Strikemaster Hardwater Ware vs Clam Ice Armor

[Johnsonator]

For those of you that got the Strikemaster Hardwater Ware this season how does it compare to the standard blue ice armor in fabric type, insulation, pockets, and build quality? I know alot of you are going to say get arctic armor but I really would like to know the differences in these two suits. Thanks

[Brad B]

They are both good suits. The strikemaster is a 300 denier nylon and is insulated with 240 grams of internal polar fleece. I believe the clam ice armor may be 600 denier nylon but I am not sure. I also believe that clam uses 600 denier nylon in the tents of their houses and they have advertised the ice armor suit as the same material which is why I believe the suit is 600 denier nylon(thicker then the strike master). I don't know what they use for insulation in the ice armor. at regular price the ice armor is $30.00 cheaper then the strikemaster.($250.00 vs $280.00 for strikemaster). Right now thru the 29th Strikemaster has a special online and inhouse price on their suit, it is only $175.00 for the complete suit. I picked up one of the strikemaster suits and am very happy with it so far. it is nice and warm.

[Johnsonator]

Thanks Brad, I have found good deals on both of these suits thats but I am unable to get to big lake and see the strikemaster suit before I buy. In the pictures it does not look like the fabric is as tough as the ice armor suit.

[Brad B]

yea that is why I believe there is a difference in the thickness of the outer shell. Mine seems to be good but then again it is new and today will be only my 3rd time on the ice with the suit. I will re-evaluate it at the end of the season to see how it held up. One thing I am planning on doing thou is to also get a arctic armor suit for early and late ice. I may at some time try the ice armor suit also. what kind of deal did you find on the ice armor.

[Johnsonator]

I found ice armor for $219.99 and the Strikemaster for $175. Anybody else have experience with both of these suits that can let me know what you think?

[white80a]

where is that stike master sale addvertised? comple suit for 175

went to web site and didn't see no sale

[Johnsonator]

You have to go to strikemaster's HSOforum then click on "Email Newsletter" on the left hand side of the page, then view the latest newsletter. The deal is in that newsletter.

[timbo147]

I got the Strikemaster jacket a couple of weeks ago, I wish that I would have seen the HSOforum offering the jacket and bibs for 175 before i bought just the jacket. So far it seems nice. There are plenty of large pockets on the outside. I do wish that it had a couple of pockets on the insde of the jacket though.

[Brad B]

timbo this special started on december 15th and go to december 29th. why not just buy the complete suit and keep your current jacket as a everyday winter jacket. you could also just sell your current jacket and then get the whole suit. I guess this would depend on your finances thou. I don't know if you made it to the ice fishing show at st paul but strikemaster had the suits at the show for $160.00 this will be the lowest you will ever see them. the guy at strikemaster told me the $160.00 price is basically their cost and the special at the show is to just gain more potential customers.

[bikeoutback]

Timbo - Worth a try would be call SM and explain you bought the suit for X dollars a couple weeks ago and now the whole suit is $175 and if they would send the bibs for the difference? I always figure it's worth a try and they might just surprise you. I drove up to pick mine up and the guy at the counter is the one that works with the manufacturer and was explaining all the changes he had made this year. They take alot of pride in thier products and from my experience a very standup company.

I too wish there was interior pockets but still worth the price.

[timbo147]

Thanks for the info guys, I think that I'm going to buy the suit, can't beat the price! Maybe give the jacket to someone in the family as a Christmas gift or try to sell it.

[ole matty]

Clam over strikemaster suit PERIOD!!!! Sm suits plainly suck... too bulky, no right size for me, too stiff, too less pocket,,

Ice armor WOW right size, very loose fabric, too many pocket, keep me warm at night....

Good deal or no I ll pick ice armor over sm 1000000 time over