One of our local indie paddlesport outfitters is advertising that they have some stock of the new Stohlquist EZ drysuits (with pee zip and attached sox, in a breathable laminate) , Asking $425 and will ship anywhere in the US for $20. Available in any color you want as long as it is black (like the Model T Ford). Looks like a decent suit – not a Kokatat of course, but Stohlquist is offering a lifetime delamination warranty and for half the price of a Kokatat it’s a more affordable option for anyone looking to extend their paddling season:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/sgd/5331756685.html
more of a "paddling suit"
With a neoprene neck, and “neoprene coated latex” wrist seals, the linked suit isn’t a drysuit. It’s what Kokatat would call a paddling suit (like the Kokatat Supernova, which has the same retail price as the linked suit).
Both suits certainly have their place in the market, but I wouldn’t think of them as a half-priced drysuit.
at stake is
your life even in 60 degree water
drysuit
– Last Updated: Dec-02-15 8:19 AM EST –
I'm not familar with the EZ but it looks much like the old b-pod, which I have. If the neck fits correctly it is absolutely dry. I've had the b-pod for about 5 years so far. Stholquist will change out the neck to a size that fits better for free on new suits. I dont know yet how long the suit will last but i've been dry. the b-pod has latex wrist gaskets, I dont know if the ez does.
may be replacing the B-Pod
Apparently the EZ is replacing the B-Pod and has most of the same features and materials. I have read from other B-pod users that their neo neck gasket is very effective. There are ways to design neoprene gaskets that make them a better seal. I have one wet suit with neck and wrist seals that are neo but with a molded on rolled edge, almost like the rubber rand on a Seals WW skirt - they seal so snugly I have actually had to burp the wetsuit at the neck when diving.
And, after all, it is not all that difficult or costly to replace a neck gasket with the material and style of one’s choice.
EZ
Willowleaf, the B-Pod went away about 3 (maybe 4) years ago replaced by the EZ. It’s a nice evolution.
Given a choice I would still choose Kokatat either GTX Paddling Suit Or a full fledged drysuit. Especially with the Switch Zip system being incorporated into more models for 2016.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
www.the-river-connection.com
hudsonriverpaddler.org