Picked up a drysuit today

Finally got a drysuit. Picked up a Palm Sidewinder Silver at Jersey Paddler. Went in debating what Kokatat to get but couldn't pass up the sale price of $319. Has a Neoprene neck seal with no velcro tabs.....can't imagine it letting any water by unless it's in the seams.

Have you had a chance to try out the new drysuit yet? I'm picking one up after the Paddlesport show in Somerset. From the reviews that I've seen, it looks like a great deal on a decent drysuit. Is there anything that you don't like about it?

Used it once so far. Was comfortable and the neck gasket wasn't too uncomfortable even with a slightly sunburnt neck. It was fairly cool out and I was fine with a pair of sweatpants and a long t-shirt. Didn't feel cold but not sweaty either.

LOL It's not great for wiping fish slime off on.......was used to doing that with my neoprenes before and it just doesn't work and it stays slimy. Good thing is that it washed off no problem when I got home.

I waded to mid-thigh, The gravel guards are not waterproof, which I was a little disappointed in as I had waterproof boots over the suit and they filled with water. Feet stayed completely dry though.....it was just the gravel guards, not the suit itself. It felt a little different than my neoprene waders but not uncomfortable, just different than I was used to. Could feel the cold water through them, but stayed completely dry.

To clean it I just put it on and got in the shower......partially because I figured that'd be the quickest way to get the salt off, partially so I could get the top half of it wet while wearing it without going swimming. The neoprene on the neck did soak up the water. I think if you were submerged for more than a couple minutes you'd be a little wet, but I don't think a lot of water would get in......I'll test it further when the water's warmer. Don't forget that this is not a true drysuit, it's a semi-dry, and the neck is the reason for it. You sacrifice a little water getting in for a lot of comfort.

When I was in the store, I also tried on the Kokatat supernova and this suit felt more comfortable after wearing it and walking around for a few minutes.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I was checking out that Kokatat as well but that's a lot of money. This is my first semi-drysuit so if this works out well I may be able to spend more down the road for a higher quality suit. Thanks again.

i dont' think it's a bad buy.....and based on only one time using it I like it. I'm just hoping it holds up well. Seems like most of the non-gore-tex breathable materials have durability issues.