Dry Tops - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

spence · 08-23-2005, 08:00 AM

Nice thing about the Simms top is that the neck and wrists are not so constricting...easier to get on and more comfortable to wear...

Unless of course you want a true dry top, then the EVO may be the better top for you...

-spence

JoeP · 08-23-2005, 03:27 PM

http://www.hellyhansen.com/SS05/index_flash.html

http://www.hellyhansen.com/SS05/index_flash.html

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&. This one has a velcro neck. I saw one at the HH store in Newport. I think it was around $130.

reelecstasy · 08-23-2005, 03:30 PM

I love my Simms drytop, had plenty of water come over my head and stayed bone dry...I have put a good amount of hours on mine and it still performs. I just rinse it down with fresh when i get home (with everything else) and hang it...I give it a thumbs up

wader-dad · 08-23-2005, 04:14 PM

I got a gift certficate to Patagonia and bought a kayak jacket called the Seaward Pullover which is for expedition paddling. It has same double type wrist set up as the aquaskinz, a neoprene neck that is adjustable with a velcro strap so you can loosen it up-but the best feature is that it has a hood. When its raining or a rogue waves comes in its great. Really comfortable --no feeling like you are being strangled. Also has a pocket.

Only problem is its $210- which for Patagonia is not too bad. So far I like it. I will really test it out on Cuttyhunk in September.

rizzo · 08-23-2005, 04:21 PM

Theres an NRS top around $200 i think. It has double gaskets that hold up to being put on and off. They are made of some sort of a rubber or silcone. Plus theres a gasket around your waist that doesnt let water in so you stay completely dry. It works awesome with a wetsuit especially when you climb up on a rock after being neck deep. If it doesnt have that bottom seal the water comes in and gets trapped above your wading belt. A pain to drain and adds 80#s to your wieght when pulling yourself up.

luds · 08-23-2005, 04:34 PM

I tried on the $65 NRS to and found it extremely uncomfortable. I have the Aqua-Skinz EVO II and its done the job. However my buddy had the seems rip on his evo II after a month of use. after looking at the Simms top I think it looks more durable.

Sweetwater · 08-23-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luds48

I tried on the $65 NRS to and found it extremely uncomfortable. I have the Aqua-Skinz EVO II and its done the job. However my buddy had the seems rip on his evo II after a month of use. after looking at the Simms top I think it looks more durable.

The $65 version from NRS does not seem to be the same level product as either the Aquaskinz Evo II or the Simms product I found at --> http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?...r&PROD.ID=21475

As with anything else, you get what you pay for.

eelman · 08-23-2005, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rizzo

Theres an NRS top around $200 i think. It has double gaskets that hold up to being put on and off. They are made of some sort of a rubber or silcone. Plus theres a gasket around your waist that doesnt let water in so you stay completely dry. It works awesome with a wetsuit especially when you climb up on a rock after being neck deep. If it doesnt have that bottom seal the water comes in and gets trapped above your wading belt. A pain to drain and adds 80#s to your wieght when pulling yourself up.

Only problem is when you swim out to those rocks "neck deep" you have left all the good fish behind you

I am going with the simms top, seems like the best to me, I have heard several bad things about the aqua skins.......

rizzo · 08-25-2005, 07:39 PM

[QUOTE=#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&]Only problem is when you swim out to those rocks "neck deep" you have left all the good fish behind you

I disagree 100%. I cast before I swim out to spots and get the skunk. I get out farther and more often than not the fish are there. They like the cover of depth in addition the structure I'm fishing. I did not realize how much i was missing out!

This spring 2 partners that I fish with had 30#+ fish 7 nights in a row, from the mainland. They each ended up with a 40# fish from that week. I was there and struggled and got outfished 10 to 1 or worse. I changed my setup (rod and reel), to acheive distance and from that point on caught my fair share of 30s and a 40 to top things off this spring. All fish were WAY out there. In this situation distance was very important. You cant get stuck in the same habit... things change

eelman · 08-25-2005, 11:10 PM

[QUOTE=rizzo][QUOTE=#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&]Only problem is when you swim out to those rocks "neck deep" you have left all the good fish behind you

I disagree 100%. I cast before I swim out to spots and get the skunk. I get out farther and more often than not the fish are there. They like the cover of depth in addition the structure I'm fishing. I did not realize how much i was missing out!

Buy a boat

and lighten up!

I have had many nights like the one described by you above, acually I just had one tonight!! and not so much as my boots got wet.............. So take it easy I was kiddin ya, but you should look into a tin boat

Pete_G · 08-23-2005, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rizzo

Theres an NRS top around $200 i think. It has double gaskets that hold up to being put on and off. They are made of some sort of a rubber or silcone. Plus theres a gasket around your waist that doesnt let water in so you stay completely dry. It works awesome with a wetsuit especially when you climb up on a rock after being neck deep. If it doesnt have that bottom seal the water comes in and gets trapped above your wading belt. A pain to drain and adds 80#s to your wieght when pulling yourself up.

