bomber stohlquist palm...what should i get?

When in comes to dry tops there all hit and miss. IR sucks and Level Six sucks. But they look good and if the waters not that could you can deal with it. Patagonia is usally a safe bet but damn pricey. Sorry no idea about stolquist and I heard kokataks not bad.

If you are looking for cheap go Bomber Gear and check sierra trading post or ebay. if you want quality go for brands like patagonia or kokatat I hear the high end IR and NRS is good and havent heard to much about palm, level six or stohlquist.

ive got a peak shortie semi dry, latex arms, double waist, neoprene neck, it rocks hard, and underneath i wear an IR polar tech thermal, i dont even notice the small amount of water that gets in

definetly look at PEAK uk stuff its WICKED, awesome, cool, amazing, etc

[color=cyan:f915d6f1cf]I don't know any of the other brands. I've got 3 Palm dry tops and am still happy. They work for me. No complaints [/color:f915d6f1cf]

I've got a palm full dry cag and I've never had any problems with it, always keeps me dry and warm Annnnnd it wasn't amazingly pricey either.

[quote:43a1fde502]ive got a peak shortie semi dry, latex arms, double waist, neoprene neck, it rocks hard, and underneath i wear an IR polar tech thermal, i dont even notice the small amount of water that gets in

definetly look at PEAK uk stuff its WICKED, awesome, cool, amazing, etc[/quote:43a1fde502] I think thats right. My friends got a peak shortie and you actually dont notice the water that does get in. Plus it looks really cool

Wow, canyaker. \"Level Six Sucks\" is a hard quote to swallow. I know since we have switched to a new 3ply fabric about 4 years ago we have had a great response to our Drytop line. We have had great reviews from our athletes and many international magazines who have tested it.
If you have any concerns over our line please feel free to contact me directly.
[mail address protected from spambots with javascript]

thanks
stig

The Kokatat Knappster in Paclite Gore-tex is super comfortable and very lightweight. Leaks some in larger holes, but hey ... it's a summertime semi-dry top. Well worth if for the comfort. Except for the nice double-tunnel skirt seal, it feels like wearing t-shirt!
My favorite piece of paddling wear

I second the Kokatat, great company that doesn't outsource production and makes a great product. Also look at Mountain Surf, small company that makes an expensive but superb product. Worth the money, but it'll last longer and John is nice to deal with.

If you want cheap, go Bomber gear- get them discounted now that they're out of business @ Sierra Trading Post

Hey Stig,
O.K. so saying Level six sucks is a little much. What I will say is the tops look good, function well, middle of the road pricing and the customer service is excellent. As far as the material, I have to say my top is no good, bought 3 years ago and worn about 15 times now(maybe the shop screwed me) It was factory retaped and still not up to standard I think. As far as \"drytops\" go I know to expect some leakage( I paddle about 60 days a year) but from day one it was like wearing a splash top. I try not to take sponsored athlete reviews or magazine reviews to seriosly since the athletes get free swag or $$$ to promote the stuff. How many magazines have you ever seen give a bad review on something. I think these forums are the best spot for info or on the river when you see the gear you want. Unfortunatley I don't hear great stuff on the river about Level Six. Maybe hit a popular playspot one day undercover and see what people say. Sorry for the first quick review, it could have been better.
Happy Paddling

its kinda obvious that IR is one of the best cus they are one of the biggest companies out there. the best shorty by them is prolly the session 2.5....it doesnt keep water out as easily as the comp....but its more comftorable. the comp has all the features as the semi condition drytop...cept for the bicep...it has a strip of latex on it which keeps water out really well...same with the neck....its just a hassle having to get it on.

Just because a company is big doesn't meen it good. I have an IR full conditions top right now and would not recommend it to anyone. 4 paddles and it's no longer waterproof.

well it has to be good if its one of the biggest companies in the world right now...otherwise it prolly wouldnt be showing up at competitions and other events...and people like Jimi Blakeney and a couple other big and young guns wear only IR....im just saying it from my perspective

Big companies can afford to loose money for a few years before they go belly up. They can afford to sponsor guys cause they are big. They don't have to make good stuff just cool stuff. Look at confluence and all of the problems that have happened with Wavesport boats after the buy out. It is a bug company with horrible quality control. I work in a shop and have cut up a number of boats this year that were unsafe to paddle.

Stating that a companies size equates the quality of their product is a pretty ignorant statement. Wal-Mart is one of the largest in the world, and everything they produce is crap, which everyone knows but doesn't seem to slow things down.

Well said!!! Thanks