Re: [Paddlewise] dry suit

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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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