Looking to spend no more ten a $100 for a simple light weight summer top. I'm all set for the cold weather and deep wading. Read a ton and narrowed it down to NRS PowerHouse and the Grundens Brigg 34. I probably will wade out to my lower chest.

Like the pocket on the NRS. Wish it had a hood.

Like the hood feature on the Brigg, but does it have a pocket and will it still be too warm for the summer?

Know all about and tried on the Simm's and Aquaskinz products, however, not looking to go over $100 for this application. Any thoughts greatly appreciated - Thanks!

I have the NRS Endurance splash top.For $65 you just can't beat it.Just a tshirt underneath and its great for warm weather.

Neither is truly designed for submerging though.

I think the Brigg 34 will be way too heavy for summer wear.
I have the Petrus 762 Hooded Waterproof Shirt(Grundens) that works well in the warmer months.Got it a few years back but I'm sure it was under $100.

Go to cabela's an go in there sales area.they always have some nice goretex tops on sale for less than a hundy.i like the goretex in the summer months.I usually where a splash top to keep my smokes dry.when I finally quit i can go back to fishing naked.
Goretex is ok in salt for like 2 yrs.u gotta rinse em or when the salt dry's the crystals cut the micro fiber of the goretex an ruin it.I have one thats about 12 yrs old.its not really good in the rain but as a splash top works fine.I keep sayin i will get a new one but haven't yet.
The Briggs is a nice top fleece lined it kinda gets funky when the fleece gets wet(over ur waiste).But its mt favorite in the cooler months as the neopreme cuffs keep the rollers out of my sleeves.

Grudens Petrus 763 is Grudens latest splash top (2005). Cross between the 34 and the 762.

Thanks for the responses. Looks like the Brigg is too hot. NRS is still on the table.

NIB, I looked at the all the gortex stuff at Cabela's in the special edition catalog and the website - it's official, I'm now blind. There was a ton of stuff, and in the end I think I will be getting it quite wet and everthing thing I saw was a jacket type. I noticed you have one like Redsox Ticket (read on).

Redsox Ticket, I reviewed your post on the Petrus 763 and I'm quite intertested: http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=23695

Based on your post I looked at the 762 again in the Surfcaster. If the 763 is even better, I think I'm getting close to picking one up. It looks like you got it and used it last season. How far did you push the envelope with this?

Thanks again, Chris

On the one i have it says 343 on the tag in the jacket.It is a lighter weight rubber wit a hood neopreme cuffs like a 7 inch zipper wit a flap behind it.it is fleece lined on the inside which makes it nice when its chilly.it has a pocket wit 2 buttons.An it has a draw string on the bottom.Its a pullover like the eureka in the SC cat.Its all rubber no fleece on top.Trust me on the goretex get urself the most simple one they have.I don't really use the pockets.sometimes the butt of the rod gets hung on em.real comfy in the summer months like u don't have anything on.

Chris in MA, The Grudens jacket that I refered to is called "SUND JACKET WITH HOOD" model 763.
Note that I called it "PETRUS" which is incorrect. It looks like the Petrus 762 but with the PVC & laminated material of the SUND 760. The grudens web site su#$ks does not have it posted except for a picture referenced from the link "new products".

763 Sund Jacket with hood:
100% waterproof pullover with a hood,
Zipper (7") w/ waterproof interior guard,
Fleece lined/the hood is also lined, soft light weight PVC,
Neoprene storm cuffs,
Pull cords on the hood and waist,
Double button breast pocket.

It kept me dry from crashing waves over the head at Phanthom beach spot #2 with the hood cinched tight and wading at spot # 5 w/o overhead waves. The possibility is still there for a little water entering around the face but over all it suits me fine just cinch hood tight.
This jacket is a meduim weight and will cover the cold temps. (w/ appropiate layering) and the warm temperatures. Those warm nights are not as warm as you think during the wee hours at the waters edge.
However, I prefer a similar lighter jacket for those "very" warm nights but you can still hang in tough with a wicking under layer.

