Re: [Paddlewise] Drytop gaskets. How tight is too tight?

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 18:45:23 -0500
From: <andykeck_at_mac.com>

> So I trimmed off about an eighth of an inch, which was better, and then 
> another eighth, which might be good.
> 
> If comfort was the only goal, I might go ahead an make one more trim, 

I'd leave it at this point and use it a couple of times.  Mine seemed
to loosen up a tad with use, but maybe I just got used to it.  You 
wouldn't want to trim too much.

> Can anybody out there describe what the right fit might be like?

If the water's cold enough, you want it to feel tighter than it is.
If it's really warm, you wish it was looser.  If you keep saying 
to yourself "I refuse to wear a tie, but I'm willing to wear this
&^%&% thing, that must prove I'm a paddler", then it's about
right.

Sorry I can't come up with a more serious response, but I think it's
a personal fit thing.  I find that I have to move the top of the 
gasket up and down relative to the adam's apple to get it feeling
right, and then I fuss with it if I'm looking over my shoulder 
a lot.

If you shave close (including the back of your neck if you're a hairy
sort like me), you could probably get away with a looser fit.  Ditto
if you're carrying a bit of fat around the neck and aren't an ultra-
thin runner/athlete type.  

Mike
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Received on Sat Mar 01 2003 - 15:43:42 PST

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