Drytops

[crane]

Just put 3 holes in my bomber drytop on a rock. So I am now in the market for a new one. I have been looking at the NRS top of the line, Kokatat and Stohlquist. All are around 3 hundo, so price isn't a debate but quality is. Which one of those 3 have you had the best luck with?

[CUkayakGirl]

Originally Posted by crane

Just put 3 holes in my bomber drytop on a rock. So I am now in the market for a new one. I have been looking at the NRS top of the line, Kokatat and Stohlquist. All are around 3 hundo, so price isn't a debate but quality is. Which one of those 3 have you had the best luck with?

ah, dude, that sucks. They didn't look like they went all the way through.
bummer...

[tj@cu]

That sucks hopefully didn't put and holes in your skin, I just aquasealed the holes up on my drytop and it has worked fine for 2+ years.
-Tom

[COUNT]

Where'd you do rip yourself? As you know, I just got a new top. I did all the research and then when in and tried them all on, felt the material, etc. Stohlquist has been great for me over the last five years and used to be the fucking shit (or is the correct phrase "rock-butt awesome" ?). But they don't seem to be as good as they used to be (I believe this is primarily due to substituting other materials for the Gore-Tex). Now, I'm not a name-brand junkie by any means, but if you go in and feel the different tops, the non-Gore-Tex ones just don't feel as sturdy. I know they claim to be just as good, just cheaper, but I'm a skeptic. Comparing the company descriptions/stats, they're all about the same, minus the fact that Kokatat is the only company using GoreTex. It's just how they look and feel/fit that is different. So, because it felt a lot more bomber, I bought a Kokatat. I think no one will dispute that they are the most bomber tops being made right now. I love mine and it keeps me bone dry (even when swimming ). Leaky skirt is now the problem.

COUNT

[acetomato]

Friend of mine just got the stohlquist freefall and it seems pretty bomber with those kevlar-like padded elbows and shoulders. I've got the previous version ('05) of IR's X-Jacket and it's great. The newer version (06 & 07) is even better. If you're will to buy last year's (just a different color) you can find it for three bills (occassionally 2-fitty).

[Caspian]

Aquaseal or Seamgrip it, bro. Take the $300 for a new drytop and travel to a new river.

[gh]

For the last two seasons I dont think my Kokatat rogue has let one drop in. It is pricey but you get your moneys worth. I wouldnt even consider buying another top.

[deepsouthpaddler]

Assuming the tears have not screwed up the gaskets, I'd patch it up. I got a tear in my drysuit and kokatat sent me a patch kit. Its held up really well for a season now. No problems. I also have the left over patch material in my kit in the car in case I rip a top on a weekend trip so I don't have to paddle wet all weekend.

[possumturd]

I don't have allot of experience with dry tops but my Extrasport dry top works great. It has good water repellent properties. They may be hard to find but their new dry top looks pretty good. I think REI is a dealer. Go the patch route first but shopping for new is always fun.

[David H]

Kokatat Kokatat Kokatat Kokatat
I't the customer service I've sent my dry top back for mending and they have had it back in 10 day's. You most likely could send yours back and have it mended and taped Rick wil take care of you.
I'ts the same with Gore if the compay that made your garment go's out of busness they WILL take care of it