Author Topic: Need Advice! (Read 1712 times)

FSH4FN · « **on:** Dec 17, 2016, 07:41 AM »

So the time has finally come where I need to purchase a new pair of snow bibs/pants. I was seriously thinking about the Frabill i4 bibs or the Ice Armor Extreme bibs. Not sure if anyone can provide some opinions. Do you own them? How do they fit?

Any information can help, thanks!

jimmyrig · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 07:44 AM »

I am thinking of that myself... I have had too many cheeseburgers to fit in my old carhart overalls... And they always end up soaked thru the knees anyway!

Jason

Arctic Addict · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:12 AM »

Hi guys, I have been using the Bass Pro 100 mph jacket and bibs for two seasons already. All the brands seem to be similar, my set up has a zip in liner for the winter. In the spring, I zip out the liner and use set for salmon fishing at ice out and then again chasing early season Striper. Just my .02 year round use but no flotation.

Digs · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:21 AM »

I got the ice armor extreme bibs this past October. I love them so far. Warm and waterproof. I went out fishing and fell in up to my knees or so and it kept me dry and warm. I got a little water in one of my boots but I was still able to stay and fish in comfort.The knee pads are extra thick and there is a removable liner if it's not so cold. I can't speak towards the frabil suit but I really like the ice armor one so far.
I'm 5,11 and 200 pounds or so and I got a large. It fits well.

winnisquam guy · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:30 AM »

lots of great options here, I like the cabala's gore TeX bibs. water proof and windproof. true to size and durable. I like to have one pair just a gore TeX shell and another insulated pair for those brutally cold days. check them out on their website
lots of guys going to the striker ice brand, give them a look too sir

zwiggles · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:32 AM »

I got the striker predator bob last year and I love them. Adjustable leg length, they float, reinforced knee pads, really warm, and my favorite part is they are very easy to take off when you get back to the vehicle at the end of the day. The legs have a zipper on the side so you don't have to take your boots off to get the pants off. I got them for xmas last year, and was skeptical at first but after using them they are great. I'm also 5'8" and 180. The larges fit well around the waist, and the bibs adjust to be short enough for my stubby legs.

FSH4FN · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:36 AM »

You guys are great, thanks for all of the quick responses. Can always count on the Ice Shanty forums!

Chris338378 · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:41 AM »

I would get some type of Striker bibs before the others because they float, it me it's worth the few extra dollars for the float ability and peace of mind that comes with it. I bought the Striker Hardwater bibs because the material is more heavy duty, and they're SUPER warm, actually they're a bit too warm so I have the zippers opened some to vent the excess heat. YI don't know how cold your winters are but you could probably get the Predator bibs and be fine but since you're further North maybe the Hardwaters would be a better choice.

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:52 AM »

If your going for a new set of bibs I would consider a pair of floating style ...piece of mind and not really that much more . Striker Ice...Ice Armor Float series ...Frabill I-Float are some . What your looking for is breathability ...then the added features of ...full length to hip zippers...pocket layout ...snaps or magnets ..adjustable cuff length come into play .I have the Striker ice Parka/Bibs sets ...in the Predator Line and the Climate line ...I would think you could getaway with the Predator...that and some layering for adjustment to the temperatures extremes .

good video of the line up and their nuances

PoolGuy · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 08:56 AM »

I have Cabelas Guidewear jacket and bibs.... I hardly ever use the jacket except for real windy days, both have served me well going on 5 yrs now.

FSH4FN · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 09:07 AM »

The floatation assist is a good feature I really hadn't thought about previously but now that some of you have mentioned that it makes perfect sense. Having that added bonus especially when a lot of us are on the ice early in the season or real late... just never know. The Striker bibs are intriguing and catching my interest. I may try and see if I can find somewhere that has them so that I can try them on first. I do like that most bibs geared towards ice fishing have the reinforced knees. Can't tell you how many times I've kneeled down next to a hole and leaked through the knees... uncomfortable feeling for the rest of the day.

NHTROUTNUT · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 09:09 AM »

I have the stricker bibs and they are great got them in Hillsboro at morse sporting goods

FishinDJ · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 10:17 AM »

Love my Striker Hardwater bibs. Super warm, lots of pocket space, and the adjustable length is the icing on the cake.

IceNH · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 11:45 AM »

I have owned the Attic Armour and my knees would be wet and cold at the end of the day. I NOW own a set of striker climate and they are awesome. I use the inner jacket from fall till spring as a regular coat. The bibs are easy to put on. The jacket has lots of pockets and I use the suit for snow blowing. They are currently being sold at ducks here in concord and on display to be tried on. Hope helps happy fishing

FSH4FN · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 01:11 PM »

Thanks for all of the input Ice Shanty members! Great stuff, really appreciate it. I think I'm going Striker Ice and one of their series... maybe the hardwater or climate. Very excited. Been a much needed investment. Next will be the Ion X auger. My Jiffy has finally decided it's had enough $:-\$

Bearseatfish · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 17, 2016, 06:17 PM »

Well for myself I cannot say enough good things about Striker Predator bibs and jacket. I bought myself a set last year and was out in -13 and was completely comfortable like others have said in this post the one really nice feature is being able to keep your boots on when you're taking on and off the bib. If you look on YouTube there is videos where they have test it out the floating aspect of the suit in the winter time. The cheapest place I've been able to find them for sale currently is the Sportsman's Guide.

