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which decent dry top?
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which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14299

I am looking for a new dry top. My one long sleeved top I stored slightly damp when I went overseas for a month and the material was damaged and it's not very waterproof now. My other one is still awesome but the seals on the neck and wrists are gone. I'm trying to find a place to fix that.

I'm off to Scandanavia for a month and need to buy another top and was thinking of buying from Colorado Kayak as they have been great in the past to me and some other people I know.

www.coloradokayak.com/Store/Dry-Tops

NRS Revolution.
IR Comp LX.
Stohlquist Freefall.
Kokatat Rogue Drytop (just pretty expensive)
IR X Jacket (also fairly pricey)

Any recommendations? Advice? Experiences? What about sizing? I have pretty broad shoulders. Do the individual websites have some sort of sizing chart? I wouldn't buy from the UK as it turns out more expensive for me and in any case, CKS have been very fast and helpful when I bought something else from them. Thanks in advance! :grin: Cheers

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14307

I used to have a comp LX, but now I have an x-jacket. The comp LX is good, but the neoprene neck gasket is not quite as dry as the latex. The x-jacket is made of a nice hefty, but still supple fabric. I'm pretty sure the x-jacket can accomadate white, shoulders as I'm not super narrow myslef. The material is also really light, so it works well if you need to pack it away in your boat. It has limited points of adjustment to reduce bulk. I would recomend it, I don't necessarily beleive that seam sealed is far superior though. It's a good piece of gear. ( I got it at 65% off, so mony was not an issue)

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14310

If I was you, I would go for the revolution. I have one and love it, as well as knowing many others who feel the same. They are just as nice as the more expensive kokatats, and cost a lot less. I also have fairly broad shoulders, but I fit fine, the one thing I would say is if you are between sizes or a little big, go for the next size up, it gives you a nice free range of mobility. Hope this helps.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14313

I have a Kokatat Rogue drytop. It is a good drytop, but I am not sure if it's worth the money. This is my second drytop (the first one was some cheap semidry crap one), so I haven't tried other than these two. I imagine you will get other drytops that are better value for money than this one.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14319

I think the beauty of the Kokatat is how long it will last. It will still be dry years longer than most others on the market because it's made of good material and has quality workmanship. Two main reasons it's more expensive, 1 is Gore-Tex, but that means it's more breathable and you can return it for any reason if you aren't happy with it.
2 Kokatat doesn't outsource, meaning they are paying regular wages for people to make these locally, instead of having them made at sweatshops overseas. No Kokatat affiliation here, but stoked on their product and quality as a company.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14326

is Gore-Tex, but that means it's more breathable and you can return it for any reason if you aren't happy with it.


If you are looking for a good, long- lasting goretex drytop, you can get a Palm for around 100 bucks cheaper than its kokatat equivalent. Don't get me wrong, I think kokatats are great, but unless you are sponsored by them, they are pretty overpriced.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14330

Check out PeakUK, now availble in the US. And you get factory direct pricing.

www.peakukus.com/pc-25-2-deluxe-long.aspx

Extremely waterproof and very breathable. US reviews should be out soon.

Take care,

Ken
PeakUK

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14338

The rogue is the way to go. My Kokatat top has lasted for about 6 years. I paddle at least twice a week almost all year and the top is still going strong. You get what you pay for. I have a friend who bought a Kokatat drytop from the late 80's off another friend and it still works with no flaws. Original gaskets no leaks.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14342

Thanks for the replies guys... :grin: Internet been down so I've been pretty quiet. :ask:

Nathan, I wasn't aware that the IR Comp LX was not a latex sealed thing. I would only use a latex seal on neck and wrists. Thanks.

Seems, it's going to be a tough choice. Gore-Tex is an awesome material, I have some hiking and trekking boots lined with G-Tex, incredibly waterproof. I'll have to sleep on it and see what tickles my fancy and if I'm prepared to fork out that much cash on such a piece of kit. :think: hmmmmm

The life of a dry top is something to consider as well. Sounds good taliesin38.

PeakUK seem to be very cool. A mate of mine, another Adrian, has one and is super happy with his.

:sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep:

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14344

Hey Adrian,

I've got a Peak UK Deluxe and a Reed Cag .

Both are very water-tight and have great waist-closing systems. The only difference is in the material really. The Peak UK is made from tough nylon and Cordura whereas the Reed is made from their stretchy Aquatherm fabric. The Reed is much more flexible and lighter than the Peak UK, but I think the Peak UK would stand up better to thorns and snags.

The seals on the Reed stuff are non-latex, but you send your measurements when ordering so what you get will fit you perfectly and be dry.

I've also just recently got a Bomber Hydrology . It seems great, but I haven't really used it enough to offer a decent opinion.

Cheers,
Ross

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14417

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Ive been using Peak cags for years of abusive creeking in UK and Alps held up well currently an X3 delux very heavy durty breathable material and quite light. I have a choice of whatever cag I want and deal with most compaines, but the peak ones give a great cut last well and nicely priced and good customer service

Reed pretty cool if you do snag the material it leaks, but it will be warmer when wet as it has a fleece layer bonded on the inside!

Palm DO NOT USE Gore they use there own material which works well.
Goretex is very over rated and expensive due to the ammount of advertising they spend on it and so many manufacturers use it due to the NAME brand. Palm stopped using it as it was too expensive and delaminated.

Dont you own a Palm cag at the minute? if so you could get a newer one posted and it wouldnt be a risky gamble on the size????

