New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Are Layering Systems the Way to Go?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Are Layering Systems the Way to Go?
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 4>
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
rglew View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 12 Nov 14
Location: Broxbourne
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27 		Post Options Post Options   Quote rglew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Are Layering Systems the Way to Go?
    Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 7:16am
I've heard a lot of people saying drysuits are old technology for sailors, that they are cumbersome and restricting. (I can see that, a drysuit probably isn't well suited to someone who's just started sailing a fireball) I've also heard a lot about these layering systems that mix a long-john with a base layer and a spray top, a lot of the guys in the national squads seem to be using them now.

Does anyone have any experience with this kind of technology? Do you have a favourite layering system? or do you still use drysuits? 

About to invest in some new kit so interested to see where technology is going
Laser 72317, Fireball 14278, EPS 287

http://www.notboats.com
Back to Top
GarethT View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 21 Apr 07
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 714 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GarethT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 7:40am
What do you sail and where?
How much swimming do you expect to do?!
Back to Top
NeilB-Phantom View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 01 Mar 14
Location: Plymouth-UK
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 41 		Post Options Post Options   Quote NeilB-Phantom Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 7:58am
I use a layering system sailing my Phantom in the winter.  Rooster raceskin under gul 3mm hikers, rooster polypro thermal rash vest and pro aquaflecce, on calmer / warmer days adding a rooster thermoflex top on windier and or colder days.  Also both poly pro and hot socks with boots.  Not been cold yet even with the occasional swim, sailing right through the winter.  Most of it can be thrown straight in the washing machine after use too.
Phantom 1384
Dazcat D995
Back to Top
kneewrecker View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 09 Apr 14
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1586 		Post Options Post Options   Quote kneewrecker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:00am
Still a fan of a good fitting dry suit for when it's really Baltic- just don't think you can beat it tbh
Back to Top
rglew View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 12 Nov 14
Location: Broxbourne
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27 		Post Options Post Options   Quote rglew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:09am
I currently sail fireballs inland on a fairly small lake, where I think swimming might be quite possible.
Come September 2015 most of my sailing will be in fireflys on the uni team racing circuit and a Grafham.

I hear the Rooster stuff is really good, people also speak highly of Neil Pryde.
Laser 72317, Fireball 14278, EPS 287

http://www.notboats.com
Back to Top
GarethT View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 21 Apr 07
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 714 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GarethT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:19am
For me, if I'm going to be working hard and getting wet I'd layer up, but if it's less physical I'd consider a drysuit.

Firefly inland in the winter sounds like drysuit to me, especially if there's hanging around between races.
Back to Top
rglew View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 12 Nov 14
Location: Broxbourne
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27 		Post Options Post Options   Quote rglew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:24am
But drysuits aren't warm on their own, you would still end up layering underneath if you wanted to stay warm
Laser 72317, Fireball 14278, EPS 287

http://www.notboats.com
Back to Top
Do Different View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 26 Jan 12
Location: North
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1312 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Do Different Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:25am
If of any interest quite an economical solution that works well for me in the North are surfing steamers, one cheaper & thinner and one more expensive for winter. 

I like them because they always seem to have nice thick leg material which helps for wading and knock protection and thinner flexible shoulders (surfers like this for paddling out) for easy reaching around the boat but a bit more warmth and flush protection than a LongJohn. I do always massacre them though, even the expensive one by cutting the arms off and refinishing just above the elbow. Losing the forearm makes getting on and off a lot easier, feels freer and eliminates risk of a tight sleeve restricting blood circulation leading to cramp or cold hands. Fleece lined stretchy spray top over if wet n windy.
Back to Top
Jamesd View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work


Joined: 01 Feb 08
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 377 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Jamesd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:31am
rooster stuff is good and pretty cheap in comparison.. I have had all the zhik stuff and all the rooster stuff and just about everything in between and I can honestly say the rooster stuff is the best value for money. But you get called a c*ck all the time.
However, I have done a lot of team racing when I was at uni and would always use a drysuit, purely because, when you are sat in the club or worse, a pontoon waiting for your race, there is no warmth in a wet wetsuit/lycra/poly therm thing if you are not moving. for that reason I'd get a drysuit
Back to Top
GarethT View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 21 Apr 07
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 714 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GarethT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 14 at 8:34am
Originally posted by rglew

But drysuits aren't warm on their own, you would still end up layering underneath if you wanted to stay warm


Sorry, I took that as a given. Thermals, fleece and fluffy socks under a drysuit. I think that's warmer than 'wet' layers if you're not generating a lot of heat yourself.

Both my sons wear layering systems, one for laser sailing and the other for windsurfing, and they never get cold.

I'm not sure there is too much to choose between the different brands, although the magic marine stuff my windsurfer gets seems really good. He's still preferring to wear a long john with 'bipoly' and 'water blocker' tops in December, rather than his winter suit.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 4>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz
Change your personal settings, or read our privacy policy