I want to comment on the excellent customer service that I received from Kadir at AquaSkinz. I received an original Evo for Christmas 2003. I wore my jacket for the first time about a month ago and I loved it. The second time I wore it was during a rain storm and I was completely soaked after wearing it. Needless to say I was very upset about this and I contacted AquaSkinz. They said to send it back and they would evaluate it. In less than a week after sending it back I received a new Evo2 as a warranty replacement for my original jacket. The whole process of dealing with Kadir was a pleasure and I would highly recommend AquaSkinz as a company that stand by its products.

Steve

They do take their business seriously. They tour often with all the clubs so they know so many people personally too.

Do you have any idea why it was leaking? Im just curious because I was probably going to buy one soon.

There was a manufacturing defect but I don't anything more than that. I expected to not have use of the jacket for a good part of the season and I was pleasantly surprised by the incredibly fast turn-around.

Kadir is a Class Act................I love my AquaSkins.

I hope I do not upset anyone with this question. While I do not have the pleasure of owning one yet, I do have a few questions.

1. Has anyone compared them price/quality/etc to other dry-top manufactures?

2. What is everyone's vote on Evo2 vs Hurricane or Rampage? I haven't tried on one of the Hurricane or Rampage jackets, but was very pleased with the Evo I tried.

I am thinking Evo, maybe a size larger than I need to add a layer if needed.

I am looking to try Kayak fishing and have to go with something other than my Grundens currently.

I know most people use their waders, but anyone know of good quality dry pants? something other than heavy grundens?

I wore the Grundens fishing in the rain some this past week and got real warm and sweaty - thankfully it was cool weather.

any advise is welcome.
-IWK

The neoprene is definitely for colder weather. I hear they can keep you warm even in the coldest weather. The EVO2 tops are breathable which is nice.

I tried to save money by getting a Kayaking splash top through a discount online outdoor site. These splash tops fit SO small! I normally wear an XL so I bought a splash top in XXL and it was so tight I couldnt even get in on with just a t-shirt on. The quality varies as well with the various brands. I hear nothing but good things about the Aquaskinz.

Kadir and Alberto know many anglers as well so their reputation is always on the line. They are some fishermen too!

I've sold a bunch of them and that was the only one that came back for any reason other than a size swap.
Who knows why? Probably some fabric anomaly.
I don't know about other dry tops....the yak craze is major though.

Disclaimer...I am helping the Aquaskinz guys out with marketing here in MA.

That being said...I have all three tops and have worn all in various conditions. Aquaskinz suggest air temps of 50 Degrees and below for the Hurricane and that is the word of god. Last year at the MV Derby I fished the Hurricane in 54 degree weather with only a tee shirt under...too warm for me. A few nights later the same in 46 degree weather...I felt great. 50 Degrees should be your guage when choosing either the EVO2 or the Hurricane.

I love the Rampage but it is a splash top. I think it is perfect for jetty and boat fishing in severe weather. I wore it in the surf at Plum Island two weeks ago and the swells breaking up at me from knees to waste were getting me wet.

Sounds like the EVO is a go for me.

I will go a little large and add a sweatshirt of the temps drop and I need to stay dry.

In how cold of weather do you think you can wear the EVO?

If you layer under your Evo 2 with a poly long sleeve shirt on and a thin fleece over that, you'll be comfortable through most of October.

I have that Hodgman undergarmet wading system - that is very good. Or you could just get some no name poly stuff from Campmor.
The key is to get some kind of wicking undergarmet and to upgrade your hat in cold weather.
Time for a product plug....
I still have the X-Large in stock which I hear is getting in short supply some places...I have all the sizes with the exception of the small - which I have little call for.
I also have some Evo leftovers in size Large cheap.
Aquaskinz Page (http://surfcasting-rhodeisland.com/Aquaskinz.htm)

http://www.aquaskinz.com/images/evo2big.jpg

Does the original EVO breath like the new one?

I've been using a HElly Hansen zip top which has been great. Only problem is the velcro on the sleeves will let waves throw water up the sleeve, wetting my arms. I wish there was soemthing I could do to make them tighter.

The Evo I does not breath. Still, I find mine very comfortable, I'm still wearing last year's model. Breathable fabrics only work if what you are wearing under breath as well.

Both the Evo I and II have an internal and external neoprene sleeve that prevents water from riding up the arm. Here's some pixs
External
http://surfcasting-rhodeisland.com/StoreImages/aquaaskinz_sleeve_external.jpg
Internal
http://surfcasting-rhodeisland.com/StoreImages/aquaaskinz_sleeve.jpg

Joe,

So if I normally wear an XL, and I layer a lot, should I get a XXL in the EVO II?
I've noticed you have good prices on your jackets, so you can expect an order from me soon.

