Helly Hansen Oilies

[crisjones]

Hello everybody, my first post of any relevance after many months digesting the wisdom of the members!!!

We are looking to buy new waterproofs and we have a HH outlet shop nearby with what seem to be very generous discounts on rrp's so they are a likely candidate for parting me from much cash. The gear looks to be well made and seems to boast the same sort of features as the Musto, Gill etc ranges - is this the case or am I not comparing like with like?

Question is do any of you use HH gear and if so what do you think of it?

We will probably want a Coastal type set since our sailing area is N Wales, generally day sailing with occasional longer passages, however longer term plan is off to the Med and beyond in a Cat (not sure which yet) so I am reckoning that the relatively protected cockpit of a Cat will mean that a Coastal type suit should give adequate protection for any weather we are likely to get caught out in.

I have done a search over the last year but very little cropped up.

Thanks for any info you can offer.

 

[Vara]

Have a look ALL GADGETS
Just had a set delivered and they seem to be the business
Guys a forumite and apart from a dodgy taste in jumpers looks to be kosher.

 

[BrendanS]

If you are not brand concious, and simply want good quality breathable waterproofs at amazing price, have a look here. Since I last posted this link, have had several people report back that they are good quality at an incredible value for money price, but not many left
http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ag/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=AG2007

Milltech is the owner of the site in question, and many here know him as he posts here, so no scam or hidden costs or agenda. Just very good value for money!

 

[pampas]

I have used Mainstream suit (Top+pants) for the past 10 years, getting near the end of the jackets life now. Although designed for fly fishermen its (Was) water proof but when fully sealed its a short time floatation suit and is lovely and warm , one does not sweat, nor does it smell after any long use, bright yellow now mellowing, for overnight voyages and coastal use I highly recomend Mainstream Gear.

 

[Swagman]

I managed to blag a set of HH offshore gear way back in 90's off a Whitbread boat stopping over in Fremantle. They lasted a decade and were almost the best (ie most weatherproof) set I've ever had - and it was not just that AUS$50 price that pleased me!
Seriously - if they still make them the same way - highly recommended.
JOHN

 

[bbg]

I have got HH offshore gear and it is the best gear I have ever worn. I bought it on the recommendation of a Whitbread / VO60 sailor who had tried all the brands and swore by his HH gear. He wore what he was given when sailing on a sponsored boat, but when he could choose what to wear, he always wore his HH. Now when I am looking for waterproof breathables (for skiing, sailing - whatever), HH is not just the first brand I look for, it is the only brand.

FWIW.

 

[bobgosling]

I am considering buying some oilies in the near future but have been looking at Fladen flotation suit as used by Sea Anglers. It appears to give all the protection afforded by Sailing oilies with the addition of positive buoyancy and at a fraction of the outrageous cost of pukka yachtie stuff. Can anyone see any dowside that I have missed ?

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Helly Hansen Oilies are OK

Provided you stay away from the ones made out of very lightweight material. It's a bit like the ripstop material used for parachutes. Great for racing where the sponser fires you out a new set every few weeks but useless if you want haredwearing knockabout stuff.