Striker Ice suits.....

[derekinhawaii]

I just bought a pair of Striker Ice bibs.... I did a lot of research before settling on these.  Looked at many companies and figured that Strikers had all of what the others had plus they provide bouency if I ever happen to fall in.... Well I'm sure the whole suit does.... I'll buy the winter jacket if I like the bibs......

Anyone have a pair....?

[Massbasser]

Hi Derek,
     I am a long time reader and now a first time poster and member. I am out of Franklin MA.  First let me say that I got an Arctic Armor suit 2 years ago for safety and warmth.  I don't want to offend any Arctic Armor supporters out there that like it but it was not for me. I tried to like it with no layers under it, layers of synthetic but but not matter what I did I would sweat so much that the inside layer was soaked and I usually do not sweat in excess. I would take it off and the inside would turn to frost. I am usually active drilling holes and checking traps. I guess it would be OK for me just sitting on a bucket jigging.  The clothing forum on Ice Shanty has many posts on Arctic Armor, Striker etc.

     So this year I got a Striker Ice Jacket (not the bibs)  and I like it a lot and I think you would to.  It has 3 venting zippers, one across the back under the cowl and one under each arm.  The jacket has a nice zip out fleece liner which makes it a good choice for this weekend with temps in the 50's.  The quality of this jacket exceeded my expectations and so far have not had the sweating issues that Arctic Armor gave me.  Remember that this Jacket/Bibs will not float you more than a few hours ( you would be dead by then anyways).  I am 5' 8'' 170 lb. and the Large fits well. If you want to get one I would not hesitate to long because when I checked the Striker website they did not have all sizes. So next I will get the bibs.         
         

[capt.shay]

I picked up last years model jacket (striker ice) on close out this fall.  I am very pleased with it.  The new model can only be better.  It seems very well made but time will tell.  I counted thirteen pockets on it   This jacket is like wearing a shelter on your back.  Combined with the bibs, I have no doubt that I could stand out in any thing New England (and quite possibly Siberia) could throw at me.

I got it to late in the year for testing but I will be jumping in the water with it on this spring because I need to know that the jacket alone will float me.

Welcome aboard MassBasser. 

[David C]

having never ice fished before i'm here on IS just soaking in as much as possible before deciding what i might need. ( yes i plan on getting out there soon with accomplished Ice guys)

How important are these suits to someone enjoying there time on the ice?

[PeterSaloom]

I just moved from a complete UA cold weather suit which I had previously used only while summiting mountains in the snow and ice, to an Arctic Armor suit, camo with 3 layers of Insultex. I like this suit more for fishing than the UA. It is vented to prevent over heating, has pads for kneeling, and the bibs come up high enough to keep the core warm without the jacket on days that aren't freezing cold. Also, it floats, so I guess that's a plus. I would recommend it. 

[capt.shay]

having never ice fished before i'm here on IS just soaking in as much as possible before deciding what i might need. ( yes i plan on getting out there soon with accomplished Ice guys)

How important are these suits to someone enjoying there time on the ice?

They are nice.  That being said, I've been ice fishing for over forty years and I just got one this year.  I went for it because of the flotation.  I've been known to walk very sketchy ice and I aint getting any younger.  I've been wet several times and the idea of wearing flotation is reassuring.

For the most part, a good winter jacket and a pair of long underwear will do for 99% of our weather.  Decide you like the sport before you bust out that kind of money on a suit.  There are a lot of other things you can spend your money on, like a flasher!

[Gills-only]

  I stated on another post(dont know which one) a friend of mine jumped in off his dock this summer and never got his hair wet!!  did it twice!!!   Forgot to mention Ice picks built in , inside the 2 chest pockets just unzip and pullem out, of if conditions warrant leave them out.

[CRS02019]

I bought a Striker Ice Lite jacket this winter and it seems great. Haven't been ice fishing with it yet but I spent 6 hours a couple weeks ago outside shoveling and it was extremely warm and when I finally finished up I wasn't all sweaty. As someone else mentioned they are nicely vented. The Lite seems more than warm enough, toasty even. I was out all day in just a tee shirt when I wore it.
I can't imagine what the regulare version would be like but I'm sure its a bit bulkier. The Lite was the right choice for me.
Just a side note, I wear a large but the large in the Striker was big so I ended up getting a medium. Anyway, big props for the jacket. Well made with pockets all over the place and great customer service, not that you will need it.
Just my $0.02.

[capt.shay]

I bought a Striker Ice Lite jacket this winter and it seems great. Haven't been ice fishing with it yet but I spent 6 hours a couple weeks ago outside shoveling and it was extremely warm and when I finally finished up I wasn't all sweaty. As someone else mentioned they are nicely vented. The Lite seems more than warm enough, toasty even. I was out all day in just a tee shirt when I wore it.
I can't imagine what the regulare version would be like but I'm sure its a bit bulkier. The Lite was the right choice for me.
Just a side note, I wear a large but the large in the Striker was big so I ended up getting a medium. Anyway, big props for the jacket. Well made with pockets all over the place and great customer service, not that you will need it.
Just my $0.02.

I'm serious when I  said the regular would do to stand out in Siberia.  I went for an E-bike ride the other day when it was around 11 degrees out and at 25 mph my torso was toasty.  I got the heavier version because I was looking for one do all heavy piece.  I have lots of gear that is good for any thing above freezing.  I am certain that the light would handle most anything New England would throw at us.  When I get the bibs, it will be the light because my lower half almost never gets cold and I would be wearing them more for the flotation and water proofness.

[MLBob]

I bought a Striker Ice Lite jacket and bibs last year and I'm very impressed with all the unique features they provide.  In addition to the great venting capabilities, the bibs have adjustable inseam length which is a real plus if you are 6'-4" like me.