Flotation Suits

kaman · 07 February 2014, 18:47

Any of you guys have any experience of flotation suits.
I know they aren't as good as dry suits hence they are 1/3 the price!
Was thinking of getting one around the one hundred quid mark to use for doing a bit of springtime sea fishing.
Just looking for something to keep me warm, deal with the odd splash, deal with rain and stop my backside getting soaked.
I have been using a set of goretex trousers and jacket but as I also use them for hillwalking I keep having to wash the salt off them and re waterproof them.
If a flotation suit is up to the job I'd be looking for something comfy that does not restrict movement.
There is loads of flotation suits on the internet just looking for any recommendations on what to get and what to avoid.

jumpinjack · 07 February 2014, 18:49

Have had two fladen one piece jobs, for the money- brilliant.

Poly · 07 February 2014, 18:54

They will do the job well - possibly too well (mine can be far too hot in even a Scottish Summer). They will restrict movement to some extent, but shouldn't be too bad. Beware that they work to buoyancy aid standards so won't turn you the right way up on their own, and even if you combine with a standard 150N jacket they may not work properly (to be sure you need 275N).

Also beware that if you buy a two piece and just have the trousers on and go for a swim you will effectively be being supported by the legs (i.e. head down

)

kaman · 07 February 2014, 19:04

I have a 150nm and a 275nm life jacket. The 275nm is self righting as I'm in the 18 stone plus category I think I'll wear the 275nm.
Dont like the sounds of bobbing upside down suspended bt the trousers so I think a one piece is the way forward.
Might be more resilient to leaks.
I have a Fladen waist coat I use for fly fishing, it is years old and has been excellent so might just stay brand loyal and get a Fladen one piece flotation suit.
As it sounds like just what I need I'll have a trawl through the net to see what I can find.

kerny · 07 February 2014, 19:05

I use motorcycle jacket and trousers from Aldi cost me 70 quid I think.

If they are good enough for going down a motorway at 70 mph in the persisting rain then they are good enough for a rib

They work great for me.

kaman · 07 February 2014, 19:21

Lidl and Aldi seem to sell some decent gear!
Need to be quick as it goes quick.

Had a look on the net at some flotation suits, Fladen ones about 30 pounds more than I wanted to spend but I would stretch the budget.
There's a Fisheagle 2 piece at around 80 quid.
Anyone got any experience of these?

kerny · 07 February 2014, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaman

Lidl and Aldi seem to sell some decent gear!
Need to be quick as it goes quick.

Just waiting for them to start selling Gecko helmets

MustRib · 07 February 2014, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

Just waiting for them to start selling Gecko helmets

They will probably have a knock off name ...like "Flecko" or "Salamander" be a third of the price and just as good, and they will be sold out in 20 seconds like most stuff thats any good there.

kerny · 07 February 2014, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustRib

They will probably have a knock off name ...like "Flecko" or "Salamander" be a third of the price and just as good, and they will be sold out in 20 seconds like most stuff thats any good there.

Nicely put and very true

Skipper1 · 07 February 2014, 20:29

Go for a Mullion Flotation suit, they are used widely in the Offshore Industry, and come in a single suit or trousers and jacket. Hard to beat, but will be too warm in seasons other than winter. Check out:

North sea - 1MHA | Mullion

kaman · 08 February 2014, 10:26

Cheers for that!
Mullion flotation suits certainly do look the business.
And reasonably priced as well.
Dont mind paying a bit extra for something that's going to perform well and last!
Got a number to call a supplier on Monday.
I will have a chat with them and take it from there.
Looks good though.
Many thanks.

Deekus · 08 February 2014, 15:23

I've just bought a 'Penn Waveblaster' flotation suit. Looks and feels like a quality piece of kit.I will be testing it out on The Mersey tomorrow, so will report how it performs in these challenging conditions.

neil.mccrirrick · 08 February 2014, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

I use motorcycle jacket and trousers from Aldi cost me 70 quid I think. If they are good enough for going down a motorway at 70 mph in the persisting rain then they are good enough for a rib

They work great for me.

I'm with you steve. Motor bike gear works really well. Loads of reviews if you want to research expensive stuff but it's all designed to keep you dry faster than a rib can go in the persisting

Starovich · 08 February 2014, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.mccrirrick

I'm with you steve. Motor bike gear works really well. Loads of reviews if you want to research expensive stuff but it's all designed to keep you dry faster than a rib can go in the persisting

I commute every day on a bike. Currently I'm using a Dickies Flouro Builders jacket for waterproofing over my summer jacket(forthe protection). Works for me on my 50 mile commute.

I do use winter padded Bike trousers, though i Find they need reproofing to keep the water beading off and not sitting on the fabric.

Barrowboy · 08 February 2014, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekus

I will be testing it out on The Mersey tomorrow, so will report how it performs in these challenging conditions.

Where do you launch from; New Brighton Beach, the Marina, Liverpool Sailing Club?

Deekus · 08 February 2014, 20:53

slipway in front of 'safe water training centre'

Barrowboy · 08 February 2014, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekus

slipway in front of 'safe water training centre'

I've got a Wirral Council Pass but I've never actually launched off the beach there. I'll have to give it a go soon.

Deekus · 10 February 2014, 20:14

Report:

Conditions didnt allow for a launch, and by the time the weather settled down we were stuck into the new VHF/SRC Radio course. So the flotation suit stayed in its bag for another day!

Next time....!!

shaun2020 · 21 February 2014, 02:00

Flotation suits I have used for many years for fishing off the beach in extreme weather conditions in the middle of the winter and they are nice and warm and waterproof, you can feel like you are cooking in them sometimes, even in the winter,

Thankfully I have not had the experience of seeing if they float in the water and I hope I never have to try it, I would go for a reputable brand, 2 many cheap ones on the market, I prefer a 2 part suit as it easier to put on and take off when required,

They can be a bit restricted when moving around and you can feel like the elephant man when you are walking up and down the beach to cast out,

Best warm Fishing clothing I have ever worn

willk · 21 February 2014, 07:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaun2020

I prefer a 2 part suit as it easier to put on and take off when required,

Hmmm, that's the one good thing there is about them. They cost a lot more and don't offer much in the way of thermal protection if you ever do end up in the water, which is kind of the point of wearing one. The risk of wearing the trousers only at some point and then falling in, worries me a bit...

Mind you, they are popular