Why is OR Pyro $700 vs Oneill Boost $400??

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Not trying to pimp or trash talk any brand. Never owned a drysuit but am obviously looking. What accounts for this huge difference? Everyone says drysuits are not like wetsuits in that it is just a bag with five gaskets. I am getting a drysuit first and foremost for safety, second for comfort so what accounts for the price difference? In fact, they sound very similar.

JP

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Nak · Wed Jan 26, 11 5:08 pm

I'm pretty sure the OR has Gore-tex panels, which is a big deal. That's why the Kokatat full Gore-tex suit is around $900. Without Gore-tex your dry suit is a big plastic bag. Works for a while, but if you're session is very long, over an hour, you'll probably be soaked from sweat. I have an Oneil, and it's a great suit, but you get what you pay for. Since I got my Kokatat, my Oneil has been relegated to emergency use only. To be honest, I should probably just sell it. Haven't used it once since I upgraded. It's night and day difference, and not just in comfort. The drier you are, the safer you are if you spend any time in the water. I finish two or three hours in my Kokatat, and I'm still bone dry. That long in my Oneil and I'd be soaked in sweat. Great suit for short sessions though.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

I have to call Bullshit on that story of the guy sinking like a stone. I modern drysuit won't allow the owner to sink if the gasket or zipper fails. It will not provide as much bouyancy, but as someone who forgot to zip once while kiteboarding with an OR I know this is a myth.

Dead on with the Gore tex panels, but also owned the boost and never noticed that much difference, although mine had the wetsuit bottom and baggy top. Lasted long time.

You can buy replacement rubber seals also. Installing the neck seal is difficult however, had mine done at a dive shop.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

i've been using a non-goretex kokatat dry suit for six years - works but gets damp from sweat - hate the fit - do get an occasional blast down the neck but not so much with a good hoodie to overlap it - wouldnt wear it in overhead surf

just stepped up to a patagucci R4 wetsuit - its been working great down to the mid-thirties - much more flexible than the drysuit...

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Pretty sure we've covered this neutral buoyancy thing before... You're not going to sink anymore than you would normally. As long as you burp the suit, it's pretty hard to fill.

Nak · Wed Jan 26, 11 11:49 pm

I love my drysuit, but I gotta concur with Gman on the surf. It's hard to swim with a drysuit on. I think a drysuit is great in the river, a good wetsuit is best in the surf. Just my opinion.

backtoCaLi · Since 15 Mar 2008 74 Posts Nor-Cal

I agree, love my drysuit (Palm), but swimming in one is tiring compared to the float of a wetsuit... granted i'm bone dry inside after sucking air on my swim.
If you get a drysuit get the best one you can afford (+1 for kokatat- they are made in Nor Cal, awsome customer service, & bomber) also a relief zipper is key.

Here's to being Dry Drunk

wylieflyote · Thu Jan 27, 11 7:20 am

Consider the Ion. It's made with 3 mil closed cell wetsuit type material. Easiest suit to get on. Bone dry without the damp sweaty feel of other suits I've owned. VERY nice suit.

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

The Kokatat Gore-tex drysuit is the best suit on the market, bar none. It was designed for kayakers, but with so many boaters going to kiting (esp here in the gorge), you'll see a lot of people out in them. They are dry, breathe well, and keep you stoked out in the cold water. Sometimes I'll wear my 3/2 under it just as a thick warm layer (since fleece gets cold when it doesn't have air in it, like when you're swimming in the water, while the neoprene insulates well).

They are easy to spot if you get in trouble (bright yellow panels) and are full goretex. The only bummer is the feet are easily damaged since they are gore-tex too, and requires wearing booties that don't fit well with pads and straps.

I have a spare Large Kokatat if you're interested in buying one.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Been using a kokotat for years and have had my goretex socks taken out, re sewn back in and then taken out again!! For paddling I liked them for the speed I could get into the suit for runs during the rain but now I am using the suit for kiting and I don't have them in. If it is really cold I use the gore Tex socks and put the suit on over them. I have been in rapids, floating in the water, water skiing and have never had any issues with water coming through the bottom seek. The velcro on the bottom on the suit with or without booties keeps me extremely warm and safe. You can always blow in your suit and you will be super buoyant to float around. I have had my kokotat for 10 years now and have used it tons but taken care of it. Replaced the neck seal twice in ten years. Awesome suit, none better for quality and customer service!!

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

Between the scuba divers and the class V-VI whitewater runners, modern dry suits have been pretty well vetted. Calling them a "death bag" is maybe a little silly.

But if Gman doesn't like them then they can't be that good.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

you dont pee in a dry suit - really

work fine in flat water - not easy to swim (but mine was also the least expensive flavor) - like the R4 wetsuit much much better

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2100 Posts PNW Bigfoot

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

all im saying is that people put those dry suits through stuff like this, which is probably pretty good testing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b60xkTRm4ro&feature=related