Striker Floating Suit Review

[DTro]

Last season I did a little write up on the new Striker Floating suit and thought I would follow up it this year to showcase some of the new features.

Here is last years post:

2011/2012 Striker Info

As the year went on and I was able to wear the suit more and more, there were a couple of things that I really thought could be improved yet wasn't a deal breaker, in fact unchanged from last year would still be a great suit. However the guys at Striker listened and made some really nice changes.

Let's start with the Bibs.

Updated for 2012-13! The Striker Ice Floating HardWater Bib combines safety with staying warm and dry to give you one of the best ice fishing bib options in the industry. Constructed out of tough 600D Endura fabric with vented flotation lining feature. Improved from 2011-12. The HardWater now has Hydrapore 5000 for even an even higher waterproof/breath-ability rating!

The Hardwater Ice Jacket and Bib has been upgraded from lat year's "Heavy" Ice Jacket & Bib.

Increased W/B Hydrapore™ from 3000 to 5000

Improved full-zip hood with concealed zipper

Increased padding in hood for better support

Added velcro pocket flap closures and re-designed gussets

Improved pull-out beverage holder*

Added water drains to help prevent a "bacteria farm" between linings

Totally re-designed crotch area with larger panel & better seams

Changed bib sizing for improved fitment

Increased height of bibs approximately 4 inches

Added top breast pockets on bibs for parking idle hands

Increased quality of reflective material

Increased zipper size on leg zips

Improved strength of snap closures

A nice surprise I discovered and not listed above was the removable and washable hand wipes on each thigh! The material feels like a soft terry cloth towel. What a great idea and I can't wait to slime em up!

[DTro]

...and now the Parka/Jacket

Updated for 2012-13! The Striker Ice Floating HardWater Jacket combines safety with staying warm and dry to give you one of the best ice fishing jacket options in the industry. Constructed out of tough 600D Endura fabric with vented flotation lining feature. Improved from 2011-12. The HardWater now has Hydrapore 5000 for even an even higher waterproof/breath-ability rating!

The Hardwater Ice Jacket and Bib has been upgraded from lat year's "Heavy" Ice Jacket & Bib.

Increased W/B Hydrapore™ from 3000 to 5000

Improved full-zip hood with concealed zipper

Increased padding in hood for better support

Added velcro pocket flap closures and re-designed gussets

Improved pull-out beverage holder*

Added water drains to help prevent a "bacteria farm" between linings

Totally re-designed crotch area with larger panel & better seams

Changed bib sizing for improved fitment

Increased height of bibs approximately 4 inches

Added top breast pockets on bibs for parking idle hands

Increased quality of reflective material

Increased zipper size on leg zips

Improved strength of snap closures

As far as the jacket goes, for me the nicest change was a pocket re-design that is now a bit smaller and also has a velcro closure. I was happy to see the bobber logo nixed too.

[DTro]

Sorry bout the cheesy photoshopped on ice pics, but they look much better then my kitchen in the background.

Now we just need some ice and I can share my thoughts on how the suit performs. I'll try to post a few follow ups here in this thread.

[Northlander]

DTRO did they change the material on the shoulder straps? The stretchy ones last year had my bibs riding low at times. Great to see all these improvements.Man are mine warm!

[DTro]

I don't know for certain if the material changed, it's still stretchy, however they did change the design on the back where the straps originate for a better fit.

[harvey lee]

I will be staying with my Sno Suit. I was not that impressede with the Striker suit over the Sno Suit.

Just being honest.

[DTro]

I'm happy you found a suit you like. The Sno Suit is very nice and I would recommend that as well.

This is meant as an informational post for those who might be interested in a floating option or might want to know a little bit more about the Striker Suit.

I wasn't trying to sell you a suit Tom.

[DTro]

I've already used the suit several times out in the boat. So far so good. Got the thigh towels all slimed up from the river walleyes and we don't even have ice yet.

Going to push the open water season as long as I can, and this suit will help for sure.

[Archerysniper]

I'm useing mine for deer hunting. Just put a orange hat and vest on and I'm good all day.

[TruthWalleyes]

I'm quite convinced that anything more than the LITE suit would be too hot for me and my active fishing style.

I bought the LITE version last fall. I used it often and used it fairly hard throughout the year. Frankly, the bibs are worn out.

I like the suit, especially for a tall guy...

But can you tell me if they are making similar changes in durability to the LITE version? Its half as durable as the regular suit.

Thx. Nice informational post.