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A modern float suit will help you not to freeze, feel comfortable in any weather conditions, and most importantly, not to drown. The times of heavy wadded jackets, pants and felt boots are long gone. Unsafe equipment has become a fatal mistake for many winter anglers. A person who has ever been in an ice hole understands what really cold water is and how little time it gives to salvation.
When and why you need a float suit
A water-repellent suit will be useful not only for winter fishermen, but also for those who dare to do harsh sea fishing from a boat. Low temperature of water and air, gusty wind, constant spray of waves beating against the side – all this makes your favorite pastime quite an extreme type of recreation.
Advantages of a float suit for ice fishing:
- lightness and mobility;
- freedom of movement;
- impermeability or protective membrane against moisture;
- not blown by strong winds;
- insulation with special fillers;
- the ability to keep a person afloat.
A light suit allows you to move quickly on the ice, does not hinder the movement of your arms and legs, body. This is important in winter, because freedom of movement saves energy. In a heavy suit, a person gets tired much faster, he is able to overcome long distances with difficulty.
Freedom in the movements of the hands allows you to easily wield the rod, unfettered movements of the legs and body make it possible to place yourself near the hole in a way that is convenient, and not as clothing allows. In addition, there is nothing to slip inside the suit, so during the course of fishing you do not need to straighten your clothes, tuck a sweater into your pants.
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Many suits are completely waterproof, they repel any moisture, do not saturate it even with prolonged immersion. Other models are able to repel moisture for a certain time or its amount, they make it possible to fish in the rain and sleet, leaving the body dry. Also, such suits are good in emergency situations when you need to get out of the icy water.
Water does not enter the body immediately, seeping through unprotected or weakly protected places: pockets, hand cuffs, throat, etc. Although the suit does not provide 100% impermeability, it is still much easier to get out on the ice in it, it also keeps the body warm longer, because, as you know, a person can stay in ice water for no longer than a minute.
In winter, the water temperature drops to low values, down to +3 °C. In such water, a person is able to function from 30 to 60 seconds. The hands are the first to freeze, and if they can no longer be moved, then it is impossible to get out onto the ice. In this case, it is worth rolling over onto your back and pushing off with your feet from solid ice. If you managed to get to the surface, you need to try to crawl towards the coast in a lying position. When trying to get up, you can again fall into the icy water.
When you need a suit:
- on the first ice;
- for sea fishing;
- at the end of the season;
- on a strong current;
- if going out on the ice might be unsafe.
Different models are designed for specific conditions of use and temperature conditions. Some anglers wear float suits only on the first and last ice, as well as when fishing in the current. Even in the dead of winter, when the ice layer can reach half a meter, the current washes it away from below in places. Thus, gullies and polynyas are formed, hidden by thin ice and a layer of snow. When fishing in the current, a non-sinking suit is required.
The main criteria for choosing a winter suit
Harsh winter conditions can be endured either in a huge amount of clothing that will hamper movement, or in a specialized suit. On the ice, the angler often takes a sedentary position. Some fans of winter fishing stay for the whole day in tents, others sit without any protection from the wind on the ice.
What to look for when choosing the best suit:
- model weight;
- price category;
- type of internal filler;
- appearance;
- waterproof and windproof;
- ability to float.
“A good model weighs little”: this statement is not always true, but it allows you to determine for yourself the important characteristics of the product. Indeed, in a light suit it is easier to move around, it is less felt in the water, and this is important in order to have a chance to get out on a hard surface. However, such products are not designed for low negative temperatures; they have a small layer of filler.
The best bobber suit will come with a hefty price tag that can be prohibitive for many anglers. However, there are always alternative options at an affordable cost that perform the basic functions of floats.
The complete set of a good suit includes semi-overalls and a jacket. The tightness of the upper part of the overalls plays an important role. Free-top models let water through much faster when in a life-threatening situation. The presence of a large number of pockets makes the suit more comfortable, but it is worth remembering that they are considered a weak point through which moisture penetrates.