True latex gaskets are pretty intense, but literally waterproof. Frog's ass, watertight. It's the same sort of gaskets they use in survival suits. I've tested mine many times and NO water comes in thru those gaskets.

I have a kayak drytop (drytops have latex gaskets at both the neck and wrists, traditionally anything else is a splashtop) I bought for surf-fishing, but to be honest I rarely use it these days. The gaskets kind of bugged me. But there's nothing more waterproof.

I've also had both the Aquaskinz and Simms splashtops and had failures with both. I'm really not sure that light neoprene material they use for the neck gasket is up to what surf fisherman throw at it; I've had tears in both products at that spot. They also aren't 100% waterproof in the way latex gaskets are. I'm not going to stop carrying either product, but I'll definitely be cautioning all who buy them to put them on and off carefully. Latex gaskets can fail too (although they definitely last far longer) but they are replaceable.

That's not exactly a glowing endorsement from someone who sells both products, but then again most people who know me know I'll tear any product apart online or in the store (even if it costs a sale) if I don't think it's quite up to par.

I'm with Rizzo, I fish in the wetsuit mostly now and I add a splash or drytop when I need to be a bit warmer. Waders with a carefully put on splashtop the rest of the time.

BasicPatrick · 08-23-2005, 09:27 PM

This discussion has brought up Aquaskinz, Simms & NRS...

I'll give you the difference for me...

Aquaskinz is a sponsor of this site and regularly spomsors/donates/supports the organizations and causes that we on this board care about. If these three products are in the same money and quality range then I have to choose the Aquaskinz as they are a part of this community vs the other two. Have you ever seen Simms donate to your local fishing club, charity tournament or sponsor this or any other web site...

point made...

NIB · 08-23-2005, 10:36 PM

No Question.I've met Kadir first class guy.I have no dought in my mind he will stand behind their product.
I never met mr simms.No plans to go to montana any time soon either.

Rock Hopper · 08-23-2005, 10:48 PM

This is an interesting topic, one that I really did not want to comment on but now I feel compelled to do so.

To answer the comment that has been brought up regarding a cuff or a neck seal tearing, yes that can, will and does happen. This isn't due to being a weakness or a poor design but due more to the stress caused by the users to those areas. On the AquaSkinz site we have put up a link for proper doning and removing of the tops for this very reason. If you pull a rubber band beyond its limits it will snap, same thing here.

To the novice this may seem like it should not happen but to the experienced individual who has used these types of "technical" garments, it is expected, especially if the garment is being used extensively and even more so if it is being put on and removed incorrectly.

For the most part the fishing community is new to this concept and we have been at the forefront in introducing this to this community; hence taking a beating at times unjustly. I personally have been fishing in a wet suit for more than 12 years and in dry top for about ten years. I have more than half dozen dry tops that are now un-used, due to either a tear in the cuff or the neck seal. Why? It costs anywhere from $60.00 to $80.00 to change out a rubber cuff seal and $120-$150 to do a neck seal. It is cheaper to buy a new jacket most of the time.

The other thing is, the rubber gasgets used in most dry tops have about half the life expectancy of the neoprene gasgets we use, trust me, I have done extensive re-search on this. The rubber seals will dry and rot in a relatively short period of time in the salt water even if you wash them regularly. They need to be kept oiled, kinda like a moisterizer. My experience is that most fisherman will not due this but people who kayak exclusively and people who yacht do, hence extending the life of the jacket.

Everyone has a right to buy the product they deem the best for them but I can assure you as an owner of a company that has brought a new concept to fishing the shores of the NE coast that we work very diligently to make sure we have covered as many of the bases as we can think of and when there is a problem, we take care of our clients.

There are large companies out there (S***s) that went as far as trying to buy our EVO2 on the sneak and then copied our design! Why? Because we did all the research, we designed it for the fisherman, we marketed it and then they jumped on our coat tails. They even solicited our dealers off of our web site. You would think a company the size of S***s would have their own ability to design, market and sell but I guess they thought it easier to scavange off of our hard work. That is okay, that is business.

Just for the record, the EVOII has had some minor adjustments for the reasons noted above. The cuff design has been slighlty changed for the better as has the neck seal. Are they impervious to damage, no. They still must be cared for and the proper techniques must be applied for the longevity of the product. I still have customers that are using their original Evolutions without a hitch. Just this past weekend I had to teach a very, very experienced fisherman the way to remove the top as he was pulling and stretching the cuffs beyond what they should be expected to handle. My point, people are still learning the proper way.

Many years ago, there were rods that were like broom sticks, you could throw a pound of lead and a whole bunker and they wouldn't flintch, now we have state of the art rods of all kinds, with specific weight variances and we know we can't or we shouldn't go much beyod those variances. This is kinda the same theory. It will take some time for people to understand this when it comes to these typed of garments.

As a far as fool proof products go, there are none that I am aware of. We make what we believe to be the best tops for the applications they are intented for. No other dry top in the market place is going to give the freedom up top for movement we require that the EVO or the Hurricane is going to give. They just aren't cut for it. Even the competitor who copied our design didn't calculate that. Why? Because they are not fisherman catering to fisherman's needs, that simple.

