However at this time of year, I'm not really finding it warm enough especially between races.  It's very noticeable that the wind cuts its way through the seams quite easily, so I'm thinking of supplementing it with a longjohn that's more suitable for late autumn / early Spring wear.

I'm reluctant to pay Zhik prices so seeing either the Gul Code Zero or the NP Elite range as being the obvious choices.

I've also had the Gul evotherm longjohn recommended as a base layer, which I'm also considering.

Does anybody have any recommendations based on experience?

Mind you, if I think I'll stay dry, e.g. in a Wayfarer, I still prefer the totally unfashionable one-piece spray suit. I don't enjoy wearing any wetsuit, and they are only really effective if you get very wet, otherwise they are uncomfortably clammy and not espcially insulative.

But it really is just that they're out of fashion, isn't it?  Unless you actually capsize, a spraysuit is just as effective as the much more expensive drysuit (which I also own but choose to keep for windy, winter days).

Of course, in the 3k it's always either a wetsuit of some description or the drysuit, but for the Waybarge or on committee boat duty...

Originally posted by davidyacht Not wishing to court controversy, but I wonder where the Gul and Typhoon kit comes from?

Yup. Would think that it's all made in China? 

When it gets colder, I add an Aquafleece Pro (not really dry, but close) or the NP top. When it gets even colder both. After that, I admit that I am a wimp and stay home with a hot cup of tea.

 

The one area NP is not as good as Zhik is in the ability to meet demand with supply of their product as most suppliers will struggle to supply you both a LJ and top!

 

I tried on the Firewire LJ and both the Matrix and Firewire tops on the other day (albeit the tops were not the right size).  I couldn't believe the stretchiness of the Firewire version, which for some reason seemed to be better than the Matrix.  The LJ was arguably more comfortable than my Gill LJ, which is amazing since it is almost twice as thick.

 

Chris, your feedback on the Matrix is really useful, as I am looking for something to take me from the Gill LJ through to 'proper' dry suit weaher and it maybe the Matrix or indeed the Gul Code Zero may prove to be a more flexible option than the Firewire version.

 

I suspect we are only getting into NP Firwire / Zhik superwarm territory as it starts getting more Autumnal, whereas I've had an issue with keeping warm enough off and on for the last couple of months.

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 Long John. I do always massacre them though, even the expensive one by cutting the arms off and refinishing just above the elbow. Loosing 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. Spray top over if wet n windy.