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From: skimmer <skimmer_at_enter.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] dry suit
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:03:46 -0400
Hi 

 

A friend wants an opinion on the O'Neil Assault Hybrid dry suit. I know
nothing about it except it has a "horizontal rear zipper". That was a style
used decades back. I didn't like it then and don't like it today. 

 

I would appreciate any comments on this product.

Thanks,

Chuck Sutherland
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From: Darryl Johnson <darryl_johnson_at_rogers.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] dry suit
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:27:24 -0400
On 27/04/2011 5:03 PM, skimmer wrote:
> Hi
>
>
>
> A friend wants an opinion on the O'Neil Assault Hybrid dry suit. I know
> nothing about it except it has a "horizontal rear zipper". That was a style
> used decades back. I didn't like it then and don't like it today.
>
>
>
> I would appreciate any comments on this product.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chuck Sutherland

I know nothing about the suit in question, but I tend to agree with 
you that I would *not* want a horizontal rear zipper. I can only 
imagine how uncomfortable that would be sitting in a kayak cockpit (or 
almost anywhere, in fact).

I am partial to front zips, especially as I get older and have 
increasing aches and pains in my shoulders so that reaching around the 
back to undo things gets more and more problematic.

-- 
   Darryl
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] dry suit
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:06:52 -0700
On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 3:27 PM, Darryl Johnson
<darryl_johnson_at_rogers.com>wrote:

>
> I know nothing about the suit in question, but I tend to agree with you
> that I would *not* want a horizontal rear zipper. I can only imagine how
> uncomfortable that would be sitting in a kayak cockpit (or almost anywhere,
> in fact).
>
> I am partial to front zips, especially as I get older and have increasing
> aches and pains in my shoulders so that reaching around the back to undo
> things gets more and more problematic.
>
> Even my front zip gives me problems... I've been known to resort to hanging
myself from something to get that last little bit open so I can get out of
the dang thing.

I really prefer drytops frankly... but for sea kayaking a drysuit is much
safer (at least in Puget Sound's cold waters).

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net -and- www.bigboxbikes.com
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From: Bill O'Brien <obrien.murphy_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] dry suit
Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 23:02:42 -0700
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply
including old headers and footers.  It's list policy.... 
this post was modified to meet policy]

I have one.  It has a breathable top mated to a 3mm bottom from the waist
down.  I have paddled with it off Oregon's coast and have windsurfed in it
in the Columbia River Gorge as well as Oregon Bays during winter blows.  I
like it.

It's a bit cooler than a bag suit, if one would otherwise put on a thick
bottom layer under loose fabric, but with the ability to pile the insulation
on under the upper, I can always be toasty.  Rock gardening in a sleeker
suit that won't fill with water, if torn, is a comfort  (The top has limited
room for water due to the compression of a pfd.) .  I think it's also better
while swimming. I feel a little more athletic and ready for anything with it
on.

The gaskets are neoprene and are more comfortable and less likely to tear
than latex, though not quite as dry.  The zipper is across the back, which
feels a little stiff at first, but quickly fades from consciousness.

I just replaced it after around eight years of use due to a loose neck seal
and no relief zipper.  I still sail in it and plan to tighten the seal by
laminating some neoprene  around it myself.  It has held up very well
otherwise.

Bill O'Brien

On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 2:03 PM, skimmer <skimmer_at_enter.net> wrote:

> A friend wants an opinion on the O'Neil Assault Hybrid dry suit. I know
> nothing about it except it has a "horizontal rear zipper". That was a style
> used decades back. I didn't like it then and don't like it today.
>
> I would appreciate any comments on this product.
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