Anyone wear Stormr?

[greywalls]

I'm tired with being cold while fishing... 

Has anyone worn any of the Stormr gear (e.g., the Stormr Strykr or Typhon line-up)?  

The gear looks promising, as it's supposedly warm, water-proof and form-fitting.  Not sure about breathability, as the material is neoprene.  But, it looks like it might actually be the first option for not looking and feeling like a marshmallow man.

I'd not heard of Stormr, but stumbled upon a review on an ice fishing forum, and researched further.

I already have a Striker Ice "Guardian" suit and a Cabelas Guidewear Extreme Late Season suit enroute to arrive any day now, as a result of last weekend's hopes of finding the ideal cold water fishing setup (planning to keep one and return the other).  Now that I've stumbled across the Stormr stuff, though, I'm wondering whether it might be better than the other two.  All of this cold weather water-proof stuff is insanely expensive (at least, to me) -- so I want to make sure I buy it right (one and done for several years).

Appreciate any input on Stormr or the other options..

[31Airborne]

During the course of 32 years on active duty I've had the opportunity to experience just a bout every climate and weather extreme. Managing cold while fishing has a lot of similarities - you need to be mobile, flexible. You need to be able to move your arms, shoulders, and lower body without being encumbered. The gear needs to keep you warm without cooking you. The gear needs to have the ability to pass moisture out without compromising the heat barrier. If it doesn't stink that's a plus. Over the years of trial and error (I'm a slow learner sometimes) I finally came around to understanding and appreciating the benefits of layering. It's especially the case in extreme cold.

As you research a good outer garment be sure to spend some time looking at good base and wind layers. New materials (like polypropylene and the latest faux silks) provide unprecedented heat retention and moisture wicking. They also keep you warm when (if) they get wet. UnderArmor makes a super compression (tight-fitting) base layer. About $30. Gander Mtn (when it reopens) and Cabela's sell their respective brands of faux silk base layers that make superb additions on top of a compression layer in extreme conditions. They make the perfect base layer when it's cold in the AM but warms throughout the day. About $20. A heavy sweatshirt or fleece is usually my next layer. I finish it off w/ a good outer garment (like the Stormr you're looking at) for when I'm running on plane. I want an outer garment that's wind and water proof (including the zippers!).

Some other things to consider that are often forgotten. Neck gaiters go a long way towards retaining body heat. They also prevent irritation from turning your head while all bundled up. Good head gear - something that also covers your ears - is essential since most of your body heat is lost thru your head. Good gloves - also wind and water proof - are also essential. Finally, take a look at the socks you're wearing. Lotsa new materials out there for footwear that help wick moisture away and keep feet dry (key to keeping feet warm in extreme cold). If you're like me you're using insulated shoes to keep your feet warm. That insulation is gonna cause your feet to sweat. A pair of moisture wicking socks will ensure the insulation does its job.

The best thing about layering is the ability to adjust heat control as the day goes along. You can doff a layer as the sun comes up and air warms. If the clouds roll back in or the wind kicks up you can put it back on. If you rely exclusively on a massive outer garment you'll have the extremes covered but you'll be in a bit of a fix for the in between conditions. Layering keeps you warm without binding you up - you can cast, fetch the net, move around the deck without feeling the Michelin Man thing you mentioned.

I use BPS 100 MPH bibs and jacket (the Gore-Tex lined versions). I've used the Cabela's brand (Guidewear) - wasn't bad but not quite as good on the waterproofing as the BPS product. The Cabela's product was a bit hard to get out of for those manly moments when the coffee runs its course. The new BPS design allows for quick access and recovery. The pockets on my Cabela's gear were not water proof. I had to put phone and wallet in plastic bags to ensure they stayed dry. The pockets on my BPS gear are bone dry. Consider these as you look at the Stormr and other options.