Level 6 Emperor drysuit

[ScenicPaddler]

Looking at a dry suit as replacement for my 2 piece dry pants and paddling top.

Anyone has one of these, and what is your experience? Are they as durable as Level 6 claims...?
http://www.levelsix.com/store/index.php ... ysuit.html

[Todhunter]

I don't know about that particular model, but I have not been pleased with what I have seen of some of my friends' Level Six drysuits. If you're going to be spending that kind of money, I would say go for a Kokatat, if you can get it in the Netherlands.

[Peter K.]

At this risk of being disloyal to a local manufacturer, I would second Todd's opinion. Kokotat has a strong reputation for durability and I think that Palm (on your side of the Atlantic) has also stood up well.

The problem of course is that reputations are based on what was coming off the line 5 years ago and someone may have "value engineered" a product since.

[Paddle Power]

I'm a kokatat fan but I know someone who likes his level 6 Reign pants, the lower half of the suit you are interested.

[ScenicPaddler]

I know Kokatat is one of the best and is on top of my "wishlist", but the gore tex version is just too exensive for me and I'm not that keen on any of the "cheaper" Kokatat suits.

I need a tough and durable "expedition proof" suit with reinforcements at the knees and seat area.
The price difference between the Level 6 Emperor and Kokatat Meridian is about Euro 380,= (USD 500,=) which is a lot of money...

Just would like to know if anyone has used the new Level 6 Emporer...

If not the Level 6 suit than I might consider the Palm Stikine drysuit which has the same price level as the Level 6.

[ian123]

I don't know anything about palm but I would stay away from level six suits unless you re seriously strapped for cash. Lot's of leaky level 6 suits in my neck of the woods.

[GSG]

Just my opinion but a drysuit seems like the absolute last place you want to try and save money.

[Wendy]

Go to kayakacademy web site. They sell used Kokatat suits in excellent shape.