StrikeMaster Suit

[Jmarksman]

The new StrikeMaster parka's for this year are very nice, the parka will keep you you floating and on each for arm under a velcro flap is a nice few rows of picks should you fall through to help you out. Also on the left are under another flap is a throw strap that is stiched right to the parka that one can toss out to help.

[harvey lee]

The new StrikeMaster parka's for this year are very nice, the parka will keep you you floating and on each for arm under a velcro flap is a nice few rows of picks should you fall through to help you out. Also on the left are under another flap is a throw strap that is stiched right to the parka that one can toss out to help.

Where has this suit best tested to floatability? Just wondering.

I went to the Strikemaster HSOforum and read about the new parka and the older suit and nowhere do I read what you have posted. Maybe I missed something.

Thanks

[herefish101]

I started this thread as a reaserch tool, hence i'v been doing tons of reaserch, I have found zero info about the new strikemaster suit having floatation. I have already decided to buy the strikemaster suit, but if there is one out there that floats i'm double sold. If anyone finds any info on this please post it.

[Northlander]

I checked with a few retailers and nobody has heard of any floatation in the SM suits. It would make sense for them to get it in them though.

[GatorBait]

He would be referring to the "ELI Jacket".

[Brad B]

They are now shown on their web site. they are also offering a uninsulated verison of the parka this year.

[herefish101]

They are now shown on their web site. they are also offering a uninsulated verison of the parka this year.

it says nothing about floatation on their HSOforum, insulated or uninsulated

[Northlander]

Is it just me or does it NOT say anything about flotation?

[Jim Almquist]

Is it just me or does it NOT say anything about flotation?

Nope, Nada , None

Looks like the ELI jacket is a Early Late Ice jacket that is uninsulated but has all the features of the insulated model. I did not see anything about any flotation or a place for ice picks.

[Eric_Kruger]

this was in the email i got about the new gear

ASHLAND, Wis. -- One of the high points of the annual conference of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers is the afternoon when outdoor gear manufacturers strut their stuff.

That's when we get a look at the newest and neatest. Here's what grabbed me.

StrikeMaster (www.strikemaster.com) stunned me with its new Early Late Ice jacket, a shell five years in development that is sure to save some lives.

Within the panels of the jacket are foam flotation panels. Don't call them personal flotation devices, though, but rather just a little help staying afloat.

"Ice fishermen won't wear PFDs anyway, because they get in the way," says StrikeMaster's Randy Havel.

But these will help keep you afloat for the few minutes it takes to pull back flaps on the inner forearms to expose a studded surface to help you climb back out of the water. That's right -- traction strips are built right into the jacket.

Within another panel on one upper arm is a throwable strap, to reach a victim or a rescuer. Light sticks are also included in the jacket.

Havel said he expects the ELI jacket to retail for about $80. That's a stunning bargain that should make it a must-have for any thin-, early- or late-ice angler.

[herefish101]

I found it! You have to go to their online store then into the clothing and the ELI jacket is there. It looks pretty nice. But thats just the ELI that has the "buoyancy assist", not the hardwater suit.

[Jim Almquist]

Thanks for the heads up. I was only looking at the hardwater cloths. Here is the description.

ELI Jacket (Early & Late Ice)

For early and late ice fishing season, StrikeMaster announces the ultimate in safety for the ice fisherman. The ELI jacket comes with built in “buoyancy assist foam” for added flotation (*not to act as a personal floatation device). Each forearm has a carbide extractor stud panel to aid in personal extraction in the event of a fall through. Two light sticks act as emergency locators which are conveniently positioned in shoulder pockets and high visibility reflective strips both on front and rear of jacket for easy identification. The ELI jacket also has a 15 foot cotton strap with throwing hook located on the left forearm pocket.

Made from heavy-duty 300 denier nylon, the same material as StrikeMaster’s Hardwater ware Polar Parka.

[Brad B]

herefish101,

that is the same section where they talk about their new uninsulated verison of the parka. They call it their all weather unlined polar parka. my mistake the new unlined parka is talked about in the hardwater ware section.

[patsrock]

I want one!

[GatorBait]

mhe, i'll pass...AA seems to be better choice for floating that an assisted buoyancy foam.....Just sayin.

[Far-I]

Havel said he expects the ELI jacket to retail for about $80. That's a stunning bargain that should make it a must-have for any thin-, early- or late-ice angler.

I was about ready to consider shelling out $80 after i looked at it, but was dissapointed to find that it costs more than double that. Oh well, my ice armor and long nails on a string will get me through another season i'm sure...

all you folks always do such a good job reppin/suggesting AA though, i may see that someday in my future