropos suit be expected to last before leaking? Can you just send the suit back and they can 'recoat' it with the Tropos spew?

The Kokatat dealer in question is George Gronseth, renowned sea kayaker and safety author.  I would think he has enough integrity to not be biased on this one.  FWIW, I bought my drysuit from him many years ago.

"Leak" is a relative term.  After 3 years of use (heavy at times) I sent my suit in.  While it didn't really leak, it sort of wept (if you know what I mean).  You'd be amazed at the number of smaller than pinhole leaks the factory fixed.  They do a full pressure test.  I believe it is relatively inexpensive to have this service done and would recommend it at least once every 2-3 years or so.  Have the seals replaced while you're at it.  They'll even was the suit of all the funk you built up and the suit will come back good as new.

-Allen

Thanks Allen. How much does the rehab run?

Thanks Allen. How much does the rehab run?

I'll get back to you on that shortly ...

-Allen