I apologize if I have gone on too long with this. For those that supported us when we first came on the seen and for those that continue to support us, THANK YOU! We will continue to do our best and we will continue to provide superior customer service. We will continue to support the local causes, organizations, tournaments and events as it is what this company believes in.

Thanks again, best regards and good fishing.

Kadir Akturk
President
AquaSkinz Corp.

Headhunter · 08-26-2005, 04:46 PM

i've used many tops and jackets for years. I have a conversion dry top which is the best top I've owned. It keeps you dry and warm, wish it had a hood though. It is good for early and mid to late season. If you want something for the summer, it is too hot. I wetsuit in it all the time, its Rugged. Excellent over waders too and if you have to kick a couple of strokes in waders you can do it with this top. #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& , I never tried carrying a tin boat thru the rocks. A wetsuit is a little easier I would think, maybe a set of fins if its a long swim. No law against casting back to shore either.

Pt.JudeJoe · 08-28-2005, 08:04 AM

I wish they made a lightweight top like the aqua skinz, that had a hood like the extinct Bear tops have . Just something to keep the waves and rain off ,not a skin diving top.

afterhours · 08-28-2005, 08:19 AM

not that he needs any defense, but i had one issue with an aqusskinz product and kadir responded and corrected faster than fast- good co., good man.

TheRattBoy · 08-28-2005, 08:57 AM

I Love my Rampage top !!!!

johnny

Mike P · 08-28-2005, 11:05 AM

Let me just say something here. Sponsors aren't sacred cows. You are allowed to raise issues you have with a sponsor's product. You're allowed to relay any negative experiences as an honest opinion. A better way to resolve an actual dispute with a sponsor might be to PM the person in question and settle it the way business is supposed to be settled, between you and the person you have a dispute with. If you walked into a tackle shop and started yelling at the proprietor in front of a store full of customers, instead of asking to speak with him privately when he had a free moment, I wouldn't blame him in the least if he gave you the bum's rush. But, you do have the right to raise issues with a sponsors product, as long as you keep it respectful and on an adult level.

What you're not allowed to do is get down and dirty with any member here, sponsor or not. Telling anyone here to piss off, eff off, go eff yourself, kiss my ass, or any similar term of endearment isn't going to be tolerated. I'll edit it out, and if it persists, it'll get reported to John and/or Saltheart who have the ability to take more drastic steps.

This site, historically, hasn't had the problems that the 10,000+ member sites have had. We tend to let you guys have your fun, but it seems of late, things are in what I like to call "shack nasty" mode. The problems we have had have been mostly limited to winter months when you can't channel your energies into fishing. I hope this isn't a trend.

Swimmer · 08-28-2005, 12:25 PM

There are several hundred here who have Kadir's back simply because he is a sponser and not because we all own one of his products. I am going to buy one for myself for christmas this year. Wish I could before the Vineyard trip happens. If a Skinz keeps my new best friend Pat Paquette all warm and fuzzy inside like what Flaptail does for Bassmaster then it must be a great product.

piemma · 08-28-2005, 03:56 PM

Where do I get one for $65?

Krispy · 08-28-2005, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Where do I get one for $65?

Ebay, theres some decent ones for low bucks

Spiderman · 08-28-2005, 10:12 PM

It has gotten to be, that unless I know the poster behind the screen name I dont trust their opinion about a product. Between the sponsors and their posse defending the product at any cost and the guys with some vendetta against these companies whether actual or contrived you dont know the truth from the garbage. It was nice to hear a retailer give an honest opinion about a product,Saltwater Edge, though.
Personally, I know hard fishing guys that had trouble with evo 2 tops,leaky material, got rid of them and bought The NRS revolution and are happy. I'll be buying one this fall. My dricore was one of the best $110 spent on fishing gear. I replaced the wrist seals 3 years ago and stay as dry as when I bought it 12 years ago.

Zeno · 08-29-2005, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stripermatic

It has gotten to be, that unless I know the poster behind the screen name I dont trust their opinion about a product. Between the sponsors and their posse defending the product at any cost and the guys with some vendetta against these companies whether actual or contrived you dont know the truth from the garbage. It was nice to hear a retailer give an honest opinion about a product,Saltwater Edge, though.
Personally, I know hard fishing guys that had trouble with evo 2 tops,leaky material, got rid of them and bought The NRS revolution and are happy. I'll be buying one this fall. My dricore was one of the best $110 spent on fishing gear. I replaced the wrist seals 3 years ago and stay as dry as when I bought it 12 years ago.

That was one of the most honest post I have read in years.
Unfortunately I agree with your assessment a 100%.Thankfully ,I can only tell you how my experience is with certain products,not what my friends of acquaintances experienced.When and if I have a problem with a manufacturer and he refused to acknowledge the issues surrounding the problem I will gladly speak my mind even though while doing this in the past I got mercifully hammered by "posse" as you call them........

ThrowingTimber · 08-29-2005, 06:33 AM

I love my Hurricane in october, Nov, Decemer

Its kpet my line in the water while the rest of the guys have folded for the night