Re: [Paddlewise] Fuzzy Rubber

JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> Mel, first I'd have to separate out Malden Mills Rubberized Thermal Stretch
> (read: "Fuzzy Rubber", "Otter Skin" and a lot of other attempts at product
> differentiation) from Dana Chladek's Rapidstyle company --- I like the second
> and not the first.  Dana's shop is a great addition to the Washington area
> paddling community, and her stuff is top notch.  I'm not so convinced about
> the Rubberized Thermal Stretch stuff.  I have a farmer john made of the stuff
> --- not by Rapidstyle --- and the material itself seems pretty fragile to me.
> Light, snaggable, almost too thin.  And then there's Malden Mills Thermal
> Stretch --- not rubberized, used to be called Polartec 2000S.  It's more
> robust, heavier weight, with an outer layer of lycra.  Doesn't snag as easily,
> and, in the water, has the same thermal characteristics as the Rubberized
> stuff.  Where the newer rubber coated material shows a big benefit is in its
> evaporative cooling protection, but that's only good if it's the outside
> layer, and see above about its fragility.
> 

I have it direct from Dana that Rapidstyle uses Malden Mills fabric for
what she calls "Polartec Thermal Stretch" I have a shirt of the stuff
and am very fond of it. I do whitewater in mine as a top layer when it's
not freezing, and I haven't scuffed it yet. You actually staf pretty dry
in it, which would not be true of P2000S.

Here's where it's mentioned on their web site
http://www.erols.com/rapids/Products.htm

Steve
-- 
Test Scoring & Reporting Services       Sometimes, you never can
University of Georgia                     always tell what you
Athens, GA 30602-5593                       least expect the most.
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