Fladedn 2 piece or Mullion 2 piece?

[tim_ber]

I have read all the threads on here about the insulating properties of fladen for winter sailing, but am trying to decide between the Fladen and the Mullion and no one seems to have mentioned the Mullion, but it is similar price and a better color (imo), but is it as warm?

The hood on the fladen looks cumbersome compared to other suit. The pockets have drainage holes, so water could enter there. Mullion don't have drainage holes, so as long as water does not enter pocket, contains may stay dry.

Mullion could be worn on land without drawinf so much attention to oneself. Would not show up any dirt or marks so much.

Anyone have hands on experience? Both similar price. I don't know what antiflushing straps to arms and legs means (Mullion). I'm not sure I like the crotch strap on the Mullion jacket.

http://www.safetydirect.co.uk/product_1m18.htm

http://www.highlandtackle.co.uk/prod5.asp?prod_id=175&id=291&grpid=175&msg=&offset=

I have good oilies and a drysuit (but a very "in your face" colour) and with no pockets. My oilies are OK but really just for expensive posing and a bit too good for the rough types of boat I may sail on this winter. One bit of oil etc and they are no longer any good for posing (very yellow in coloour)

Happy Christmas, and/or happy holidays.

 

[Kelpie]

I've got one of each in the garage, give me a few days and I'll go and compare them...

 

[Plevier]

Why are these so cheap? What don't they do that Musto/Gill oilies do at 3-4 times the price?

 

[awol]

Why are these so cheap? What don't they do that Musto/Gill oilies do at 3-4 times the price?

They tend not to be sold in yottie chandlers and get worn by people who put function above style.

 

[prv]

Why are these so cheap? What don't they do that Musto/Gill oilies do at 3-4 times the price?

They don't breathe, because they have closed-cell foam in them for warmth, waterproofing, and buoyancy. If you spend most of your time sitting still, rather than frantically grinding winches on a racing crew, that may not matter.

I have an ageing set of posh Gill oilies, but rarely wear them in favour of a cheapo PVC jacket. Yes, in very heavy rain and serious spray (and if I had to sit on the rail like I used to) the Gill stuff would be better, but that's not often the case. For a bit of rain the lightweight jacket is simpler and more comfortable. It's not breathable, but I haven't found that a problem.

Pete

 

[tim_ber]

I've got one of each in the garage, give me a few days and I'll go and compare them...

That would be appreciated, thanks.

Let me know what you think of the hood comfort, and what all those straps on the Mullion are all about.

Tim

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Why are these so cheap? What don't they do that Musto/Gill oilies do at 3-4 times the price?

They don't support the massive marketing budgets of Musto/Gill/HH.
They don't have the status of the trendy branding of Musto/Gill/HH.

They may not be breathable but I'm not convinced that that necessarily matters. I've stayed dry, warm and comfortable with non-breathable gear. I've also been wet, cold and uncomfortable with poor breathable gear.
Particularly on a boat where we are still most of the time and rarely break into a sweat, I'm not at all convinced that breathability is essential.

 

[onesea]

OK we have a 2 piece flotation suit (cannot remember brand but right price) and also some light weight breathable Halley Hansen.

In the Winter the flotation suit is great but bulky. Also not the most robust suit in the world. When its that cold priceless, I was going to be racing mega overnight hard core passages I would more maneuverability and breathable.

Ours are non breathable, and we have not had a problem as people say sailing is not always the most active sport. With us it tends to be take jacket off put sails up, put jacket on...

For what you get they are good value, I can see why people go for the high tech waterproofs they are better but are they THAT MUCH better?

Plus with the flotation suits you always have that added bonus, if yo fall in it will help you float.

For what they are I would say they are worth whilst, we also use them as our slightly lumpy Pillows!

Merry Christmas

 

[rib]

i have fladen one piece/and a two piece musto,both of which have done 10,000s miles,my fladen is ten years old and comes out when its gonna be cold with light ish rain and my musto when its not so cold and is gonna pour down because one thing is for sure the musto drys out again quicker

 

[chubby]

According to my daughter and Alan Carr, onecies are all the rage?