what are the best options for dry suits?

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

love to here everyones thoughts. need to push into december.

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

http://pskite.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=163

Checkout this discussion on the PSKA forum

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

liking my ocean rodeo suit, nothing beats wearing nice dry fleece out to the beach and slipping into the suit without gettin nekkid. pretty damn flexible, kind of feels like your wearing your snow clothes.

If I never planned on kiting in sub 50 degree temps I'd stick with the wetsuit, but the drysuit feels safer for those real cold days.

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

Hi Phil, my name is Tom.
Is there a local Ocean Rodeo dealer or did you buy on-line?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Hi Tom, I went through Kite-Line.com

p.s. Do you like it really windy?

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

Thanks Phil!
You forum guys are so helpful. I'll tell my friends.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Any tall guys out there that ride in dry-suits? I am 6'4-6'5 ish and was looking at the Mystic suit and the Ocean Rodeo suit. Both of them come in a Large Tall, but it looks like it is only for guys up to like 6'1". Would be good to try one out. Anyone know if there is anywhere local that has them in stock?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I have a kokatat suit from my kayaking days - not goretex (which would be nice) but pretty reasonable around $350 - i see they charge more super xxxx - so probably fit a mutant like you Jim Laughing

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1174

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

I have Ocean Rodeo LT. Got mine from Kite Line last year. I'm 5'11" and it's a bit long on me. Should have got the next size down, but with built in suspenders it works okay. Measured inseam at 29 inches. I agree with Phil, nice to have on those cold days.

-pat

colby · Since 23 Apr 2005 613 Posts Celebrity Photographer

my wetsuit is on it's deathbed so have been eyeballing the drysuits lately - here's some more options that just hit the market:

OR Pyro 'Surf' Dry Suit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcYBPvrgDn8

Mystic Drysuit: http://gokiting.com/proddetail.php?prod=mystic_ligtning&cat=23

Good thread on the topic over at PSKite.org: http://pskite.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=163&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

I would like to check these suits out to see if they puncture easily or how the zipper works. Years back in the early windsurf days drysuits were a known
cause of hypothermia and drowning. The suit would snag, get a hole, fill with water enabling the wearer to self rescue, losing insulation and floatation.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

I ordered my Pyro Surf last year when they were first released, but cancelled my order after waiting 3 months (OR was having problems with their fabric sealing) as the water was warming up. I am, however, ordering my suit again now. In all reality, the Pyro Pro that Henry and Phil have is probably better as it's more durable, but I want it to fit somewhat tight (so I can still wear boardshorts)!

I also researched the Mystic quite a bit, and it seems like most people weren't having problems, but the zipper is plastic... so take that into consideration.

Then as far as overall durabilty, that's been covered a shit ton on kiteforum. Some people think a hole/slash in the suit is going to 'cause it to fill up, but that's really not the case unless you've got a lot of air in the suit (not talking about the neutral buoyancy, drowning crap - just making you cold). Evan and all the other OR boys have lots to say about that.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Been real happy with my new OR Pyro Pro.

Pros:
- Changing without getting nekkid in and out of wet-wetsuit!
- Very warm even with thin layers underneath
- Flexible, easier to move my arms and shoulders than in my thick wetsuit
- Front zipper is easy to use, I can take the top off to go pee in 30 seconds
- Very nice standing around the beach in it, don't get nearly as cold standing in the wind in my wetsuit
- It gives you some extra flotation

Cons:
- Its a bit bulky/baggy, kind of feels like you are snowboarding... I would try to get as small a fit as possible
- More resistance in the water, I have a harder time body dragging upwind
- Can get some drip in ankle/wrist gaskets if you don't pull them on tight enough

I'd say if I only kited the ocean I'd just get a 5/4 with wind skin for my winter suit. But I want something that will work when the Columbia is in the 40's, and the air temp is too. Wetsuits only work for so long in those conditions and then hypothermia sets in.

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

phil, what are you wearing for booties with your pyro on the cold days? how much layering do you need underneath?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

So far I've just worn a real thin turtleneck and sweats. For booties I wore my same split toe oneill 3/2 booties. Haven't been out in the real cold stuff yet though.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I have about 12 days with the mystic suit and it has been a comfortable experience.
I don't notice it feeling baggy, however I do wear the dakine harness shorts over it.
I have experienced wet cuffs on occassions either from swimming in it or from hard impacts against the water, not sure which has done it. Very minimal water though.
In Seattle, it has started to get colder so I wear booties and gloves.
Both wrap tight around the cuffs so this prevents any water from entering.
You don't get cold like you do with a wetsuit when you are standing on the beach.
The Mystic has a rear entry style zipper, but I have always pulled it closed by myself.
I have never had a problem getting in or out of it. The drysuit allows me to get in that quick session and then go back to work.

sentone · Since 10 Feb 2006 66 Posts

what about the pyro surf.......seems like 2 birds 1 stone?????tight fit dry....last time i surfed the mainland the first 15 min was good fun after that things kinda stopped working.......vowed next time im exposed to cold to be prepared.....was hoping for a cross over surf... kite.... fish..hunt...suit and after reading about this suit to me the choice seemed......straight forward......maybe im not seeing the whole picture.....granted ive never seen one in person......anyone????? Question