Gor-Tex Surf Top - Third Season ... Now What?

[Finaddict]

So I have an Aqua Skinz Phantom top, used it for two seasons. I would imagine it's made of Gore-Tex ... but it's no longer keeping me dry ... both in the pouring rain or wading deeper than the waist out to rocks or fishing the edges of flats.

If it is Gore-Tex, I know it has a limited shelf life on keeping one dry, but I would hope for the $$ I paid, it would last a little longer.

Not trying to bash the folks at Aqua Skinz, but hoping there is something I can do to extend the life of this product ... I have had the same thing happen to some expensive foul weather gear as well ...

... a friend of mine in Miami told me that his wife irons his Gore-Tex foul weather gear to get the Gore-Tex working again, I have not tried this ...

... but wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts on this ...

[likwid]

Originally Posted by Finaddict

If it is Gore-Tex, I know it has a limited shelf life on keeping one dry, but I would hope for the $$ I paid, it would last a little longer.

Is it or isn't it Goretex?

And shelf life? Thats news to my 8 year old Arc'Teryx XCR shell thats still completely waterproof.

[MassBass]

NOT gore tex and the phantom is not a drytop but a semi drytop as it doesn't have latex neck gasket but an adjustable light weight neoprene adjustable neck cuff. OK for light wading but should you swim or take a spill, water will enter through the neck - I've experienced this! NRS has some very rugged drytops and reasonably priced.

[Finaddict]

... yes, I am aware it's only a semi dry top ... but in the rain, would hope it would help to keep me dry ... it should at least do that ... and I only wade deep at times, above the waist, but not above the neck gasket ...

so, does anyone have any insight on how to remedy a two-season used AZ surf top so it can keep one dry?

[likwid]

No care information with it or on a tag?
One of the issues is, a lot of different materials need VERY different care methods.

Quickest re-proofing trick with goretex is to just rinse it with a hose then toss it in a dryer for 20-30min on LOW.

I'm not sure if the AS material can have the same done.

And for the love of god, don't use anything but powdered detergent with pretty much nothing in it to clean it. Alot of coatings/materials will be destroyed by Tide etc.

[MassBass]

Originally Posted by Finaddict

... yes, I am aware it's only a semi dry top ... but in the rain, would hope it would help to keep me dry ... it should at least do that ... and I only wade deep at times, above the waist, but not above the neck gasket ...

so, does anyone have any insight on how to remedy a two-season used AZ surf top so it can keep one dry?

Where is the leak and have you tried contacting AS?

[Steve K]

Gore-tex type fabrics need to be treated periodically to stay waterproof. Use one of the Nikwax products to treat it. I use the wash in type with my jackets that can be washed in the washing machine. Because the phantom cannot be washed in the washing machine, I would use the spray bottle kind.

[flysully]

Originally Posted by Finaddict

... yes, I am aware it's only a semi dry top ... but in the rain, would hope it would help to keep me dry ... it should at least do that ... and I only wade deep at times, above the waist, but not above the neck gasket ...

so, does anyone have any insight on how to remedy a two-season used AZ surf top so it can keep one dry?

\
Instead of asking on the forum where most guys don't have what you're referring to, why not just phone Aquaskinz and ask them? I always wonder why we don't think to just ask the source?

Good luck as i think Aquaskinz will be able to help you out. Let us know what they suggest. Thx.

[JohnnyD]

Try this...
http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satel...tion-guarantee

They have customer service number that may be able to help you out. You'll probably get a better, more informed response from them.

[dirty water]

just be greatfull it lasted that long mine fell apart less than a week and had to get my freind who repairs car seats to peace it back together for the money i paid for it i should have not had to do that but aqwa skins did not wan here it good luck in your next dry top

[Raven]

Originally Posted by dirty water

just be greatfull it lasted that long mine fell apart less than a week and had to get my freind who repairs car seats to peace it back together for the money i paid for it i should have not had to do that but aqwa skins did not wan here it good luck in your next dry top

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Raven

Not so, Raven. I got the same lip service myself. Although the guy only has two posts and its impossible to determine his motive for posting, the comments are dead on.

My simms has been great, btw. Two very hard seasons on it with no issues.

[PaulS]

Tagger, I wonder if you could put the revivex on boot foot waders and dry them w/a hair dryer.

I would email Kadir. He has been fair and responsive in everyone of my dealings with him.

[Tagger]

Originally Posted by PaulS

Tagger, I wonder if you could put the revivex on boot foot waders and dry them w/a hair dryer.

I would email Kadir. He has been fair and responsive in everyone of my dealings with him.

??? I don't know .. I was giving this stuff complimentary when I bought my waders ... Works great on Gortex ... Other materials don't know ..

[Finaddict]

thanks to all the suggestions, Eddy, not sure if AZ is gore-tex, the label says nylon, but does not specify anything in paritcular -- gore-tex or whatever. I will also send a note to Kadir, and see what he can recommend, although Roy L's post comes right from the AZ Web site as an extra protectant on stuff a little bit used.

[Steve K]

That 303 Protectant has a million uses too. Like preserving the black plastic exterior parts on your truck.

[Clogston29]

it lasted 2 years?? might be a record.