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KazR View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Aug 15
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Posts: 15 		Post Options Post Options   Quote KazR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Modern sailing gear
    Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 9:19pm
I'm looking for a bit of help. I'm used to fairly standard dinghy sailing gear of 3mm wetsuit, with or without dry top, in summer and drysuit when it's colder. I'm looking for some new gear for the season and see makes like Zhik and Rooster do things like micro fleece longjohns with really, really thin neoprene. I have had a Aquafleece before which was fine, but I didn't swim in that often but nothing as thin as this new stuff appears.
The question I have is - for an average-ish middle aged sailor in hiking singlehanders, would these new style garments with thin neoprene work for a northern UK season, without having to be super active in the boat? The ads show young, lithe, super fit sailors using them of course, but how are they for average sailors, especially if you take a swim. Not quite so sure my older physique would cope with one of the stretch fit tops tho.........
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piglet View Drop Down
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Posts: 514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote piglet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 9:40pm
I'm middle aged bordering on old git who sails 200's & Radials.
I've managed 2 soft southern winters in my 3mm Gull code zero long johns.
I like having 2 flock/pile lined rashies, pref one short sleeve & 1 lomg.
Rooster PP leggings and Aquafleece.
In the cold I wear my bouyancy aid under the Aquafleece, warmer.
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craiggo View Drop Down
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Posts: 1810 		Post Options Post Options   Quote craiggo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:02pm
I generally wear hikers all year around. On colder days I wear a rooster hot-top then a musto aquafleece, as it gets warmer I switch the hot top for a normal rash vest, and when it's really warm I ditch the aquafleece.
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turnturtle View Drop Down
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Posts: 2538 		Post Options Post Options   Quote turnturtle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:12pm
The super thin ones won't be enough, but both Neil Pryde and Zhik do a thicker winter grade material... That's good stuff, and loads better than your average hiker/pencil case/mouse mat grade neoprene of the lower end brands.
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Bootscooter View Drop Down
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Posts: 1094 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Bootscooter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:44pm
I'm also middle-aged, verging on the arl-git, but racing a Finn all year round. My basic kit is the Rooster Race Skin with hikers over the top.  In winter I put on a Rooster Hot Top and Hot legs underneath (not necessarily pretty in the changing rooms, but then I'm not Dave from MoneySuperMarket), and layer up with a thermal layer and a Gill Thermal Top when it's properly Baltic.  Rooster stuff may be seen as a bit yoof, but it is extremely well priced, and very good quality (I'm still in the set I bought at the Dinghy Show 5 years ago).
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fleaberto View Drop Down
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Posts: 302 		Post Options Post Options   Quote fleaberto Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Apr 16 at 11:47am
I've been very surprised at how warm this 'new' thin neoprene stuff can actually be - when it fits properly.
I moved to Long John/Rashie or Thermal top / good spray top / socks and decent boots...... I've sailed my 600 over the winter in that kit and never really got massively cold (there's still a LOT of swimming going on!)- Magic Marine and Gill Long johns is what I'm using.

My best buy for a really comfortable time has been a Billabong foil steamer.... sailed the 600 for about 4 hours with 20 capsizes recently - and only near the end was any dampness starting to seep through.

Go for blindstitched and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how effective this layering concept can be.
Lightning368 'All the Gear' (409), Lightning368 'Sprite' (101), Laser (big number) 'Yellow Jack', RS Vareo (432)'The Golden Rays'
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iiiiticki View Drop Down
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Posts: 206 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iiiiticki Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Apr 16 at 12:00pm
The way the weather has been recently it is warmer in the water than out!
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NickM View Drop Down
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Posts: 328 		Post Options Post Options   Quote NickM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Apr 16 at 8:51pm
I have just bought the Mike Lennon Year Round Dry System (at sale price!) Very impressed so far: warm and dry as stated. It's very soft rubber so it remains to be seen how durable it will be.
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getafix View Drop Down
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Posts: 2143 		Post Options Post Options   Quote getafix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 16 at 6:18am
Originally posted by NickM

I have just bought the Mike Lennon Year Round Dry System (at sale price!) Very impressed so far: warm and dry as stated. It's very soft rubber so it remains to be seen how durable it will be.


updates on this would be appreciated.  Thought it was really nice when I saw some but same concern - will it last?
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jaydub View Drop Down
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Posts: 267 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jaydub Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 16 at 8:01am
Age old problem with smoothskin neoprene.  It keeps you warmer, but doesn't have the same longevity.

I've always gone for the longevity of double lined wetsuits.
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