New Oilskins: Recent Experience?

Krusty

Krusty

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After finally scrapping ten-year-old Pro-Rainer 'breathables' (and how!) I am in the market for reasonably-priced replacements.
Not for RTW duty, but Hebrides-Shetland can sometimes be quite wet and breezy.
I see that Force 4 are offering a Helly Hansen Fjord suit, described as ''extremely breathable'' ; which could mean the wind goes right through it!
As I do not (and will not) have a spray-hood, top priority is Protection from wind and water; Practicality comes next; Durability further down (can't expect another ten years); and Style comes nowhere!
Has anyone any experience of the Helly Hansen Fjord? Or any recommendations?
Any & all contributions welcomed, with thanks.
 
I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" applying very exactly to Foul weather gear.

Having had "make do" kit whilst sailing with my folks growing up and a bottom of the range Gill suit for a few years I finally got a propper set of Musto Gortex kit in 2004. My god, If I'd have known I'd have gone without beer.
The difference is imeasurable.
Spend what you can afford and not a penny less!

That said.... The new ranges of all the major players were launched in the last few months, so shopping around for last year's kit will probably save you a few quid!
 
I agree, and it's often a matter of what use you're going to make of them. It's hard to recommend any particular make because sometimes quite small differences in the cut of the neck etc can mean a jacket/trouser will fit one person much better than another. In other words, try some on before deciding.
 
[ QUOTE ]
so shopping around for last year's kit will probably save you a few quid!

[/ QUOTE ] Just picked up a set of Gill oilies for £165 discounted from £355. Still some others there at Ipswich.
 
If you've got the money, buy the best. My Henry Lloyds from 1995 are still as good as new in terms of waterproofing and warmth.... Not sure if it's a long way in relative terms, but I've probably done about 12,000 miles with them, (although the last 1000 miles of sailing saw almost no wet weather whatsoever).
 
I'd echo flaming.

I had a set of splashdown from the early 90s. Fine for the price and when they wee bought. About 8 years ago I bought a set of Musto offshore, all Gortex. What a difference. Fantastic stuff. They have outlet stores at Swindon and Bicester who will mail stuff to you if you know what you are looking for.

They only come second to my best buy ever of a pair of gortex Dubarry boots. V expensive but they are worth every pennie. One of those buys that you think "God why didn't I get these years ago".

If you wnat good foulies Musto/Henri lloyd. Dont bother going cheap. Mine have lasted years and are still great.
 
Another good reason for buying Musto offshore Gortex, and Dubarry Gortex boots is the service you will get.

I bought the musto kit about 12 years ago, and last year I realised the trousers were getting damp when I sat on the wet cockit seats. I sent the trousers back to Musto and asked if it would be possible to have them reproofed. I was expecting to have to pay for the service, which would have been perfectly reasonable after the 11 years I had been using them. Musto promptly wrote to me to tell me that they could not reproof them but that they would replace them with new trousers free of charge. A few days later the new trousers were delivered to me completly free of charge, including the postage. This was the very best posible service beyond my wildest dreams.

I had a similar problem with the Dubarry boots after about 8 years. I sent them back and within a few days they reproofed the boots for a small nominal charge barly more than the postage.

The moral of the story is if you buy the best you will some times get the best service.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just picked up a set of Gill oilies for £165 discounted from £355. Still some others there at Ipswich.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can thoroughly recommend Gill's discontinued Key West line. Ok, not totally breathable like the HPX, but much better than any others in their (original) price range - reinforced knees & bum on the salopettes, & jacket has a good high collar & deep fleece pockets (unlike the Henry Lloyd equivalent). Mine have coped excellently with being out on the water every day this winter, which is a pretty good recommendation.
 
I have not had a particularly good experience of musto had to change an MPX suit three times and then got my money back.
after an argument.
 
I also know of a couple of people who've had to send back new Mustos recently, including one HPX set which leaked first time out. Musto were very good about replacing, but......
 
My thanks to all who responded. I have just ordered Musto BR2 Offshore, and will keep fingers crossed and hope I shall need that renowned after-sales service!service
 
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