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From: Bob Apter <bapter_at_sos.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fuzzy Rubber
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 23:55:53 -0800
My experience is that this product is considerably less warm than neoprene
if really wet.

Bob Apter
-----Original Message-----
From: Mel Grindol <grindol_at_my-dejanews.com>
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Friday, February 05, 1999 10:27 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Fuzzy Rubber


>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
>---
>There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't.
>
>
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From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fuzzy Rubber
Date: Sat, 06 Feb 1999 07:17:47 -0800
Bob Apter wrote:
> 
> My experience is that this product is considerably less warm than neoprene
> if really wet.

I have also found the above, *once one is out of the water*. In the
water, the fuzzy rubber is nearly as warm. Thus with warm air temps and
cool water temps, the fuzzy rubber works very well (so long as the water
is not too cold). In more extreme conditions, the fuzzy rubber works
well in combination with neoprene (or with a dry top). For example, I
have found that a combination of fuzzypants and a fuzzyshirt with a 3mm
neoprene farmer john (or shorty john) is both warmer *and* considerably
more comfortable than the neoprene by itself. I swam in a snowmelt river
with this combo and was reasonably comfy (although it was not a long
swim--this would not be adequate for prolonged immersion in such cold
water). Add a dry top and you can extend the range even further. 

I like to have the choice of various layerings from which I can choose
based on the air temp, the water temp, and the likelihood of prolonged
immersion. Some folks will tell you that you should *always* dress for
prolonged immersion regardless of any other factors, even on a flat day
when you are with other paddlers and it is 90 degrees. I believe that
this is too extreme, but then again by the standards of some of the
folks on this list I am quite reckless. (Although I am not
"wreckless"--my insurance company can attest to that. :-) 

If you are very risk averse, just wear a drysuit in all conditions. If
you can tolerate this approach, more power too you--you will be safer
than with lesser garb. A friend of mine wore his GoreTex drysuit (with
substantial insulation underneath) every day on a two week trip in
Alaska where we had many hot (not warm) days, and he says that he was
never uncomfortable. He also wears his precurved 2mm black neoprene
Glacier Gloves regardless of the air temp--says he likes the feel. Some
people are just luckier than others in that they can paddle comfortably
in anything regardless of the air temp.  

Dan Hagen
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