RE: [Paddlewise] Waterproof/Breathable no good in saltwater?

Hi Matt and All,

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Matt Broze
> It was unclear at
> the time if
> it was salt build-up in the fabric or contaminates in the salt
> water causing
> the problem. The "second generation" of Gore-Tex reduced the pore size and
> breath ability somewhat but hydrophilic oils (like in sweat)
> weren't such a
> problem with it. I'm sure there has been many generations since then and I
> would bet it is far better today but I understand why Gore-Tex may have
> gotten that reputation (among old-timers anyhow).

It is my understanding that Gore-Tex had a lot of problems early on.  The
most significant was that it was easily damaged by oil.  Any oil, including
that produced by your body.  I was told (By Gore and manufacturers that use
Gore-Tex, I used to buy clothing for a retailer) that despite all of the
problems that early materials had, contamination by salt water was not one
of them.

Having owned some of the early generation gore products that were absolutely
useless I was very skeptical of the new watersports garments.  One of the
reps loaned me one of his drytops back in '92 to try for a month or two, I
was hooked.

<SNIP>

> We may be getting a lesson in "Ad Speak" here. Gore says:
> "GORE-TEX® Fabric
> Is Not Harmed By Salt Water!" This may just mean that salt water does not
> harm Gore-Tex permanently, it just makes it leak until you can
> wash or rinse
> it completely out of the fabric.

I don't think so Matt.  First, there are several different Gore membranes
that are used and different ways that they can be used.  My experience is
primarily with gores immersion-tec membrane.  I can tell you from years of
experience that salt water absolutely does not cause any leaks at all in
this material.  Gore immersion-tec also comes with the "guaranteed to keep
you dry label" if it leaks at all it is 100% covered.  Gore has the best
satisfaction guarantee in the business.  Kokatat has the most experience
manufacturing with this material in watersports.  I have never seen them
fail to resolve any kind of problem with any of their garments with a
customer.  But, if one couldn't resolve their problem with the manufacturer
Gore will stand behind the piece and issue full refund to the consumer.
Basically you can't lose, if you buy a piece and you're not satisfied return
it.

Regarding breathability:  I have never noticed any change in breathability
in any of my gore pieces.  Maybe it's affected maybe it isn't, I think that
it's just too subtle to tell.  There are a lot of myths that surround the
product.

******Disclaimer*****

As I've said before I don't work for Kokatat or Gore but I'm not unbiased.

Cheers

Rob Cookson

 "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin

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