dry tops.. dunno what to do..

[1dozenraw]

The material on my Simms is a heavier grade and I think that the fishing dry tops are heavier because they are likely (hopefully) to have live fish, blood and slime, occasional plugs with hooks and barnacles on rocks rubbing against them. The HH I have which I think was actually intended as a sailing splash top is lighter weight material because the abrasion and abuse would normally be less in sailing and Kayaking. I would advise trying on the ones with gaskets to see how the gaskets feel. They have to be tight to seal completely. I know I have sacrificed a bit of seal for comfort. But I don't often get dunked and that works for me. I just am looking to stay dry enough to be warm and not have to leave the rocks to get a dry change of clothes.

[GonnaCatchABig1]

thank you. i'm getting a much better idea of their practicality. and i think i have finally found the solution.

Stearns Rapid Rescue Extreme Dry Suit. i'm just trying to figure out its 100% dry like waders. if so it's mine. cause it's only about $400 which is actually cheaper then a top and waders. and fully breathable. even has an air purge valve. seems like a great solution. as long as it keeps me dry. its got latex seems with neoprene over them. so i could cut down the gaskets to a more comfortable fit. while having the protection of two seals.

# Waterproof/breathable fabric
# Internal suspeners provide optimum fit
# Latex waterproof seals around neck, and wrist
# Relief zipper
# Built-in waterproof sock
# Built-in air purge valve
# Relief tape around wrists for added visbility
# Neoprene seal protector around wrist and neck
# Cordura knees and elbows for durability

sounds like a big suit of waders right?

yup i'm gonna try that out.. if it doesnt work.. i'll just pawn it off some where. they also make some really nice boots for cheap. all i'd need is korkers and i'd be all set. and if it works i can just a get chit pair of summer time waders.

[1dozenraw]

Try wearing it before you buy it... looks like a bit overkill from the website. Might be heavy... good luck.

[Clogston29]

fishing "dry" tops (AS, simms, etc.) have very little practicle purpose IMO. they work somewhere between that "i want to stay dry" and "i want to get wet" type of wading. to me, if i'm going deep, i'm wearing a wetsuit and not worrying about it. if not, i'm wearing waders and a pullover jacket like a grunden's or this kokatat that I found for like $50 and love.

the only application that I still like a dry top, is the AS hurricane when its very cold old, like BI in early November, where getting wet will literally ruin your night.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

fishing "dry" tops (AS, simms, etc.) have very little practicle purpose IMO. they work somewhere between that "i want to stay dry" and "i want to get wet" type of wading. to me, if i'm going deep, i'm wearing a wetsuit and not worrying about it. if not, i'm wearing waders and a pullover jacket like a grunden's or this kokatat that I found for like $50 and love.

the only application that I still like a dry top, is the AS hurricane when its very cold old, like BI in early November, where getting wet will literally ruin your night.

Careful Josh, the Simms is a splash top on account of neoprene gaskets. So is the Hurricane. Sorry, the naming conventions for 'tops is pet peeve of mine. They are sometimes used interchangably and I think it causes confusion.

I feel it sets expectations too high when jackets with neoprene cuffs are called in any way dry since they are not waterproof like latex.

And on the opposite end when you have a true drytop with latex gaskets people who have had a splashtop think they operate the same as that, with water seeping by, and they definitely don't.

My favorite Aquaskinz top these days is the Phantom due to the simple logic of waterproof wrists with latex gaskets and an easy to use neck with no gasket. "Semi-dry top" is what he calls it and that's exactly what it is. 100% waterproof at the wrists and water resistant but comfortable at the neck. It's replaced my Grundens Windjammer for the cold weather November fishing.

Other then that, I completely agree. Going deep, get a wetsuit. And then put a top over it if it's cold.

[GonnaCatchABig1]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Careful Josh, the Simms is a splash top on account of neoprene gaskets. So is the Hurricane. Sorry, the naming conventions for 'tops is pet peeve of mine. They are sometimes used interchangably and I think it causes confusion.

I feel it sets expectations too high when jackets with neoprene cuffs are called in any way dry since they are not waterproof like latex.

And on the opposite end when you have a true drytop with latex gaskets people who have had a splashtop think they operate the same as that, with water seeping by, and they definitely don't.

this is EXACTLY the problem i was/am having. factored in with other things they call "waterproof". i have no idea what is and isnt. right now i am giving them the benefit of a doubt and assuming if it meant to be in water and called water proof. (fabric wise) it keeps 100% of the water out. but i've had things in life called waterproof before in which the definition just meant water wont wreck it. i dont know what to believe any more..

but that begs the question.. if only the latex seals are water tight, then arnt the bottom seals leaky? since i have yet to see one with a latex bottom. (though i suppose it wouldnt do well on fabric any way)

[GonnaCatchABig1]

Originally Posted by 1dozenraw

Try wearing it before you buy it... looks like a bit overkill from the website. Might be heavy... good luck.

but ya gotta admit.. it's sexy as hell.there sizing past 2xl is a bit off though. appearently fat guys cant wear them. if you weigh 230 you better be almost 7 ft tall. lol.

if its a bit heavy thats fine. i just wont hafta bundle up under it in the fall. last year was the first time i fished past august. and with waders. i couldnt have been more miserable (past the start of october) if i got wet. it even snowed a few times late at night. it was pretty awkward catching the last fish in flurries) and if it was raining..even more miserable. i dont have a decent jacket. so this thing could like 3 birds with one stone. for less money. its obviously not very practical for warm weather. but could come in hand in early spring in the colder water temps. i had to thrown on long johns under the waders until about mid june anyway. so that wasnt very comfortable out of the water either.