Bronko, Aquaskinz, Simms

[tattoobob]

In your best opinion which is the best dry top,
Please note the problems you did or didn't have
with your top. I am trying to make an educated
purchase.

[spence]

Bob, with how often you fall in the water I'd just get a wetsuit

-spence

[Christian]

i have the skinz splash top, the rampage. i love it. great rain jacket, and good for splashing and big waves. its the one without a neck seal.
i decided to not get one with a neck seal because i hate the feel of anything turtle necky.

[libassboy]

I know alot of guys with the aquaskinz, i just got mine about three weeks ago. So far so good, i put it on carefully, like they tell u to do on the skinz website, ive been completely underwater with it, and in a driving rain, and i stayed dry.
We all know about the problems with the skinz and the gaskets, but with the good customer service skinz has i took the chance. Plus this year i really fell in love with my skinz pouch and belt bag, so i wanted to match......
I know one person with the simms, and hes only had it for around a month maybe, he likes it. No leaks or nething yet, and its pretty sharp looking.
Id still go with the skinz if i were you, kadir is an active member of our surfcasting community, and skinz products really are great.
I got the evo2 top and with layers under it im pretty darn warm, even in this freezing weather. I tried on the neoprene version and it was just too bulky for me.
The gaskets can be a little weird at first but u get used to them fast, and they stretch a lil bit.
Its a tough decision i know took me a bit to decide also.

[afterhours]

i've got an evo ll and a rampage, been in heavy winds, rains, big splash- no problems to report.

[cheferson]

I have the evo2, shortly after i got it the gaskets on the wrists and neck ripped along the SEAMS, even though i took it off carefully like i was told when i purchased it. I know others whove had the same problem, also only after a short period. Kind of funny too how the "special " instructions on taking it off are on the website only, not on a tag with the jacket when purchased. WHat do you do if you dont own a computer??? In my opinion something sold for $200+ for use in the surf should be a lilttle more durable. When i contacted them i was told that the gaskets werent covered under the warranty and i was not careful enough, WTF??? But if i wanted too they could be repaired for about the same price as a new jacket. Other the the gaskets tearing its a great product.

[afterhours]

i actually trimmed about 1" off the evo ll gaskets. it gave more room and has'nt ripped the seams.

[bart]

gotta agree with Chef on that one. i've had the hurricane for a little over a month now and both wrists have split along the seams. kind of disappointing seeing how expensive they are. other than that i'm satisfied with the product.

[flysully]

Well, I don't own either product but, just as a matter of interest, I inquired at my local fly shop re the good qualities of both Aquaskinz and Simms drytops. The proprietor said he felt the neoprene wrist on the Simms, in his opinion, is just the best. He's a flyfisher as well as a kayaker. Funny it should be mentioned that Aquaskinz wrist seams have been splitting?

[fishaholic18]

I love my Simms, keeps me dry and cozy...
Love the huge pocket in the front, carry just about everything in it, I even tried to stuff Canalman in it.
I thought I'd have a problem with the turtleneck seal, but I forgot about it after one time out. I was taking waves over the head the other night and it was pretty cold out..I stayed warm and dry. So far, so good.

[dickmont]

i've been using the simms dry top most of the year and i haven't had a single problem with it. i've been underwater many times and have yet to get wet. the wrists, neck and waist are snug but not uncomfortable. if i've got a long hike when it's warm i'll cary it. the only thing i wish, is that it had a neck zipper, i think i'd leave it open most of the time. there's a waterproof pocket for keys and my cell, and like dave said, the big pouch is real handy.

[Pete_G]

I've sold a LOT of 'skinz and Simms (so I've heard a lot of feedback) and I own both as well as several other kayak tops and drytops utilizing latex gaskets instead of neoprene, and at this point here's my take on gaskets:

They'll ALL fail with enough time; it's just a matter of how often you use it and how well you take care of it, so customer service is a BIG factor when it comes to buying a technical piece of surf fishing gear with gaskets.

I haven't heard of any Simms gasket failures at this point (I bet they're out there), but mine have ripped a bit. It's one of the first jackets they made though and it has been well used. Judging by this thread as well as customer feedback most people haven't had any issues at this point.

The wrist and neck gaskets on the Simms aren't really any different then the Aquaskinz, I'd be very surprised if it lasted distinctly longer. The issue, to me, is the seam tape creating a spot where the neoprene can't stretch and this is what is causing the failures people have experienced. The newest Aquaskinz have updated seams that only have tape on the outside, I'd bet a lot of money they will have a much longer lifespan. Time will tell...