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After purchase, it is best to test the suit in shallow water. At the same time, it is worth noting the time that he gives to get out from under the ice. The float suit should be checked in advance to be prepared for unforeseen problems.
Appearance is another important criterion. Modern models are made in a stylish design, they retain a pleasant appearance for a long time. Usually the manufacturer combines several colors, one of which is black.
Important details of the costume:
- high pants do not let the cold into the waist area;
- wide sleeves of the jacket do not hinder movement;
- dense Velcro on the wrists and around the feet keep dry;
- cuffs on sleeves protect hands from hypothermia;
- internal side pockets and the absence of decorative elements on the elbows;
- tight straps for fixing the pants of the suit.
Insulating fillers inside suits should not crumple when wet. Many manufacturers use natural down, and synthetic options can also be found in the ranking of the best.
Not being blown by the wind is important for a winter suit, because in cold weather the air flow can “freeze” the angler in a matter of minutes. Each model has a tight-fitting hood that protects against precipitation and blowing into the neck area.
Classification of non-sinking suits
All models on the fishing market can be divided into two large categories: one-piece and two-piece. In the first case, the product is a single overalls. It is warm, well protected from the wind, but not very comfortable to use.
The second type consists of two parts: high pants with straps and a jacket with a protective cuff from the wind. All models are made of breathable synthetic materials and are completely waterproof.
An important aspect of the differences is the temperature regime. Models up to -5 °C are more mobile, they are made of thin material with a minimum amount of filler. Products designed for -10 or -15 ° C are bulky and bring more inconvenience. And finally, suits for the most extreme conditions, capable of withstanding -30 ° C, have more padding, additional layers of fabric and have more weight.
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Popular brands of winter suits:
- Norfin;
- Seafox;
- Graff;
- The flat.
Each of the manufacturers brings to the market quality products that meet all the requirements of anglers. When choosing a suit, you should correctly evaluate its size. Under the overalls, anglers put on thermal underwear, so it is important to guess the width of the pants and sleeves. Also, with a long stay in a sitting position, places under the knees and in the elbows can be rubbed. Too tight suit will make fishing unbearable.
TOP 11 best float suits for fishing
Choosing a suit should take into account the individual requirements of the angler, as well as the conditions in which it will be used. For fishing in the thaw and in severe frost, it is not recommended to use the same model.
Norfin Signal Pro
The overalls are designed for use in negative temperatures down to -20 °C. The model is made in bright colors to protect the angler on the ice from collision with vehicles in bad snowy weather. The suit has bright yellow inserts and reflective stripes.
The buoyancy of the trigger is provided by the material that is inside. The suit is made of membrane nylon fabric that does not allow moisture to pass through. The seams are taped, the model has two insulations, on top – Pu Foam, on the bottom – Thermo Guard.
SeaFox Extreme
This membrane material does not absorb water, and also has a high vapor output, so that the fisherman’s body remains dry. The suit is designed to quickly flip to the correct position in case of failure through the ice. Velcro on the arms prevents water from flowing in, so the angler has more time to get out of the hole.
The product is made in black and red colors, has reflective inserts on the sleeves and body. Also in the front of the jacket there are large patch pockets in which you can store equipment, including “rescue bags”.
Sundridge Igloo Crossflow
The ranking of the best ice fishing suits cannot be complete without the sinking Sundridge Igloo Crossflow. The model is designed for low temperatures, it is a multi-layered clothing consisting of a jumpsuit with high pants and a jacket. The sleeves have velcro for maximum fixation of the forearm. Comfortable, fully fitted hood deflects strong gusts of wind, high neck prevents cold from penetrating to the neck.
Inside there is a fleece lining, it is also located in the hood and on the collar. In the elbow, as well as the knee part, the material is reinforced, since in the fold zones it is rubbed much faster. The jacket is equipped with neoprene cuffs.
