>> Does anyone have experience using the Fuzzy Rubber made by Malden Mills and sold by Rapidstyle ( http://www.erols.com/rapids/) ? Can these be used in place of a wetsuit or would a wetsuit still be required? I know that on the web site they say that it is the equivalent of 2.5mm neoprene but I'm looking for some real world experience. I'm trying to decide whether to buy the Fuzzy Rubber or just go with a traditional wetsuit. Thanks, Mel >> Last summer my wife and I found on sale some Splash Gear made by Wyoming Wear, which is made of much the same material as Rapidstyle's Fuzzy Rubber. My wife bought pants and a long-sleeved jacket; I bought pants and a vest. We paddled for nearly a week in air temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s F. and water temperatures around 64 degrees F. We both found them much more comfortable than neoprene, even though we sweated a bit exercising in the warm air. Because it doesn't hold water, the rubbery surface is better protection against wind chill than nylon- surfaced neoprene. Also, the fleece lining dries more quickly than neoprene, besides being more comfortable against the skin. After our previous trip, my wife swore she would never wear neoprene again, but she is very happy with the Splash Gear. As for thermal protection, I haven't had the opportunity to test the gear in really cold water. However, a kayaker who tested it in Lake Superior reports that it is equivalent to 3mm neoprene IF you wear polypro under it, so Rapidstyle's claim that by itself it is equivalent to 2.5mm neoprene sounds believable. He adds that, when nature calls, his wife likes the fact that the pants are separate from the top. Rapidstyle's styling looks more practical to me than Wyoming Wear's. For instance, the latter's vest has a snug collar, which to me doesn't make sense on a sleeveless garment, whereas Rapidstyle's vest has a scoop neck. Also Wyoming Wear's long-sleeved jacket is not seam-sealed, whereas Rapidstyle has one that has sealed seams and neoprene collar, sleeve cuffs, and waist that can be closed. I think the latter might provide extra thermal protection by excluding most of the water during a roll or capsize, and I am thinking of buying one for myself this spring. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Feb 05 1999 - 11:50:38 PST
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