HotSpotOutdoors (HSO) Artic Armor suits

[Fastlane]

mjhowe-

I think a medium will fit you about right. I'm a few inches taller than you but about the same weight. I ended up with a medium bibs (I'm sure you'll be the same) and a small jacket (but you may be a little "thicker" than me) so a medium may be your ticket.

The suit is really nice. Except for the color, it's not much different than the ice armor suit except for one Big thing, It's Buoyant! I'm going to try out the buoyancy this summer and hopefully not any sooner!

[mjhowe]

Thanks Fastlane,

It was one of your earlier posts that helped me figure out a starting point at least! Im looking forward to it...Im getting tired of shrugging into and out of my Carharts all the time. And when they get wet...they stay wet!

[mr fishfry]

Hello WalleyeDan,,,Received your suit a week ago, fits like a glove...With lots of room for my military long johns, & head gear...Nice suit, warm...Just wished I bought one sooner...Thanks, Walleyedan...Just to show the size to help others...I bought a exlarge, for a person at 5'-11"...230lbs...Thats for top & bibs...Fits Great...

[walleyedan]

Mr. Fishfry,

I'm very happy to hear that you are happy. I knew you would be, but wearing is believing. We still have a good stock, so if anyone is interested please call or email. This stuff is not only for winter, but it will also be great for spring and fall open water fishing.

Walleyedan

[camshaft]

Dan

Or anyone else for that matter. I need some help and opinion on sizing. I read all the above posts but couldnt find anyone with the similar build as myself.

I am 6'1, 195lbs, and wear jeans w/ 36 waist. I am torn between a large or xl jacket. I think the xl bibs wud be fine however. Any thoughts for the sizing of jacket (keeping in mind probably with a shirt and hoodie underneath) I have no local places within 2.5 hours that sell these, so I am kinda out of luck with trying a set on prior to buying. Will the xl jacket be too big?

Thx very much

[BoxMN]

Quote:

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I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the kind words regarding our Arctic Armor Ice Fishing Suits. When we first introduced the suit in April '06, we were pleased with what we had to offer, but our concerns were what the "avid" fisherman would think. I have monitored the talk here for the past few weeks and what I have seen has really been refreshing.

I will continue to check in here on a regular basis to answer any questions or issues you may have. It is our goal at Innovative Designs to offer the best quality available at an affordable price.

Thanks again & good fishin'

Greg Domian

V.P. of Sales

Innovative Designs, Inc.

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Greg, after using these for a couple weeks now, I do really like them and am totally happy I got them. The good things have already been discussed by many people, including me.

Only one minor complaint so far. I think you should make the leg slit/opening go up a bit higher so it is easier to get them on with big sorels/etc. on. I can do it certainly, but it doesn't always let the boot slide in without some "massaging". The boots come out just fine, it is just going in. I only have size 11 boots, so not bigfoot here

I zip them all the way open. If anyone has advice on tips to do this easier, I am all ears. Again, minor problem that have with many rainpants or hunting bibs, except the brands that open up to above the knee length by just a tad.

I'd also like some handwarmer pockets in the bibs, like behind the main pockets like on the jacket, as I am often wearing the bibs alone and would be nice for after you set a tipup. (For those who haven't seen them yet, the bibs do have a slash pocket/opening that allows you to very easily get to your pant pockets, which is very cool. They also have big pockets in the front that can hold a ton, yet are not in the way.)

I'd also put a D ring on the bibs, for attaching things (I like tying a jawspreader or pliers to a string, but keeping them in my pocket as well) or a kill switch for early season boating.

All in all, I am so glad I got these and am very happy. Hope I never need to find first hand that they will float a fat guy

-edit, oopps, I see I alreadey said a few of those things above... sorry...

[walleyedan]

I would go with the XL top and bottom. I'm 6'3 and about 210. The top will be a bit roomy, but when we do get some cold you will want that.

Dan

[ChuckN]

After all this talk about a new suit I desperately needed to my arsenal, I ordered one of these suits with the HotSpot Outdoors Logo on it. All I can say is "WOW!".

Friday I received a box in the mail, and as I pulled it out I was skeptical of how this suit could be so warm as people claim. It's very lightweight, and thin in nature. So, I put it on, and headed across a lake on the ATV with minimal clothing under the Arctic Armor suit. I was amazed as the cold was not penetrating my suit...the windproof claims checked very well with me.