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14621

Check the Hiko Maelstrom. Made in Sympatex. Dry, warm and lightweight

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 3 months ago #14631

I got the NRS Revolution drytop. Local shop was having a sale and I got one for $179 US. It's cut right for my shoulders and allows me to layer enough to be warm without being too bulky. Lack of a pocket didn't affect me as my life jacket has two, and I didn't think I'd use it being down a layer. It's built well and has proved snag proof so far.

If money was no option, I might go for the Kokotat or the Stolquist, but then the money I saved will go towards a new carbon fiber stick. Good luck with your choices.

Eric

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14722

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm deciding between the NRS Revolution and the Kokatat Rogue. Saw a Kokatat this weekend and am impressed with the quality. But still deciding.

Question: I measured my chest as 44.5 inches and waist as 37. They reckon the large is 44-46 for the chest (for the Kokatat) and 36-38 for the waist. I'm wondering if the large would be spot on. When I try jackets or jerseys on most of the time it's large or extra large. Waist i'm not worried about but the sleeves are often too short. Maybe the XL? Any recommendations? Thanks. ;)

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14724

Hey Adrian

My Kokatat top is a Large (I think) and the arm length is fine. It has quite a lot of space around the chest and waist. But them I'm quite skinny.

If you want to check it out let me know.

Neil

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14726

Just check if it's a large. You're a little taller than me but yeah, skinnier :grin: Hmmm, maybe the extra large. I'll see if anyone else replies. Whats your chest measurement and how much spare room do you have? Shot.:D

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14740

yeah, I'd go for the XL. Too much mobility can't hurt, but too little definitely can.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14767

I checked mine is a Large. My chest is 38 and I have quite a lot of space but not tons. I think you might meed to go for the XL.


Going to Gatsien this Sat (maybe Sun as well), I'll bring it along.

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14769

Cool, thanks. Maybe the XL then. Are you going for the whole day on Saturday? I might be coming through but the girlfriend is moaning that I'm never at home on the weekends... Sound familiar? :ask: I might do an early morning mission or later in the afternoon. Karl M. is very keen to go, he's picking up his largo Solo (no hatch - yellow) in Parys. I'll sms you later :roflol:

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #14822

So I decided I only live once and won't be taking any money to the grave so I just ordered the Kokatat Rogue in yellow, XL. Let's if it's worth the money... :ask: Now I hopefully won't freeze in Europe.. :lol:

I also ordered another dry top for Scottyr on the same order so we're splitting the shipping cost (55 US) so it works out a wee bit cheaper that way. Let's see if they have stock of both items and what the import tax at the post office will be like! :skull: Standby... :grin:

Thanks again for the replies, hope the XL is the right size for me ;-)

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15044

Well, Scotty and I have had the unfortunate situation of being totally SCREWED over at customs. They have detained our goods and now require clearance. I got a mate of mine's dad, who owns a freight company, to get the best prices. Basically it works out like this. One Kokatat Rogue and another dry top that cost 678.95 US Dollars including postage and packaging is now costing a grand total of, wait for, apply KY jelly in the appropriate spot, wait, drum roll, 1113 US Dollars. So my normally 400 dollar dry top will now be 710 US!!!!!! I can't believe it! 40 % import tax and another 14% on the value of the goods.

I'll soon be the proud owner of the most expensive dry top ever?! Any challengers? I can't believe it. I am so p***ed off. When I bought my Strutter it was super cheap, the import tax was no hassles. They stop a package every now and then and then nail you, and there's nothing you can do. Pretty unfair! :cursing: :bitching: :bitching: :bitching: :bitching: :bitching: :skull: :arghhh: :angry: :angry: :anger: :anger:

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15046

That sucks big time.
Is the XL the correct size?

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15047

nortis wrote:

That sucks big time.
Is the XL the correct size?


I have no idea Neil. They will only give them to me once my clearing agent has filled out the SAD500 form and once I've paid and then when I collect it another R30 or so. Not bad for a R5000 dry top!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15055

Chr*st, unlucky Adrian, i feel sorry for you mate...although you've got some sweet water nearby to try it out on...if it's any constalation.

;)

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15057

Oh sh*t what a rip off:stop:.Go rob the post office and you wont have to pay anything;).I feel sorry for you:(

It would need to fit you at that price,And keep you dam dry and maybe take you out for a drink,Well thats going a bit far.You get the point

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15060

Well, for that price it better make me feel good, massage my back and shoulders, cook food... errrr, better stop before I really put my foot in it ;-)Pity about it. Should lock it up at the safe at home here now.. :lol:

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15063

You should put it in a frame and hang it on the wall:lol:.You would be afraid to use it incase it gets wet:roflol:.

There should be a Playak hall of fame and the top should be in it:yes:

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15066

it's quite tricky with the sleeves - so personal. Although I prefer to try everything on once I got a drytop from my wife who bought it in the States without me - patagonia/lotus - still using, and the sleeves are pretty tight along my arms so maybe it's the choise as you don't want to fill yourself in a sleeping pajamas on the water do you///

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15072

That sucks, Adrian. It can be hit or miss here in Ireland as to whether you get charged import tax or not. One way of getting around it here (if the company you're buying from is cool with it) is to ask them to mark the package as a gift or not mark it at all.

Hope it serves you well anyway.

Cheers,
Ross

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Re:which decent dry top? 18 years 2 months ago #15073

I mailed Colorado Kayak before I bought the stuff and asked them to reduce the value. They ignored me. Fair enough they are doing it above board. However, they have more than once helped out another mate of mine here in SA and said on the box, promotional goods and had a very low value. Maybe they didn't like my directness. At least they still got my business. Next time I'll see what I can organise before hand.

Should have bought the NRS Revolution through Tuomas at a good price and would have picked it up from him, no tax, no hassles. NEXT TIME! I'll let you know what happens. Might get it today or tmrw.

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