New bibs

[BreakinAnkles]

Alright fellas,

So after using my old snowmobile bibs for a number of years it's time fort them to go! Just not waterproof anymore.

Two basic questions - 1) Insulated or non-insulated? 2) favorite brand?

I do a decent amount of hole hopping while fishing and most of the time I'm in my clam when I'm stationary. But, I also get out in some pretty cold and nasty situations some time so I'm having a tough time with the insulation debate. Let me know what ya think!

[Esox_Magnum]

I like my Stryker snowmobile bibs, think I got them for $30 a few years ago...

[hunt3r]

just got a pair of stricker climate bibs. i havnt had a chance to use them but they seem really heavy duty and the have a removable insulation if you want to take it out at times. they alsow float . and are a MN company

[Brad B]

I highly recommend looking at the striker climate bibs. they give you a removable liner so if you don't need all the insulation you can remove some by taking the inner liner out. the shell alone will keep you warm down to around zero degrees without the inner liner.

Check out this thread and read the post directly from strikerbrands

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2938295/Which_suit_to_get#Post2938295

[BartmanMN]

I prefer bibs with knee pads as I fish from my knees most of the time. Insulated bibs for me since even the colder air settles in a portable. Take of my coat and I'm good to go. Only time I'll break out the non insulated pair is for those late ice days when it's hot out.

[RiverChuckNorris]

I prefer bibs with knee pads as I fish from my knees most of the time. Insulated bibs for me since even the colder air settles in a portable. Take of my coat and I'm good to go. Only time I'll break out the non insulated pair is for those late ice days when it's hot out.

+1. I happen to own the Frabill suit and love it but just looked at all 3 major brands at the Blaine expo and they all seem to be good quality.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Check out the Carhart Arctic bibs!

Great for ice fishing and very tough!

Cliff

[Jim Uran]

Do the Carharts suck up water like a sponge though?? Plus they are a bit heavy.

I hate to play the repeating game here, but I also would suggest the Striker bibs, or a good set of Ice Armor bibs!

Light weight, waterproof, and warm are the three reasons why!

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Going on about 8 years on my Cabelas guidewear insulated bibs and they're still holding up great. I would say that now the waterproofing is starting to wear off but other than that not one complaint. I think there's at least one time during every month of the year that I have them on. Even some of those cool,rainy July days, I slide em on in the boat with some shorts underneath!

[Fish_Stalker]

Same as Mr. Norris. I have a Frabill suit and love it. Has knee pads and those great hand pockets on the chest of the bibs. Looked at the others and they were all nice. I guess it come down to what you want to spend. Some even have flotation devices built in.

[toughguy]

I've got the non-insulated frabill suit and I love it. I went non insulated because if I'm out and moving I don't like to be too warm. When I'm not moving I've got the heater on in my portable. They have padded knees, lots of pockets and big enough to allow for free movement. I've been out in very cold temps with them and only wear jeans underneath. They do the trick for me.

[MrSchrute]

I just picked up bibs and a jacket from Sportsmans Guide. They look identical to the Strikemaster Polar bibs and jacket. They fit well have padded knees and appears very well built. Can't wait to try them out once we get some ice. Best of all i got both for just over $100 compared to $150 for each of the Strikemaster pieces.

[Scott M]

No one mentioned Clam's Ice Armor Bibs...nice price point, tons of pockets to carry things, well insulated, and tons of pockets to carry things in. Give those a look too.

[Rick G]

No one mentioned Clam's Ice Armor Bibs...nice price point, tons of pockets to carry things, well insulated, and tons of pockets to carry things in. Give those a look too.

The Ultra bibs are the nicest ones on the market imo . I have the Grey extreme series bibs, next year I'm upgrading to the ultras.

[AndRo]

I have Grenade Snowboarding Pants for the warmer days, waterproof and they breath really well. For every other day I roll with the Frabill SnoSuit bib. Top notch there if you ask me. Tons of pockets, extremely warm, water proof, padded knees and they fit very well. Only nock on either of them... they won't keep you afloat.

[mww24]

I would get insulated for sure. If I get warm I remove my coat. In my ice house i always fish in my bibs with no coat and have never gotten to hot in the leg area.I have a ice armor grey suit that will be on its 5th or 6th season and its still going strong. All the brands seem good so id buy what fits you best and is most comfortable on you.