Re: [Paddlewise] Fuzzy Rubber

I've got a top and a bottom of the stuff and I like it a lot. It's soft
and stretchy, so you can wear a longsleeve top of it, which you can't
with 3mm neoprene. In 40 degree water and 50 degree air, it's plenty
warm with a light layer of poly underneath, even if you're rolling and
getting splashed a lot. 

I can say from experience that 40 degree water and < 40 degree air is
too cold for that setup. Especially if you swim. But I'd add more fleece
and/or a drytop before I'd add a wetsuit over it.

It's made by several manufacurers, but Rapidstyle is the class of the
lot. Construction and detailing and fit is great. I have a Patazod FR
vest in size XL. I'm 5'11" and 185#, and the thing fits like a second
skin. If I were a # heavier I couldn't get into it.

It ain't cheap, of course. My top and pants combo costs $245 retail (I
got it for $170). A good wetsuit would set you back $90 or so, but you
still need a $100 paddling jacket and a $25 fleece top to give the
equivalent warmth, so it may balance out.

Steve

Mel Grindol wrote:
> 
> 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
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