SEAFOX Crossflow Two
Another high quality model from Seafox. The material differs from analogues in its complete impenetrability, so the suit is perfect for harsh winter fishing conditions. Density imbalance in different parts of the jacket turns a person face up in seconds. The costume consists of high trousers with shoulder straps and a jacket with a windproof hood and a high collar.
The manufacturer used breathable fabric for manufacturing, so the SEAFOX Crossflow Two suit will provide comfortable fishing without sweat on the forehead. This model combines price and quality, thanks to which it got into the top of the best unsinkable suits for fishing.
Suit-float “Skif”
This model of a floating suit is specially designed for low temperatures that haunt winter anglers. In addition, the product consists of two parts: a jacket and pants with tight straps. Wide pockets on the front of the jacket allow you to store the most necessary equipment. The overalls are completely not blown, and also has the function of steam removal.
Durable nylon-based taslan material extends the life of the suit for years to come. The model has a lightning on two locks and a protective level. The high collar does not rub the chin area and protects the neck from blowing.
XCH RESСUER III
This product is based on the Rescuer model but has received a number of significant upgrades. The suit was developed by a Russian manufacturer, after which the product was repeatedly chosen by fishermen of the CIS countries. Alpolux insulation is used inside the jacket and pants, which is designed for operation up to -40 ° C.
The new line has a number of advantages: an adjustable hood with a visor, reflective inserts and pads on the shoulders, an internal neoprene cuff, a high collar, and windproof strips. At the bottom of the jacket is a skirt that snaps into place with buttons. On sleeves clamps for “rescuers” are thought over. The overalls have several convenient chest pockets and two patch pockets on the inside with a magnet.
PENN FLOTATION SUIT ISO
The floating suit consists of a separate jacket with a high collar and a hood and overalls. Insulated PVC material resists strong winds and heavy rain. A fully waterproof suit is able to keep the angler afloat for a long time.
In the front of the jacket there are 4 pockets for equipment and “rescue bags”. Sleeves in the wrist area have Velcro, which are responsible for tightness. Wide pants do not hinder movement, and are also perfectly combined with winter boots. The suit is made in a combination of black and red colors, has reflective stripes.
HSN “FLOAT” (SAMBRIDGE)
For lovers of a safe holiday on a winter pond, the Float suit will come in handy. This model is made of a membrane fabric that removes steam from the inside and does not allow moisture to pass through from the outside. This combination of material characteristics allows you to comfortably fish even in heavy snow with gusty winds.
The jacket has several patch pockets and a thick hood. The collar under the throat provides protection from blowing in the neck area, there are “lifeguards” on the sleeves. This suit is universal, it is perfect for both sea fishing from a boat and for ice fishing.
Norfin Apex Flt
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The model withstands low temperatures down to -25 °C. The heaters are provided with holes for steam venting. The seams of the jacket are fully taped, inside there is a multi-layer insulation. The jacket has a high neck, side pockets with zippers. A fleece-lined collar keeps the cold out of your neck.
The cuffs on the sleeves and legs are manually adjustable. The jumpsuit also has adjustable shoulder straps. Each detail can be customized to your own preferences.
Adrenalin Republic Evergulf 3 in1
The basis for the model was the predecessor of “Rover”. This suit comes with a floating vest that keeps the angler on the water. The wide jacket gives freedom of action, on the front side there are several zipped pockets and two deep additional pockets. Product color combination: black with bright orange. The hood fastens with a high velcro, fits perfectly and is adjustable.
This model is more suitable for winter fishing from a boat. The vest can be easily fastened and unfastened if necessary. Dense filler allows you to easily endure temperatures down to -25 ° C.
NovaTex “Flagship (float)”
The separate suit has a jacket with a hood and a dense peak, and also high trousers on adjustable straps. The model is made in black and yellow with fragments of reflective tapes. The jacket has several pockets for storing gear or “rescue bags”, the jacket fastens with a zipper. Membrane fabric is not blown by strong winds, and also resists heavy rain.
In case of failure under water, the angler remains afloat, water does not penetrate into the suit, thereby keeping the body dry.