Chris in MA, The Grudens jacket that I refered to is called "SUND JACKET WITH HOOD" model 763...

:uhuh: Sold. I like the feel of the NRS PowerHouse and I was a little concerned with a fiber lining. However, Grunden's Hood along with yours and NIB's post put me over. Heres one site that I found the Sund 763 http://www.chesapeakerowing.com/grundens/Sund763.html Your utlization is pretty much what I'm looking for, and I'm not too concerned with a little water if I end up pushing the envelope on some nights. Now the task of sizing! I'll start with your suggestion of Wilcox's in Galliee in Rhode Island or New Bedford Ship Supply so I can try it on. Thanks again guys :kewl:

That is the 0ne i have.Sizing goes small.I an 6' 250lbs an I have a 4X.I am certain it is the only piece of clothing i have in 4x.I don't really have any 3x clothing.I like jackets especially rubber to go big.this one i got wit cold weather in mind so it goes easy over a hooded sweat shirt an other items.Even though it is made from a nice more supple material.its still rubber on canvas an it will not strech.U need rm. to groove u don't wanna have to wrestle ur jacket.

This is the one I'm gonna try as my next surf coat. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2589&deptid=947
$50 with neck and wrist seals and a hood sounds good to me, I'd love to have someone else be the test puppy though.

That is the 0ne i have.Sizing goes small.I an 6' 250lbs an I have a 4X...
4X :eek: I noticed the sizing issues that RST was having in his post. So I figured that this wouldn't be a mail order purchase. I'll have to try it on first. I'm 6'2' and my knuckles drag on the ground.

This is the one I'm gonna try as my next surf coat. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2589&deptid=947 ...
Sweet. My only concern with this one is the durability. The NRS PowerHouse is about $95 and feels pretty durable, but not bullet proof. This paddle jacket is half the money and I'm pretty rough on equipment. I rinse and put away carefully, but I'm the guy who rips rips his jeans on the first day :smash:

I don't think jackets get beat nearly as much as waders in the surf or even on the rocks. They do have a breathable jacket with cuffs, neckseal and hood.

Thought I would bump this and give my review of the Grunden's Sund 763, which was purchased after this thread prior to the season. Must give props to site sponsor Aquaskinz - I own the Rampage and it is my goto Spring and Fall top. If I had the budget, I would get an EVO II, but back before the season I needed a lighter top for around a "hundy" as NIB would say.

The 763 with hood met or exceeded expectations. It features:
100% waterproof pullover with a hood (a must for me),
Zipper (7") w/ waterproof interior guard,
Fleece lined/the hood is also lined, soft light weight PVC,
Neoprene storm cuffs,
Pull cords on the hood and waist,
Double button breast pocket.

Stayed dry wearing chest waders, belt and this top. Took waves over head on multople occasions (and I fall down alot). Did not puncture after being scraped on rocks multiple times. The PVC material is also not prone to catching hooks. Jacket cleaned up nice after each use, as did the fleece lining, which I was concerned about. Was never too hot night fishing in the deep summer. Basically bullet proof, but not too heavy.

The jacket does runs small. Had to get a 3X (6'2", 245lbs, long arms). The pocket is a little small, but decently waterproof. Basically holds car keys and leaders. The wrist cuffs tend to run a little big. Solution here is neoprene "wristers" if you are really concerned about the occaisional water up the sleeves. Doesn't really bother me so I never felt the need for the "wristers".

Edges of clothing getting wet while surfcasting in the waves doesn't really bother me. Just wanted to clarify for those who are looking for absolute water-tight products. This is basically a splash jacket on steroids, when pushed, does a good job. Overall, I would recomend this jacket, and thanks to the folks who responded and this site for the help.

I wouldn't trade my Sund 763 for anything.... maybe an Evo(New)....

The Sund 763 has taken over the Brigg as the benchmark $100 or less surf top this year, at least at the Edge.

It's everything that is good about the Brigg only lighter.