I’ve learned that no matter how well I mate my dry top (Kokotat) and dry pants (NRS), they leak when I swim around, testing them. Also, it’s a bother to put them on and roll the parts together! Pit stops also take a lot of time.
So, I want to bite the bullet and purchase a full dry suit. My requirements:
I’d prefer to buy a used one.
Any advice on how to go about purchasing one?
Thanks,
Al
Check out Kayak Academy: https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/used-kayaks-used-dry-suits#mens
Good company.
For me personally, the only easy on/off is the Kokatat two-piece. There’s an XL Idol listed for $750. You also want attached socks to keep your feet dry.
Al
Given that I think you’re spending more time oxygen side up rather than playing surf in your Sonoma I’d recommend a neoprene collared suit which Kokatat calls a Addling Suit vs. a Drysuit. Comfort factor with good water intrusion prevention whereas a latex seal is comprehensive prevention.
What size are you in search of?
https://www.the-river-connection.us/products/kokatat-endurance-paddling-suit-men
There are some 2018 leftovers.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
9 W. Market St.
Hyde Park, NY
845-229-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: www.the-river-connection.com
Store: www.the-river-connection.us
Facebook: fb.me/theriverconnection
One thing to consider is that a used suit may have no warranty, depending on how old it is. One exception would be if it’s a Gore-Tex suit, all of which have a lifetime warranty on the fabric through Gore.
Price the suit on a “per year” basis. Estimate lifespan by the warranty and/or reports from other users.
Compare to the cost of fuel to get to your destinations. If that doesn’t convince you, look at your cell phone costs (including the phone).
Look at enough of these scenarios and you should soon realize that even high end drysuits are inexpensive by comparison.
Cheap out on something that your life depends on less.
I second the neo neck. My neck happens to fill neoprene neck gaskets well, so I often use for even times when I am rolling and swimming. Much more comfortable fr me than latex neck gaskets.
Don’t get the ones that tighten with a flap of neoprene and velcro - they don’t seal well. I think Kokatat stopped using those (and they were the only ones I remember seeing them used with), so might not be an issue.
I know a guy in NorCal selling an XL Kokatat Goretex suit, about 5 years old, says it has been used maybe 10-20 time, for $300. Latex neck gasket needs to be replaced, but beyond that is supposed to be fine. If you send it out for a replaceent neck gasket, it is about $100. Local shops do it for less. Handy people can do on their own for maybe $40.
This one is on Craigslist (locally). What do you think?
https://humboldt.craigslist.org/spo/d/eureka-kokatat-gore-tex-drysuit/6796760661.html
Ah, you’re a medium. Dang! The L & XL Kokatat Endurance I have are the price of that used Meridian.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
9 W. Market St.
Hyde Park, NY
845-229-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: www.the-river-connection.com
Store: www.the-river-connection.us
Facebook: fb.me/theriverconnection
Mixed on that used dry suit.
Sounds like the person selling works for Kokatat, so was able to make sure it was totally up to snuff (leak test and the like). That is good.
But if you look around, you can find new, out of season ones with neoprene necks for similar prices. For example:
https://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-Mens-GORE-TEX-Surge-Paddling-Suit?colorsize=2391
https://www.steepandcheap.com/kokatat-gore-tex-front-entry-drysuit-unisex