[libassboy]

The newest Aquaskinz have updated seams that only have tape on the outside, I'd bet a lot of money they will have a much longer lifespan. Time will tell...

Phew, i saw this Pete and ran and checked mine, guess its the newer version.

[cheferson]

Does simms warranty cover the gaskets?

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by cheferson

Does simms warranty cover the gaskets?

Just send it back to Montana and they'll replace it, it shouldn't be a problem. Very easy company to deal with.

[cheferson]

Looks like a new pair of simms waders and a dry top for me next season.

[basswipe]

Regardless of what kind of fabric including neoprene if you get it wet and then throw it in the back of the truck and just let it sit there in a pile staying damp and you do it regularly its gonna fail.

Rinse it with fresh,bring it inside and hang it.

[cheferson]

I rinsed mine in the shower after every use and hung on a coat hanger and the gaskets still failed.

[basswipe]

I didn't mean to imply that would've kept them from failing I was speaking in general.

For the price you paid for them you should be able to stuff'em soaking wet into
duffel bag for a month.

[JohnR]

I got one of the first Hurricanes when it came out. This is the end of my THIRD fall with it and I've probably worn it 150 times at least. I have ridden it hard and put it away (in the back of my truck) wet. It doesnt leak, I have been submerged with it and hammered by waves. I might touch up a couple places with sealant this winter to be proactive but it does not leak.I say beyond a shadow of a doubt how much I like my Skinz Hurricane. Has nothing to do with them being a sponsor. I enjoy it that much.

Evo II ? I've had one since summer that I've work a half dozen to dozen times. I like it, comfortable and all and hope I enjoy it as much as the hurricane...

I have heard a lot of good about the Sims equipment but have not used it yet....

[Mike P]

Just an FYI---the Bronco isn't a dry top. The zipper front one isn't even what I'd call a "rain" top. At best, it's a splash top and something to keep you warm this time of the year.

The Aquaskinz "Rampage" also is not marketed as a "dry" top---only the Evo and Hurricane.

[reelecstasy]

I have used a Simms top all season, I love it. I do rinse it off. So far I have no complaints, it has good room to move and I stay bone dry even with waves crashing over your head. I used it pretty hard this year and have zero complaints..I also know alot of guys that love the Skinz tops...

[t.orlando]

Got a skinz evo that I love, but gonna switch to Simms for better pocket system.

[BasicPatrick]

Just a comment...If the choice is close between the Simms and the Aquaskinz, I would suggest a potential customer consider two intangables.

First, Aquaskinz is here there and everywhere. Monitoring the boards, responding to our questions and comments. You are not going to have to call an operator at an 800 number to get Aquaskinz. The skinz number get to Kadir himself, he is at the shows. I like the personal touch and the fact that Aquaskinz is a company owned by and staffed by fishermen, making products for fishermen.

More importantly is the fact that in a tough economy Aquaskinz is a supporter of the recreational fishing community. Besides being a sponsor of this and other sites,they donate to causes and raffles that we support. They support MSBA, RFA, and other organizations that fisht for ouyr rights. When was the last time Simms donated to your club or organization????
I think this should count for something, actually I think it should count for a lot.

If we do not support the companies that support us, we get what we deserve.

[Rock Hopper]

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to comment on a few things. BP, thanks & well put. As a company, our philosophy is to support the local causes and organizations that make up our community and we do a lot of it, whether it is noticed, counted or not I do not know but as long as I am in this business and as long as I continue to love fishing and the many, many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting, I will make sure this company supports the "locals".

Cheferson,
When we spoke, I asked you if used the suggested method of doning and removing and you were unsure of what that was, this leads me to believe you didn't. Yes, I agree with you that their should be tag on the jacket but to fit the instructions that are noted, the tag would have to be a 81/2 X 11 page. As for the comment regarding people who may not having computers, that is somewhat unrealistic but your opinion is noted. The tag issue will be addressed with the next productionl. I have already started the ball rolling as far as a tag is concerned. Back to the seam issue, I asked you to send in your top and that we would have a look and fix it if possible at no cost to you. I also said if the cuffs were totally shredded, then they may need to be changed entirely and that there was a cost but that we do not make any money on this and only pass on the cost of new cuffs. Your comments on our conversation would lead people to believe something else entirely and that is not right. Also, when you take your reels, car, bike or whetever in for service and they have to change something because it is broken, do you not expect to get charged? In our case, we send your top out at our expense and pay for return shipping as well as all the follow through until it gets back to us and then we don't make even a nickle on it, which we don't mind since we are providing our valued customer a service. To suggest we were charging you the equivalent of a new top for cuffs, you gotta be kidding.

