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?

[tattoobob]

I really don't know which one I want now, Simms Or Aquaskinz.
I have to agree with Bill on the Simms at the bait shop with who
knows who trying them on.

[spence]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I really don't know which one I want now, Simms Or Aquaskinz.

Bob, go try both on. It's the only way you're going to tell.

The EVOII feels constrictive but may keep you more dry if you are dunked...

The Simms has some nice features like a waterproof pocket and a chest pocket. I've never had any water in mine, but I try not to swim in it either.

Either one will bake you when it's humid.

I wouldn't worry about the companies, they are both top notch.

-spence