C-Forum

Hello,
Any thoughts on Kokatat vs. Bomber Gear dry suits? The Bomber Gear's a bit cheaper which means I could afford to get a relief zipper put in (which is a great help for a female paddler). Does anyone have experiece with Bomber Gear? Thanks for the info,

Anna

I don't have experience with either, but I'd assume that the Kokatat is superior. I've had friends with bomber gear drytops and apparently they leak pretty bad. I don't think they have much in the way of quality control. I'd go with the kokatat for the extra money. I think you'll be happier in the long run.
Will

Will is right! Kokatat is the bomb.

I think Kokatat is the way to go. I have a dry suit from them and it is the best I ever had.
They also have the good service...

Jan

Anna,

I have a Kokatat and it is great! More important than a relief zipper is in my opinion a drysuit with either integrated feet or built in latex booties. It really helps keep your feet dry and warm. My drysuit did not have themn originally and I just had it sent out to get some installed.

martin

one word... k-o-k-a-t-a-t

You won't be sorry...

(Forgot to mention... female version has drop bottom... which according to a freind put's a smile on her face)

HI Anna

Just to be different, I have a Stohlquist and I really like it!

Matt

Anna
I've had a kokotat dry suit for years and agree with others on the word "Quality". It has held up well for years. The coating on the nylon is first rate and hasn't broken down. I have blown out a neck gasket and bootie due to my care, but they were easily replaced. I totally agree that booties versus ankle gaskets is a no brainer, go with booties. I just bought a Kokotat drytop and look forward to ice out and getting it wet. I have also noticed Bomber gear frequently featured in close out marketers (sierra trading post)This usually indicates overstock, cause people aren't buying or quality control issues.
My two cents.
Pat

Pat.... does your drysuit have the optional drop botttom as well? I know the New Englander's like that union suit look... makes things (#2) easier too I'd guess... heee heee!

I spent the big $$$ on a top of the line Kokatat with integral nylon footies, a relief zipper, and Gortex. It has definitely been worth every penny- especially since I am:
a) a popsicle b) coffee adict c) sweaty pig

I'm not looking forward to the day i forget to re-zip the relief zipper

Man, that happened to me once!! S&$%§!, I was surfing this hole on a german river, right at the put in. It was -4 deg C (that must be something like -400 deg F) and early in the morning. I was sidesurfing and thought to myself "man, thats some pretty cold water". I surfed on and then it was really cold on my legs and in some other places. I slowly realized (hey, it was early in the morning) that something was wrong.
The day was over quite early. Even getting out of the boat was interesting cause my legs were kinda heavy

On the river, Jan

Hello Anna,

I have a Kokatat drysuit and absolutely love it. I wish that I had gotten the "drop bottom"...but they can retrofit those. Not sure how much that option costs initially, but I can assure you it will be worth it.
The suit has held up great even with cold fingers trying to yank off tight ankle gaskets...and kept me toasty warm. I don't have experience with Bomber Gear, but this one is great.

It was worth every penny!

Anita

Subject: FS - Kokatat Meridian drysuit
From: s000bee@aol.com (Sue)
Date: 2/16/04 9:53 AM Mountain Standard Time
Message-id: <87868ad6.0402160853.2f3e5b02@posting.google.com>

FOR SALE - LIKE NEW $150 obo - Kokatat Meridian drysuit, size women's
medium, w/attached neoprene booties, cobalt blue. This suit has been
worn less than 5 times and is literally like new. Neck and wrist
gaskets have been regularly treated with 303 protectant and are in
excellent condition. Located in Dayton Ohio, but will ship anywhere
in US. If interested, contact me at s000bee@aol.com