Ice Armour bibs VS other bibs, which is better?

[Ole #1]

I'm looking to purchase either the Ice Armour bibs and parka, or the Vexilar bibs and parka. Anyone have any opinions on which is better?

Thanks in advance.

[Northlander]

I guess if I had my choice I would go with the grey Ice Armor or better yet get a set of Arctic Armor. The floatation in them could save your life.

[harvey lee]

Between the two, I would go with the Ice Armor but as Northlander suggested check out the Artic Armor or the Sno Suit by Frabil.

All of the above mentions suits will work, some just keep one a bit warmer than the other.

[Drewski]

The vexilar bibs and parka are very nice. Super warm, very comfortable and reasonably priced. You can't beat em!

[jwmiller33]

If I was going to spend the $$$ and get a nice set of bibs and parka specifically for ice fishing, I would definitely go with the Arctic Armor, like Northlander says. Type "Arctic Armor" into youtube and you will get a good idea of what they are all about. It's like wearing a life jacket out there and could end up saving your life someday.

[gatorhunter]

Whatever is on sale! Seriously! We're talking about ice fishing clothing!

[Buckshot37]

I was kinda looking at getting one of these too. But I would kinda like something that keeps you decently warm in the winter, but would also work as a rain gear for open water. Any suggestions there?

[MNTwinsFan]

I haven't gone for these polar suits because I don't want multiple suits for multiple conditions in a year. Heck a guy could need all of them for one early June trip to Canada.

I go a size larger on Gortex bibs and one - two sizes on coats and layer polyprop/fleece/wool depending upon need.

A durable waterproof/breatheable shell and avoiding any cotton is the key.

[FISHINGURU]

imo arctic armor is the only suit i'd buy or a similar suit that floats...if it don't float i'd never buy it.

[joneshat11]

So question? If you where only floating pants do you float upside down in the water? When fishing on thin ice just where a life jacket. I wouldn't trust my ice fishing suit to save my life.

[Fred_Bear]

All of the suits mentioned are great suits and will keep you dry and warm. If you're on a budget, I would go with whatever is on sale. The one attribute that sold me was that the Arctic Armor FLOATS and will save your life if you fall through the ice. So pretty much a no-brainer for me.

[Ole #1]

Whatever is on sale! Seriously! We're talking about ice fishing clothing!

I don't sit in a car and watch tip ups, I'm chasing Walleye. I spend a lot of time on the ice, so I would like a suit made for it.

Thanks for the help guys.

[magic_minnow]

i'd go with the good ol Columbia jacket and jeans

[DTro]

I haven't gone for these polar suits because I don't want multiple suits for multiple conditions in a year. Heck a guy could need all of them for one early June trip to Canada.

I've worn my Arctic Armor every month of the year except Aug I think.

[firejumper]

i have used my artic armor in all condition from out in the boat in a rain storm to out ice fishing on sub zero days and it has not let me down yet. the stuff is great and the added factor that it floats is nice. and yes i have tested that. and it works.

[Pleasant]

All the suits mentioned are very good at keeping a person warm..

I asked Santa last year for Arctic Armour... Instead he brought me Mustang Survival because it is a coast guard certified PFD...or so the note enclosed with it said from my Granddaughter, of course at the time she was only a year and one half old.... I am very satisfied with it.

Just another name to toss out into the ring.

[RebelSS]

Guess I'm a minority. Bought a set of Blizzard Pruf (That's the spelling) by Wall's at GM 3 years ago. They were the only place I could find an xtra large/xtra tall. Have the leg zips/ snaps, adjustable shoulder straps, zip and snap front, and boot straps. I just love 'em. A little on the warm side, sometimes, but for $75.00 on sale, no gripes. Quality stuff. I'm happy.

[tonkapat]

I used the Ice armor grey suit a few times before I bought arctic armor. I chose the arctic armor because it weighs quite a bit less and floats. Either one will alow you to take a nap in a snowbank on most any day. I

[puckey]

I love my Arctic armor, its soft, quiet, light weight, and very warm

[Rebeleye]

I suppose I'm a Vexilar Cold-Snap fan (easy to say when you own the product). I've had the bibs for 3 years. I'm pretty hard on them, but they're holding up nicely. Plus, they might be on sale right now at FF.

This will be my first winter using the parka. I'm a little concerned that it may be too warm for a big strappin' fella like myself.

best of luck!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I to have AA and love it. Was even asked to endorse another product and without being paid still wear the AA.. Stay warm, Stay Alive!!!

[Esox_Magnum]

I have 2 sets of rain gear 1 is Gor Tex but for ice fishing I wear the old stuff from Gamehide and keep the Guideware for summer fishing. Under Armour, polypropolene and a hoodie are all I need under it to stay warm. If I need I can add a fleece pullover on under it. Untill both these sets wear out I won't be getting a new set. For me being dry and loose in the late fall is more important than being insulated and bulked up. Besides my house is heated and rarley fish outside unless theres few others around. I don't like the neighbors seeing what I'm catching.

Took a sled ride at X Mas last year dressed like this and was just fine, partner had the IDI Arctic suit and was warm also. Could have used a helment or face mask though

[NCLaker]

Very happy with my Vexilar suit - one of the least expensive options out there, great value.

[crappiekid]

WOW all these posts and not much mention of the padding in the knees and rear end. I am either on a bucket or kneeling while out fishing. I like the support the built in pads add for your knees and rear end. You no longer need a cover or pad on the bucket. That is what sold me on the ice armour suit. I also like the fact that i can take the bibs portion off and have just pants. My son has the vexilar suit and it has pads in knees and not rear end. PLENTY of pockets in Vex jacket. Floating suit has my attention the next time i need to up-grade or replace.

[GSB Ice Man]

I have a million different jackets, so I just needed a set of bibs.

I purchased the Ice Armour bibs when they sold just the bibs by themselves. I love the reinforced butt and knees, plus they fit ME the best compared to the other brands.

I would recommend trying them all on and make the decision.

If AA made them with a tall skinny size, I would have got em.

Just my 2 cents