Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Typhoon Drysuits Review

Typhoon have a wide range of suits that will suit every pocket and discipline. Here is a look at some of the best features on each suit.


Typhoon PS330 Extreme Drysuit




The PS330 has been put through its paces, having been used in the Volvo Ocean Race and circumnavigations of the British Isles. It has all the features you could wish for in a drysuit, including reinforcing on key wear points, breathable fabric, and 6 pockets including a snugly hand warmer.






















The PS330 is tough, made to withstand the harshest conditions. The glideskin neck will stay comfortable for all day wear even on the sea. An ultra visible high-vis hood with added reflective panels will make sure that you are seen no matter what.

A specially designed detachable fleece high neck collar helps to give you the ultimate comfort  whilst protecting against the elements.






Donning the PS330 could't be easier. The X-hinge zip runs around the centre of the dry suit making it simple to zip up by yourself. Internal braces hold up the bottoms to make donning a breeze and add support during use. 


Typhoon PS220 Xtreme Suit




As you've probably guessed the PS220 is the more compact brother of the PS330. 

With 4 pockets the PS220 will help you keep all you need close to hand. These pockets include a specific MP3 / mobile phone / VHF radio pocket positioned at the collar.  It still comes with the Glide-skin seals that are specifically designed for sea water and extra long lower leg covers for use with high leg boots.























There are two chest / collar pockets on the PS220, one is designed for a phone or VHF and the other is for a whistle or other safety equipment that needs to be kept ready at a moments notice. The large hood teamed with the collar keeps you protected no matter what, with volume adjustable toggles so the hood of the PS220 can be tailored to fit you.




















Once again the PS220 comes with the very useful internal braces which are hight adjustable for the most comfortable fit. The biggest difference between PS220 and PS330 is in the large rear shoulder to shoulder BDM brass zip. This does add a little extra weight to the PS220 but over all it's worth it.

The PS220 is slightly harder to zip up by yourself but it can be done. The same brass zip is used on the relief zipper too to ensure a dry ride.


Typhoon Equator Hinge Drysuit




As the title would suggest the Equator comes with the same waist hinge zip as the PS330. 

This is a very basic stripped down version that would be ideal as a first drysuit or a well priced upgrade from top and bottoms. The Equator comes with latex neck, wrist and socks making it a true drysuit.




The pictures above show a step-by-step of how easy the zip on the equator is to use. one plus side to this zip is that it makes the need for a relief zip redundant, meaning one less hole to think about.


Typhoon Multisport 4




The original Multisport drysuit gathered a huge following when it was first released making the Multisport 4 a firm favourite with many paddle sport enthusiasts to this day. 





















The Multisport 4 is a rear entry suit, meaning the zip is on the back and goes from shoulder to shoulder. It also comes with a convenience zip as standard for extra usability. Both zips are metal witch gives a dry seal but does need a little more maintenance than plastic zips over time.




Both neck and wrist seals are latex on the Multisport 4 and come with adjustable neoprene covers to keep them protected during use. 
The Multisport 4 is constructed from Quadply fabric which is light, durable and most importantly BREATHABLE!
Breathable fabric can make a real difference when your on the water all day as it reduces sweat and the wet feeling you might get in cheaper suits. 


Typhoon Hypercurve 3



The Hypercurve 3 is a fantastic all round suit. it's light weight fabric and flexible zip makes it easy to don and wear all day. It comes with the standard drysuit features of pre-bent arms and legs along with internal braces for added security.





















For added comfort while using the suit in sea water the Hypercurve 3 comes with Glide skin neck and wrists. Glideskin is a rubber style coating that's applied to the inside of neoprene with is nearly as dry as latex but significantly more comfortable.























The Hypercurve 3 has reinforcement on high wear areas to protect the breathable fabric during use. The one thing to be careful of are the latex socks, as we recommend with all drysuits always wear shoes as the smallest of holes in the letex will allow water to enter the suit.

Check a full range of drysuits online at Escape Watersports



Friday, 22 January 2016

Yak Kurve | Review by Elliott Davidson

The Yak Kurve is a great low profile minimalistic PFD. It’s a fantastic choice for any beginners in the market for a new BA. Not only does it do the job, but it comes with a great price tag making it a very appealing purchase.



The mounting point allows you to add accessories to the outside of your PFD. Some people choose to attach a knife here, though this is a personal preference. I would point out as a safety warning that it might be better to put the knife in your front pocket whilst around beginners.

The Kurve has a great central placed front pocket, it’s on the small side, but considering that the buoyancy aid is not aimed at the more advanced kayaker it’s sufficient. You would easily be able to put your car keys in there plus a chocolate bar.



Inside the front pocket there is a plastic clip, so if you really need to have a knife you could attach some string to this with a knife on the end, instead of using the mounting point on the front of the PFD.
On the front left side of the pocket there’s a drainage hole. This is here as the pocket is not watertight, so bare this in mind when putting items in there.
As I’m from a slalom background I’m used to low cut, slimline PFD’s and this was just that. It allows great movement and didn’t restrict you. The foam edges are cut on an angle to allow to PFD to fit the body shape better, which is a nice touch.



To make the PFD fit you well, as we are all different sizes and shapes, it has two sets of adjustable straps. The easy to use adjustable straps are located on the shoulders and side. There are two side adjuster straps to really make sure that the PFD fits and locks onto your body.

The shoulder straps have a nice excess loop to feed the strap under. This way it won’t be flaring around whilst paddling.

I think this is an ideal purchase for someone that’s just getting into kayaking and is looking to buy their first PDF.

The fit is low profile and very compatible with a range of paddler sizes. It doesn’t have the features needed for the PFD of a river leader but then again it’s not targeted at them.

The added bonus is that it won’t break the bank.

Escape Watersports are offering the Yak Kurve at £39.99 instead of the retail £72.00. Bargain!




Tuesday, 19 January 2016

New! Sanuk Footwear Sale


We may be a little early for the warm weather, but our off season sale of Sanuk footwear is worth a look if you want a high quality flip flop or boat shoe at a fraction of the normal price.

Get ready for Summer 2016!



Sanuk prides itself on being fun. Actually the word Sanuk literally means "fun" in Thai.

Known as having a funky style and cool innovations, Sanuk truly are a global lifestyle brand, particularly famous for their yoga mat sandal collection.

Boasting an impressive team sheet including world famous surfers, snowboarders, and fashion models, Sanuk footwear has proven that it can take on everyday challenges anywhere.







Sanuk footwear is now available online at Escape Watersports at up to 50% off RRP.