Thanks.

I'd just get the XL...The Evo II are cut more generously than the Evo I were.
You're not going to get wet and you are sealed against wind - so you are well protected. I found that when fishing at night, when it was around 45 degrees, with a thin poly long sleeve shirt and a thin polartec pullover under my Evo I, I was plenty fine.
If you get one and it don't fit - ship it back with the tags still on it and I'll send out another for free.

Thanks for the recognition SteveK! Hope you like the new one. It is our belief that customer service is an integral part of any reputable business. We are by no means a "large" company but we do our best to provide the same benefits of dealing with the larger companies without the hassle that ususally accompanies the experience.

As so many have said here and before this thread, we are avid fisherman and love the sport. Our business venture came about due to our love for fishing and our wish to have better equipment so that we could enjoy what we were doing even more.

We strive to make the best possible piece of equipment in our category and although we have competition from many different manufacturers, and are not as big as them, we will put our quality workmanship, client satisfaction, customer service and R&D against any of the bigger, better funded companies. Even though we are little guy on the block.... so to speak ;)

As in all manufacturing there is always a small percentage (usually 5-7%) that will fail for one reason or another and in our case it is even less than that. We try very, very hard to maintain our quality controls and as most of our users know, we try make our line with the best possible materials and workmanship. If there is failure due to a manufacturing flaw, we stand behind our products as SteveK can attest to.

BP is right on with the temperature range...above 50 degrees go with the EVO2 with maybe a sweatshirt...below go with the Hurricane or Rampage. The Rampage is a splash top and you can get water in through the neck line but the wrists have seals (single)...great boat, jetty or beach jacket where you are not exposed to breaking waves over your head or you are not deep wading.

The EVO2 & Hurricane have seals in the neck and are double sealed (as Joe pointed out) on the wrists....you will stay dry.

Purple Noon: Due to an overwhelming demand, we went against our own knowledge and made the EVO2 breathable. The truth is breathable is not going to stay breathable in the salt forever, it was never intended for saltwater applications. To make the EVO2 breathable we incurred a great amount of expense but did not pass that on to our valued dealers and they in turn did not have to pass it on to their valued customers. All the jackets should be washed with fresh water and mild soap regularly to extend the breathability/life span but it will stay waterproof no matter what. The original was not breathable and in my opinion it worked well, I never got hot in it (but then again, 95% of my fishing is at night).

The other important thing is our jackets are made with a lot of different applications in mind and designed and cut accordingly. As you mentioned, the tops you got were small for their sizes, we are the only dry top manufacturer that has the full cuts. This is due to the fact that our range of motion has to be more free than say just kayaking. We are not sitting when we use this top (like kayakers), we almost always are on our feet and the top has to allow for the casting motion. The tops can be used for kayaking, surf, baot or fly fishing....pick your pleasure and go enjoy yourself. If you were a XL for example, you would be okay with an XL...there will be enough room for layering, believe me.

JohnH: :happy: What's up bud? Hope to see you soon...I feel the C calling me....:D

Anyway, thanks again to all and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks to all for your support and tight lines.

Kadir aka: Rock Hopper

I am in the process of loosing a lot of weight. Guess I am still just a little too big for an XL in Aquaskinz. No big deal I will pick up a 2x the next time I come across one.

Can't afford both, so I will go with an EVO2 for now and save up for a hurricane maybe for the late fall adventures. Truth be told, I couldn't fish last year in the late fall or early fall for health reasons. And last year was my 1st real year fishing. So this year I might NEED a hurricane in the fall.

I have fallen in love with the product. I haven't heard of a single complaint. I take that back, I heard one that was rectified immediately (this thread). And no one can point out a product that even holds a candle to Aquaskinz. So I got to go ahead and bite the bullet and buy the EVO2 - no more excuses.

Now who will get my business - with so many options. :D

-IWK

IWK: I think you will be very happy with your decision and keep the focus my friend, there are a lot of fish out there and a lot places to catch em:D You gotta be healthy and be well to enjoy it before anything.....that is what is important.

Good luck! If you need any help, give a shout. And thanks for the positive words, that is appreciated!

Kadir

Hmmmm Skinz :D ... Was wearing my Hurricane at the Rhody Leg and while I could taste saltwater for the next two days I stayed bone dry... No complaints - love the product.... 'Course now I need to get an Evo :D

Originally posted by JohnR
Hmmmm Skinz :D ... Was wearing my Hurricane at the Rhody Leg and while I could taste saltwater for the next two days I stayed bone dry... No complaints - love the product.... 'Course now I need to get an Evo :D

Team Grey Seal Rides Again