Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
July 10, 2026, 02:07:58 PM

Login with username, password and session length

Recent Topics

[Today at 01:55:48 PM]

[Today at 01:06:18 PM]

[Today at 11:34:30 AM]

[Today at 07:50:09 AM]

[July 09, 2026, 05:27:26 PM]

[July 08, 2026, 03:41:46 PM]

[July 08, 2026, 12:22:34 PM]

[July 08, 2026, 10:31:33 AM]

[July 08, 2026, 05:47:36 AM]

[July 07, 2026, 11:12:43 PM]

[July 07, 2026, 07:16:45 PM]

[July 07, 2026, 02:29:22 PM]

[July 07, 2026, 11:31:01 AM]

[July 04, 2026, 08:59:59 PM]

[July 04, 2026, 01:18:43 PM]

[July 04, 2026, 10:52:11 AM]

by Clb
[July 04, 2026, 09:22:49 AM]

[July 03, 2026, 11:01:54 PM]

[July 03, 2026, 05:18:14 PM]

Support NCKA

Support the site by making a donation.

Topic: Drysuit sizing?  (Read 1029 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
Hey guys,

I just got my XL size Kokatat Angler suit in the mail, and I'm not completely sure it's the right size.

I'm 6'3", about 185 lbs, and have long arms. My height and sleeve length are within the XL range, and my weight is within the L range. I opted for the XL to be sure the arms and legs were long enough, but I'm finding the torso is VERY baggy. It's less noticeable once I "burp" out excess air, and even less noticeable with my PFD on. But, there's definitely a lot of bunched up material.

Just curious if anyone else has been in the same boat and tried both a L and XL suit. I don't know of anywhere local that stocks the Angler suits, so trying on a L could be tricky.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Alex


FishingForTheCure

  • "I'm going to make dinner because my colors taste like hungry"
  • Manatee
  • *****
  • LOWRANCE & SIMRAD PRO STAFF
  • Location: Aromas
  • Date Registered: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 11327
I'm about 6'2 & ~210.  I too have an XL & notice the same "excess" material in the chest.  The arms & legs seem about right, though I do need to stretch the cuffs a bit more.  I don't mind having a little extra room in the torso so I can choose to wear a sweater under it if it's really cold (and will stay that way).  It does look "frumpy" though ... I agree.  The L was just not a right fit for me.


Fish 'n Brew

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Martin
  • Location: Loose Screws
  • Date Registered: May 2008
  • Posts: 2962
I have tried both sizes too.  When my XL was having the gaskets replaced, I was loaned a large.  The large seemed to fit fine but I like having the extra room in case I want to layer up in cold conditions.  Both sizes worked for me but I think if I needed a new one, I would opt for the XL again.  I'm about 5' 10 / 190.  My suit is a Kokatat front entry Gortex.

Martin


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
Good to know. Thanks, guys.

Martin - We're pretty comparable weight wise, I'm just a bit taller. This makes me think the XL is the right suit for me, even though it feels pretty bulky.

According to Kokatat's website, the sizing seems to be the same for all drysuit models.
« Last Edit: February 26, 2015, 10:08:45 AM by AlexB »


Sin Coast

  • AOTY committee
  • Global Moderator
  • Pat Kuhl
  • Turf Image
  • Location: Mbay
  • Date Registered: Jul 2006
  • Posts: 14710
Yeah, same deal here. I have the XL and around 6' 190lbs but it feels like it would accommodate some who was 260lbs. It's not so bad while sitting on the yak. But it sounds like I'm wearing 1980's corduroy pants when I get out and start walking haha!
Photobucket Sucks!

 Team A-Hulls

~old enough to know better, young enough to not care~


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
Haha. When I tried it on last night, my girlfriend described it as a "comically huge space suit".

Sounds about right.


Lost_Anchovy

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • The Lost Anchovy
  • Location: San Jose-Bay Area
  • Date Registered: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2994
There is usually excess on the suits. I got a large awhile back and it looked monstrous.  I was going to return it, but decided to try it on. Magically, it shrunk, and fit pretty well.  You will appreciate the extra room when you are paddling or peddling, but that is just me.

There was an article on Kayak angler somewhere about this phenomena.
www.Thelostanchovy.com
Kayak Adventures, blog and tutorials

Winner - 2014 Kayak Connection Derby
2nd -2103 MBK Tournament


FishingForTheCure

  • "I'm going to make dinner because my colors taste like hungry"
  • Manatee
  • *****
  • LOWRANCE & SIMRAD PRO STAFF
  • Location: Aromas
  • Date Registered: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 11327
Nobody ever said they are stylish! :smt005

Beam me up Scotty!


Rock Hopper

  • SonomaCoastSafetySquad
  • Global Moderator
  • A-Hull Muggle
  • Location: Santa Rosa
  • Date Registered: Apr 2005
  • Posts: 13361
You definitely made the right choice. I'm 6'1" and 195lbs.

I tried on the Large first at Clavey's. I thought it fit pretty good. Then I tried on the XL and thought it was a little too baggy. I was about to purchase the large, but luckily I had the sense to sit down with the XL suit on. Then I put the large back on and sat down in that one and did some paddling motions. The large had juuust a bit of tightness in my shoulders, but I'm sure it would've driven me crazy while OTW for 8 hours.

I ended up purchasing the XL and love it.

In Loving Memory of Mooch, Eelmaster, Shicken, and Cabeza De Martillo

I started kayak fishing to get away from most of you...


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
Excellent. Sounds like I made the right call.

Better too baggy than too tight.

The wrist gaskets fit great, socks fit great. The neoprene neck is a little on the loose side, but it cinches down OK with the drawstring. I guess that's something I can get replaced if it proves to be an issue. I doubt it will though. With the string cinched down it hold air like a balloon.


FishingForTheCure

  • "I'm going to make dinner because my colors taste like hungry"
  • Manatee
  • *****
  • LOWRANCE & SIMRAD PRO STAFF
  • Location: Aromas
  • Date Registered: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 11327
Drawstring neck?  Mine is rubbery like the cuffs.  Maybe a different model or change in model.  I like the idea of an adjustable neck cuff.


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
This is the "semi-dry" Angler Edition suit with a neoprene neck and cordura lap/knees.



FishingForTheCure

  • "I'm going to make dinner because my colors taste like hungry"
  • Manatee
  • *****
  • LOWRANCE & SIMRAD PRO STAFF
  • Location: Aromas
  • Date Registered: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 11327