Doug said,..."but the wider chin strap cuts into one's neck more often (chaffing)." I"d forgotten how the original strap would rub until your neck was raw. I solved the chaffing problem by sewing on a wide ban of neoprene and adding the Velcro only to the end. My point about Whites is simply this. Why should customers be doing the research and development? Someone in the company should have realized the shortcomings of the cap design. Just as someone should have noticed the problem with the zipper in the back of their earlier drysuits. The wearer cannot tell if it's seated all the way to the end. Simply reversing the zip solved that problem in later models, but to late for those who purchased early. Last week I was at Ocean River Sports asking about dry suits (what size would I need?) and the salesman took me over and introduced me to the owner of Whites. Cool - I figured I'd get some straight answers. I'm about 6'1" tall and 220 pounds. Right off he told me I'd need an xxl. I've never wore an xxl in my life but ok, I thought I'd hear him out. Before I could ask any questions he told me that I'd really benefit from a custom fit. Wow that's going from $538 (Whites web site price) to over $1500 in mere minutes. Now was that experience about customer service or maximizing the profit margin? In Whites defense I had a long look at their new dry suit. It's got some great features and looks good. Yet I'm wondering why the front zipper does not extend another three to four inches lower so as to provide a relief zip function. I think it's the R&D thing again. I actively support local business, but the jury is out on Whites. Because of the generosity of the women in my life I am also in the market for a dry suit. (They gave me the money) So I'm watching your ultimate dry suit thread closely. Check out MEC Product # 1906361 it's a Kokatat nylon meridian with an overskirt for $540 Canadian. Gordin Warner *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Feb 27 2002 - 16:49:45 PST
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