Mosied on down to the NYSF show in Freeport, NY (Long Island) and had a chance to ogle the new Aquaskinz products that should hit retailers’ shelves in April.

Just jotting down my notes while my memory is fresh.

Evolution Dry Top Re-vamped This lightweight drop top has been modified – the torso is now made of blue cordura nylon. There is also reinforcing material on the elbows. The anticipated benefit here is improved abrasion resistance on the rocks. Also, a change to the chest pocket – there is a zipper seal now. Looks great, too bad it’s gonna take a while for my first pair of Evolutions to wear out. ;)

No discernable change to the Hurricane neoprene dry top

New Rampage Splash Top. This is Aquaskinz’s answer to the neoprene Bronco jacket for non-immersive activities. Single cuff seals (vs. the double seals on the Evolution and Hurricane dry tops). No neck seal (zipper goes from chest to neck). Nifty removable hood.

Large surf bag. FINALLY GOT TO FONDLE THIS! Bottom line, it looks like it’s gonna give the Surfcaster’s Ultimate Surf Bag a run for its money. Ten (sorry Kadir) large (and tall!) rectangular compartments molded to a reinforced bottom tray (which sport drainage holes). Loops for bucktails. This thing is reinforced in the handle and on the bottom of the bag. The bottom fabric has metal grommets in the drainage holes. This thing is built like a brick chithouse – it feels lighter than the Surfcaster Ultimate Surf Bag (due to lighter inserts) and, last I checked, may be priced similarly.

Small surf bag. Schweet! Three large rectangular compartments and room for plastics and bucktails. This is a skisher’s bag or a travel light death-march bag. The most nifty feature of this bag is the quick-detach Velcro straps that allow you to move or remove the bag without taking off your wader belt. If my memory serves me correctly, this bag should be priced at less than half the large surf bag.

Large belt pouch Think large wallet/flat fanny pouch you can attach to your wader belt. I WANT ONE! :devil:

Eel Bag. This is a mesh bag that can attach to the wader belt. Rock Hopper indicated to me that the bag can store up to 10 rigged eels.

I noticed that the website has been updated with the new product lines if you wanna browse:

http://www.aquaskinz.com

That’s all my notes for now…you can ogle the wares firsthand at the forthcoming RISAA and MSBA shows in March. Happy shopping! :hihi:

-WW

And, the product line comes with glowing testimonials from 7 real heavyweights :laughs:

Well, 6 heavyweights and yours truly :hihi:

I can tell ya, this stuff works and it's top-shelf quality and workmanship all the way. You could get knocked arse over teakettle by a wave and the flap on that surf bag will positively never come undone. The plugs are as secure as they could be inside.

Another nice feature of the bag is, the inserts for tins or jigs are sewn along the inside. One bad feature of most plug bags is that the inserts are on the outside, and the hooks on the lures in those sewn-on inserts can get caught on the Velcro and fall into the drink when you lift the flap. The bags are as light as a Canyon bag but the inserts are much sturdier and should be much more durable.

They definitely raised the bar on quality fishing products. As the bar goes higher, my banking account sinks to new depths. These are what I call "gotta have" items. Wasn't written in stone but I think they said the large bag would go for approx. $130.00 and the smaller one for approx. $75.00.

i checked out the updated site yesterday. :drool: must buy more stuff! :D

Hello Guys,

Wow, what a weekend! Great turn out for the NY Federation show in Freeport and many other things on the personal front; very, very busy.

Thanks to all that made to show and for sharing your time and thoughts with us as well as all your positive comments!!

Steve, I want you to know that the Evolution is not "out dated" it had gone through a color change and material change due to intense demand from last year. As far as quality on the original to the new, there is no difference. They are still equivalent, so don't feel like you are getting a lesser product. If you can live without the inner pocket and elbow guards, you are in good shape.

As for the Weewee's report, thanks WW! The "Rampage" (new jacket) is going to be a kick a$$ jacket for those guys who do mostly boating and for the other segment of the fishing community that does a l ot of bait.

The Hurricane has not changed much with the exception of Kevlar elbow and fore-arm protectors (which wasn't displayed at the show).

The bags are going to be really liked by you guys...we did a lot of homework and put in a lot of thought for funtionality, durability, comfort etc...

The large surf bag actually has 10 square inserts (not 8). The inserts are going to be the best available in the market place!! They have a larger inner diameter than most bags you have used (they easily fit you fattest plugs and you won't have trouble with length either...wait till you see them!!). The tubs have strength,flex and are made with some real expensive stuff. The trays are molded around the tubes and will drain easily.

You folks are going to love them.

The accessories are all made with a purpose and will be funtional (not just for show.)

We hope to bring you guys (and gals) the best made, most user freindly and functional equipment we can.

It is our belief that you can only perform as good as your tools will allow!

Good luck and see you soon in either RISSA or MSBA!!

If you want to get a sneak peak....check out the new web site: www.aquaskinz.com

Once again, thank you for your interest and continued support.

Regards,

Kadir aka: Rock Hopper

Any chance the bags will be available at the MSBA show?

NG,

I believe they will be. I am getting order requests for everything already and the dealers doing the show should have their stock by then:)

Kadir

Kadir,

We need them at the EDGE ASAP!

The little guy (IRON MIKE) has money burning a hole in his pocket. :D

DOH! :smash: There goes the April food budget. :hihi:

Originally posted by Newell Guy
Any chance the bags will be available at the MSBA show?

Dave is a plug-bag ho. :laughs:

Tattoo,,

As soon as I get a order I will do my best to fulfill it. As for Mike, what's new:confused: :D .

Don't worry weewee, think about all the money that goes back into the food budget from the fish your going to catch. It'll even out ;)

Kadir

Originally posted by fishweewee
Dave is a plug-bag ho. :laughs: :laughs: :laughs: look who is talkin:laughs: :laughs:

to get more stuff.....

RAMPAGE!!!!:eek: i want.

Large bag needs more velcro and a buckle to swim with. Its heavy. I prefer belt loops instead of clips. Just my opinion.

Bassomatic,

Your opinion is appreciated. I can assure you that the bag has plenty of velcro..it's also going to have a clip on the closure....with the ample velcro already there.

As far as the belt loops as concerned, the clips on the attached "D" rings are a much better alternative. They are heavy duty and won't come off. Plus, they are easier to take off and put on and much friendlier to the user.

We think we have the right design. If there is room for improvement, we would always look at it again.

Thanks for your input!

Kadir aka: Rock Hopper

If I normally wear XL, would I get the Aquaskins tops in XL or larger to permit layering?

Thanks!

Best to try one on in the store.

Depends on which top. The lighter weight Evolution - you could be an XL or XXL.

The heavier "Hurricane" neoprene tops are cut bigger - you're more likely a large if you wear an XL Evolution.

Again, try one on in the store.