__________________________________________________ _______________

General:

I don't know what Simm's policies are so I cannot comment but we are significantly smaller and stand behind our products fully nontheless. As a company we believe in providing the best possible service WE can and have performed many an exhange outright even though the cause of the return was not related to manufacturing flaws or product defects.

We also believe in our products and will continue to stand behind them as long as we are in business but like anything else, as users "we" have to take some responsibility as well if something happens to our products by our own disregard, negligence, lack of knowledge or just plain use. We cannot keep thinking that if something happens regardless of how I use it, I will just take it back to the shop or send it back to the company for a new one. This is one of the reason why B & T shops and small manufacturers go under. This is why so many companies, even the larger ones have changed their existing policies on these issues and now charge were applicable.

Regarding Simms having or not having problems, believe me, they too have their share of problems on these issues. I know of a number of guys here locally that have had their cuffs rip or their top fail. One shop that we do business with in NY/NJ also carries the Simms line and the fishing dept. manager who I have come to know well has expressed his displeasure with them on more than one occassion to me. He has told me that when he calls on them, he does not get a reply back for days and then has to wait for weeks at times to get resolution on the issue with the problem. This may not be case with everyone but this is his experiance. AquaSkinz addresses the issue quickly and personally and he appreciates that as most people do. Just recently I was at that shop and I wanted to have a good look at the Simms top, I took the top off the hanger to check out the cuff and what did I see, a tear on the cuff of a jacket that wasn't even sold yet. I looked at a total of three and 2 out of three had the same issue. I would call this a problem.

__________________________________________________ _______________

MikeP,

Thank you for clarifying the Rampage is a splash top.

__________________________________________________ ________________

Lastly, we work very hard to bring the best possible gear to you guys/gals, believe it or not. We are users and avid fisherman and take pride in giving back to our fishing community, whether it's personal appearances, supporting donations or efforts to offer quality equipment. If you have a problem, we are always here to address them and try to help you as nothing is fool proof, no matter how hard we might work to make them as such. Everyone has a choice to spend his or her money as they wish and I respect that but just remember, without local support, the local guys aren't around for long.

Thanks for your time.

Kadir

[tattoobob]

Kadir, I did not mean for this to be a Aquaskinz bashing thread. In fact I learned alot about tops and now I am getting your top. you seam like a stand behind guy and all your other products that I own are top notch.

[Rock Hopper]

Thanks Bob! I appreciate that.

Kadir

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by Rock Hopper

Cheferson,
When we spoke, I asked you if used the suggested method of doning and removing and you were unsure of what that was, this leads me to believe you didn't.

Kadir

BS

I stated in the email that i was told how to properly take it off when i purchased it and looked over the page on your site about this. It wasnt even until i complained in a second email that you said youd look at it and that the gaskets werent covered by the warrenty anyway. What is the price for replacing all the gaskets? Told me it wouldnt be worth the money replacing all 3 gaskets. I dont make a ton of money and when i drop that kinda coin on something im very careful to make it last. You told me youve had one for a year and had no such problems, so i must have not been careful with it.

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by BasicPatrick

More importantly is the fact that in a tough economy Aquaskinz is a supporter of the recreational fishing community. Besides being a sponsor of this and other sites,they donate to causes and raffles that we support. They support MSBA, RFA, and other organizations that fisht for ouyr rights. When was the last time Simms donated to your club or organization????
I think this should count for something, actually I think it should count for a lot.

If we do not support the companies that support us, we get what we deserve.

I dont know what you guys do or donate to fishing causes but all the links on your site are mostly commercial companies.

This is what i found at simms

eatures of the Resource section.

