Well, all the Nookie samples have arrived. I spent the weekend dunking, torchering, and beatng on some of the products with some buddies in Eastern Washington. Let me tell you, they are impressive.
www.nookie.co.uk
I personaly like the Zone Shell, a 3 ply waterproof fabric with waterproof gaskets, made from a coated neoprene rather then latex, giving you greater comfort, no neck rash, and longer gasket life. And my head did not feel like it was going to pop, no need to trim these gaskets like you do a latex. Beefed up elbow area using a rip stop type, titanium stitch woven fabric, with increased mobility. The Zone is sweet!
I paired it up with the Xtreme Dry Trousers. I liked the high waist design. Waterproof 2 ply rip stop type nylon to the waist,then the Ti-Glide coated neprene around the abdomen to matche up with your spray skirt. The slide free texture on the butt and knees cept me locked in my boat, but were not so overpowering that it made it hard to get in and out of my boat. Latex ankle gaskets and velcro'd gasket covers finished out the peice.
www.nookie.co.uk
The V-Shock Skirt is the only way to go. I have paddled the Euro-Style skirts for nearly ten years, and they are by far the driest I have used, and I have never seen one implode in big water.
I finished out the first day of tests with the Ti-Glide Sock on me tootsies, that coating Nookie uses is so easy to get your feet in and out, no sticking, and the 2mm neaoprene kept me warm and toasty in my playboat.
www.nookie.co.uk
My buddie chose to paddle in the G2 Dry Top, designed specificly for creeking. This is a classic dry top style with 2ply reinforced fablic, latex neck and wrist gaskets. The inner tunnel on Nookie tops are all Ti-Glide coated neprene to keep it from sticking to you when putting it on and taking it off. Why a neoprene tunnel, to give you a better, drier mate with your skirt. The G2 has reinforned elbows with padded inserts, nice nice touch keeping him from sore elbows after whacking them on the deeper, wider creek boats. The elbow inserts are a great added comfort layer, when matched up with solid elbow armer.
www.nookie.co.uk
So, look for Nookie at a shop near you, soon. Or, find me on the water, test some gear, and tell me what you think. The R&D guys and gals are very open to suggestions. I will keep you posted as to where you can get yours.
Tony Z