Bronko, Aquaskinz, Simms

[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...