Learn more about Conservation efforts being made to protect our fisheries and organizations that Simms supports. Our Team section gives you a chance to learn more about the anglers that we work with to develop the best products on the market. imms will inspire anglers to pursue the passion of fly fishing by redefining comfort in all conditions.
Our Core Purpose

We take pride in making world-class products in an engaging team environment. We provide a rewarding experience for people who possess a strong work ethic; this is a company where every employee's job is important to our future success. We are committed to our community and to the conservation and preservation of healthy fisheries.
Our Core Values

We strive for continuous improvement and innovation.
We share a passion for excellence and high quality.
Read About Simms

Use the following links to learn more about Simms Fishing Products.
Atlantic Salmon Federaton

The Atlantic Salmon Federation is an international non-profit organization which promotes the conservation and wise management of the Wild Atlantic salmon and its environment.

Learn More: http://www.asf.ca/
Coastal Conservation Association

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization comprised of 15 coastal state chapters spanning the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic seaboard. Through broad-based recreational angler support, a strong legal and legislative presence, more than 25 years of experience and an unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, CCA will continue to battle for the health and longevity of our coastal fisheries and for recreational anglers’ interests in them.

Learn More: http://www.joincca.org/
Whirling Disease Foundation

The Whirling Disease Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established in May, 1995 with a mission to raise the funds needed for researched solutions to the damage caused by whirling disease, the leading threat to wild trout populations. The Foundation supports field and laboratory research on a national scale.

Learn More: http://www.whirling-disease.org/
Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. TU accomplishes this mission on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. TU’s national office, based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine, intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s 125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved in conservation issues.

Learn More: http://www.tu.org/index.asp
CalTrout

CalTrout is a water company. We keep the water flowing and keep the resource healthy through our participatory work in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dam relicensing process, protecting the public trust, reforming grazing on public lands, expanding the wild trout program, and recovering decimated steelhead populations statewide.

Learn More: http://www.caltrout.org/
Deschutes Basin Land Trust

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust mission is to protect special lands in the Deschutes Basin for present and future generations by working cooperatively with landowners and communities. The Land Trust is a private, tax-exempt, charitable corporation devoted to voluntary means of land conservation.

Learn More: http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
Henry’s Fork Foundation

The mission of the Henry's Fork Foundation is to understand, restore and protect the unique fishery, wildlife and aesthetic qualities of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. The Henry’s Fork Foundation is a nonprofit, member-based organization founded in 1984 to preserve and protect the unique qualities of the Henry’s Fork watershed located in eastern Idaho. The Henry’s Fork Foundation is very active in regional decision-making and policy. HFF is working with local, state and federal agencies with a commitment to better management of the watershed. Through relationships built within the framework of the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council, HFF has a full understanding of individual interest and regulatory management in the basin, and can address watershed issues with mutual respect for all constituents.

Learn More: http://www.henrysfork.com/
Oregon Trout

Founded in 1983 by a small group of committed conservationists, Oregon Trout has long worked to protect and restore native fish and the habitats upon which they depend. Through its advocacy, education, and on-the-ground restoration efforts, Oregon Trout has grown into one of the largest and most effective conservation organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

Learn More: http://www.ortrout.org/
Western Water Project

Trout Unlimited (TU) started the Western Water Project in 1997. In partnership with WaterWatch of Oregon, TU opened offices in Montana and Colorado staffed with experienced water law attorneys. The goal of these offices is to protect and restore water in rivers for healthy fisheries and to open up state decisions on water allocation to meaningful public participation.

Learn More: http://www.tu.org/index.asp?
New Zealand Mud Snails



New Zealand Mud Snails Potamopyrgus antipodarum are threatening Western fisheries. These tiny, 1/8” snails reproduce rapidly, survive in harsh conditions and have an impact on aquatic insects and trout. The spread may be caused in part by snails “hitchhiking” on anglers.

Take the following precautions to make sure that you do not spread New Zealand mud snails:
Rinse mud and debris from waders and gear after use.
Use a hot water bath (120 degrees) for several minutes.
Let equipment dry several days between uses.
Dry heat will kill them.

Im done with this thread, already wasted enough time and money with aquaskinz

[DZ]

I've used the Simms Top for the last few months. The large pocket in front will fill with water. The addition of grommets at the base of the pocket will let it drain but would also allow water into it so its a double edged sword depending on what you store in the pocket.

What these lightweight tops really need is a hood - I can't believe Simms or Aquaskinz haven't made a lightweight top with a hood attached. Aquaskinz does sell a separate neoprene hood but its way to warm to use in summer. To there credit Aquaskinz does offer the rampage dry top with a hood but the rampage is also overkill in warm weather.

I feel the first company that offers a lightweight dry splash top with a hood will corner the market. (At least for a while)

DZ