Today I put it to more of a test in a fishing contest where I sat for most of the day on the lake. For once I sat with temps below zero in the morning to about 6 degrees for the high and I was not chilly at all. It felt very nice to be so free, and not feel like a bundled up ball of thick clothing to stay warm. I was on my knees for hours and my knees never got cold, or wet. I've never said that before with any of my clothing over the years.

It's a sad day my Carharts are now retired for fishing, and a great day I feel much more comfortable on the ice with the Arctic Armor. Granted, I have limited use of this suit I wanted to share my satisfaction! I really think everyone who trys this suit will feel the same.

Thanks Dan!

[hanson]

I'm another proud owner of an Artic Armor suit with the HotSpot Outdoors Logo on it! The package came while I was on Upper Red Lake fishing and really wished I had the gear with. Oh well...

My first impression of this stuff is, WOW! I can't believe how light it is. The jacket and bibs are designed perfectly with pockets, D-Rings, zippers, snaps, etc in all the right places.

I really need to Thank all the guys who have posted on this thread so far. I love to teach & help people on this HSOforum but I also listen and learn as well. I read what you all had to say about Arctic Armor, and based my decision to purchase this gear on your opinions. Thank you guys!

[fish-4-fun]

hey Dan,

can you take layers off and use as rain gear in the summer? And how much is the set of bibs and coat?

[walleyedan]

Good to hear the good news from you guys and gals. There is only one layer. It will be great for early spring and late fall, but when it comes to summer, you'll be warm.

Warm, dry and alive.

Walleyedan

[mjhowe]

Got my HSO logo'd suit(s) yesterday. Everything they were made out to be...They DO run big tho...A small would have fit my 5'7"/170# frame a little closer...but I have room to layer without feeling all bunched up. NOT that I will need much underneath. Wore just the jacket around last night in 20 degree temps, torso was TOASTY!!!

Its amazing that something this light and NON bulky could be so warm AND provide flotation...The quality in the construction is obvious...I looked at every seam, zipper, drawstring, velcro, etc and the construction is fantastic.

Technical, specialized garments have existed for SO many other outdoor activities for so long, I cant believe I waited so long for a set of "fishing" specific, escpecially ice fishing specific, garments but I can tell you, these babies will see some serious 3 season usage! Sometimes its hard to diferentiate spring and fall from winter here in MT, but as far as my fishing clothing go's...it no longer matters!!!

Thanks Dan, for letting us all in on this product!

[RJR]

Don't stand to close to a heater. friend was standing in a portable to chat and his whole leg was on fire in seconds. The blue stuff melted to his hand when trying to put it out.

[Paul Waldowski]

Arctic Armor is not the same as the blue stuff

[blueroof]

Quote:

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Arctic Armor is not the same as the blue stuff

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So does anybody know how badly the red stuff might burn?? Most synthetic clothing seems to melt, or worse flame up, when exposed to flame or intense heat. I would love to hear that the Arctic Armor is also flame resistant on top of being a floatation aid.

lb

[mjhowe]

Dan would know...trust me, in this stuff, there is NO reason to be close to a heater!

[walleyedan]

It will melt. Don't even put them in the dryer. They are awesome but they aren't indestructable. You don't need a heater if you have Arctic Armor on. Like someones post earlier, we are wondering if the state will make us put shelter tags on them (they're that good). O.K., I'm getting out there.....it's bed time.

Ny, ny,

Walleyedan

[puddleduck]

Dan, Just called your number and left a message. Do you have any XXL bibs on hand? If so I would be down from Pine River tomorrow to get them. Wanted them all winter but now decided I need them for Eelpout Festival.

Brad

[walleyedan]

Brad,

Is it because you will be laying on the ice all weekend and you need something waterproof? Or are you worried about falling into one of the eelpout wells that I have heard about? I will meet you with a suit.

Walleyedan

[Rick]

Here's a pic of Deitz with the HotSpot Outdoors logo'd Arctic Armor suit.

If you want one like this be sure to ask Dan for the HSO logo when ordering.

[ArcticArmor1]

Wow, now that's one beautiful bass! I hope the Arctic Armor suit had something to do with landing that one...

[hanson]

I think Deitz and I had the same sense of style last weekend! LOL!

Same jacket AND hat! Big fish too!

[Tom Linderholm]

I've got the HotSpotOutdoors (HSO)Jacket (awesome BTW), now where do I get one of dem' HSO hats? The fish shouldn't be a problem. Since I will be following you guys this weekend!

[Rick]

You can get the HSO hat at http://fmLogo.com call Fasttrack and they will take your custom HSO order over the phone. They have the current HSO logo.

[Borch]

This stuff is great! Even looks ok with my ugly mug.

Also wearing my favorite cap.