Nosaj · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 06:22 AM »

Quote from: Chadx564 on Dec 17, 2016, 01:11 PM

Thanks for all of the input Ice Shanty members! Great stuff, really appreciate it. I think I'm going Striker Ice and one of their series... maybe the hardwater or climate. Very excited. Been a much needed investment. Next will be the Ion X auger. My Jiffy has finally decided it's had enough $:-\$

I love my stricker climate jacket and will probably get the predator bibs when my current bibs wear out. I would stay away from the hard waters because they can be too hot on a warmer day. Buy them plenty big so you can layer as required.

Enjoy

MFallon · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 08:49 AM »

Striker Predator! Why buy bibs for ice fishing that don't float? Hopefully you're never need it but it's cheap insurance in the long run and give you a little piece of mind while fishing!

nhdeadhead · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 09:54 AM »

Just curious, will the bibs themselves keep you afloat or do you need the whole suit?

Rando5512 · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 10:33 AM »

I've have had a pair of strikers for three seasons now. I been extremely happy with them. Decided it was time for an upgrade. I ordered the striker ice hard water bibs. They arrived yesterday. Ton of upgrades. Adjustable leg length for the short fat guys like myself. Fleece lined hip pockets for keeping hands warm. Detachable hand rags on both front pockets. Large zippers on the legs so you can put them on/off without removing your boots. I'm looking forward to putting then through there paces. And they float. Best option out there IMO.

Coffin Dodger · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 05:01 PM »

Quote from: nhdeadhead on Dec 18, 2016, 09:54 AM

Just curious, will the bibs themselves keep you afloat or do you need the whole suit?

FWIW...

http://vid1108.photobucket.com/albums/h413/ctownfisherman/20160207_112046_zpsjwwgvm7k.mp4

Tim Moore · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 18, 2016, 08:54 PM »

The Ice Armor Lift Suit has added buoyancy in the bibs and parka. The entire line of Ice Armor by Clam has been redesigned. Clam's clothing designer used to work for Striker, for what it's worth. The Lift and Extreme suits also have nice removable liners now. I liked them before, they have received some really nice improvements.

FSH4FN · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 19, 2016, 04:24 PM »

Hearing a lot of good things about the Striker brand from most people... I decided thanks to the advice of many on here to go with Striker. I just ordered the Hardwater series. Should arrive this week sometime.

Now I just have to convince the wife to let me purchase the new Ion X auger. The Jiffy has far exceeded my expectations but it's time. Tougher to start every year... this year haven't even been able to start the thing. Need to take it apart and do some maintenance.

Rando5512 · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 19, 2016, 04:27 PM »

Quote from: Chadx564 on Dec 19, 2016, 04:24 PM

Hearing a lot of good things about the Striker brand from most people... I decided thanks to the advice of many on here to go with Striker. I just ordered the Hardwater series. Should arrive this week sometime.

Now I just have to convince the wife to let me purchase the new Ion X auger. The Jiffy has far exceeded my expectations but it's time. Tougher to start every year... this year haven't even been able to start the thing. Need to take it apart and do some maintenance.

Wore my new hard waters out today for the first time. They are amazing. You will not be disappointed, trust me.

FSH4FN · « **Reply #24 on:** Dec 19, 2016, 05:41 PM »

Quote from: Rando5512 on Dec 19, 2016, 04:27 PM

Wore my new hard waters out today for the first time. They are amazing. You will not be disappointed, trust me.

Oh I can't wait!

JRFlatlander · « **Reply #25 on:** Dec 21, 2016, 10:16 AM »

Great choice Chadx564!!!

After many years I broke down last week and ordered a Striker Ice Climate jacket and bibs. I read as much as I could on all the other comparable products and Striker. The choice was easy from there. I got a great deal to which always helps. BPS now carries them. They matched Reeds price and had added additional 15% off for using your BPS card. That brought my total down to 407.00 for both.
Got them in 4 days, Very impressed for a drop ship from the manufacture. I got them yesterday. I was blown away right out of the package. They are well made and a phenomenal design. They have so many great little features. The jacket fit great(XL). The inner liner is a really nice jacket that will be worn daily, very warm and well made. The XL bibs were to big. I called and they sending me a pair of LG to try. The adjustable legs system is great. Not often do I buy something that really impresses me but these did.

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #26 on:** Dec 21, 2016, 10:26 AM »

Quote from: Rando5512 on Dec 19, 2016, 04:27 PM

Wore my new hard waters out today for the first time. They are amazing. You will not be disappointed, trust me.

Are they alot warmer than the predator? I like my predator but like buying new gear. They def look like a better build

hardwater diehard · « **Reply #27 on:** Dec 21, 2016, 11:08 AM »

Quote from: SALMONEMIA on Dec 21, 2016, 10:26 AM

Are they alot warmer than the predator? I like my predator but like buying new gear. They def look like a better build

50g more insulation in the Hardwater...my buddy just got the Hardwater as I just got the Predator Parka ...little weight difference for sure .

Coffin Dodger · « **Reply #28 on:** Dec 21, 2016, 12:07 PM »

@ JRFlatlander

Quote

The XL bibs were too big

For whom? Your dimensions please?

News:

Author Topic: Need Advice! (Read 1712 times)