Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Serious Arctic Armor question

SomethingFishy*

By SomethingFishy*
in Ice Fishing

 Share

Recommended Posts

SomethingFishy* Mentor

SomethingFishy*

Posted
Posted

I currently have the Clam Ice Armor which i have been very happy with, however I have been looking at the Arctic Armor for the buoncy reasons.

Here is my question, many times out with my current setup I find myself only utilizing the pants, If you were to go thru the ice wearing only the Arctic armor pants how would that affect buoncy (think back to when you were a kid putting a life jacket on similar to a diaper and jumping into the pool/lake the buoncy of the life jacket would flip you upside down)

Would a similar effect be caused by the Arctic Armor pants?

Thanks,

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Deitz Dittrich Grand Master

Deitz Dittrich

Posted
Posted

Wow, very good question... I call ***Not It*** on doing the tests...

Each time I have been though the ice, I went through a pretty small hole in the ice, and my body didn't turn at all... But you ask a great question.. Dan~~~ Give er a shot and let us know! grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
blueroof Rising Star

blueroof

Posted
Posted

As bad as this might sound, I'd think as long as your not incapacitated you'd be OK and the bibs would help you bob out of the ice easier than without. If you got knocked unconscious or became disoriented under the ice, that might be problematic. You could have similar issues with the Arctic Armor jacket/bib combo or wearing non buoyant clothing, no guarantees when dealing with ice. LB

Link to comment
Share on other sites
walleyedan Community Regular

walleyedan

Posted
Posted

I guess I will have to jump in again. But, my gut would tell me that I will float forever (as long as I could keep my arms moving). Bottom line.......if you wear Arctic Armor you will have a chance.

Walleyedan out

p.s. I will let you know once I jump in with just the bibs on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SomethingFishy* Mentor

SomethingFishy*

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Quote:

I guess I will have to jump in again. But, my gut would tell me that I will float forever (as long as I could keep my arms moving). Bottom line.......if you wear Arctic Armor you will have a chance.

Walleyedan out

p.s. I will let you know once I jump in with just the bibs on.

Thanks, I know they are not a guaranteed life saver but a tool to assist if there should be an accident. Knowing more of what to excpect is always a good thing. I would gladly test them if I had a pool. grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ArcticArmor1 Contributor

ArcticArmor1

Posted
Posted

This post will hopefully explain your question. First, please remember that we (Arctic Armor) put 5 additional layers of INSULTEX in both knees and the butt for added comfort. We decided to use INSULTEX instead of a hard plastic shell that would be uncomfortable. All sizes of our bibs have more than adequate amounts of INSULTEX to ensure buoyancy.

I have pictures of a person in the water wearing just the bibs. He was 'unable' to sink wearing just the bibs and a t-shirt. The bibs ride up far enough to cover your body except for the head, which comprises 7% of your total body weight. If you fall 'unconscious' into the water, your head would automatically fall backwards or forwards into the water. I would just caution you regarding to what you would wear as an alternative jacket. There are some jackets that absorb water like a sponge and would work 'against' the buoyancy of Arctic Armor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
thirtysomething Contributor

thirtysomething

Posted
Posted

I've enjoyed all the posts recently regarding Arctic Armor and similar outer where. Do that many people really get into situations where they may realistically fall through the ice? I'm just surprised by all the concern. I do realize most people are probably thinking more of a what if situation. I love hardwater as much as anyone, but I make sure it's safe, and usually in the early season, try to find lakes where others are out. I figure if they made it, I can make it, and if anything happens, there's help around. Thanks to all for all the input, when the budget increases, I'll be purchasing some pants for sure, more for warmth and comfort.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lip_Ripper Guy Grand Master

Lip_Ripper Guy

Posted
Posted

Last year I got lost with a group of people on a lake that I've been on for nearly 25 years. It is smaller lake of around 2,000 acres. It was foggy (20' or less visibility) and I got turned around, and had no idea which way I was facing. Trying to find my way back, I found a "new" area on the lake where there was a hole about 3' around of open water. We didn't go in, but we were real close.

That situation, and another one that happened to a family member on Leech Lake last year is why I will own Arctic Armor (or something similar) for my next gear. All it takes is 1 crack, some wind swirrling in a hole, getting lost and ending up where you shouldn't be, to make you realize that you are always only seconds away from going in. Almost every lake I've ever been on has at least 1 place where you don't want to end up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BoxMN Grand Master

BoxMN

Posted
Posted

Related to that - I have never fallen into the soft water from a boat, and NEEDED a PFD. Nor has anyone from a boat I have driven or been in. BUT, we did pull one guy out of 52 degree water with his boat circling him, he did not have a PFD and would have drowned, I am sure of it. His body temp was 94 degrees by the time he was at the hospital. He was a 45 year old experienced boater, nice day, no booze... He never thought he would need PDF either.

The taught me about PFD's, and now while it is not on every single time, we use kill switches religiously, wear PFD in colder water and ALL kids have them on if they are anywhere near water.

Back to the Arcitc Armor - I got myself a set last year after the first ice season. We were always out on "safe" ice (is there really any safe ice?) but we also saw a hole open up where there was not one the day before. I hope I never need it, and I most likely won't. But glad I do have it should I ever need it.

Aside from that, they are comfy, utility wise they are great and warm. I used it spring fishing, fall fishing, and put my Dad in it to keep him warm on two fishing trips so far. I guess I am a fan-boy, but I am really picky on what i buy. I will probably buy another jacket in camo in the future, for duck hunting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MuleShack Grand Master

MuleShack

Posted
Posted

Quote:

I've enjoyed all the posts recently regarding Arctic Armor and similar outer where. Do that many people really get into situations where they may realistically fall through the ice? I'm just surprised by all the concern.

The whole thing about it is that you never know where the ice is weak or what mother nature has in store. Going thru is one thing that i could live with out crazy.gif And if i did go thru I guess i would rather float so it is easier to get out of the water and have that extra chance. After all we're walking on water... wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SomethingFishy* Mentor

SomethingFishy*

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Quote:

This post will hopefully explain your question. First, please remember that we (Arctic Armor) put 5 additional layers of INSULTEX in both knees and the butt for added comfort. We decided to use INSULTEX instead of a hard plastic shell that would be uncomfortable. All sizes of our bibs have more than adequate amounts of INSULTEX to ensure buoyancy.

I have pictures of a person in the water wearing just the bibs. He was 'unable' to sink wearing just the bibs and a t-shirt. The bibs ride up far enough to cover your body except for the head, which comprises 7% of your total body weight. If you fall 'unconscious' into the water, your head would automatically fall backwards or forwards into the water. I would just caution you regarding to what you would wear as an alternative jacket. There are some jackets that absorb water like a sponge and would work 'against' the buoyancy of Arctic Armor.

Thanks for the info.I was thinking warmer days when your out in a long sleeve t-shirt or maybe a light sweat-shirt maybe chasing flags.

Is there any chance we will see these in the real near future in a toned down color ideally a black? They look like they could be a nice fit for snowmobiling as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Northlander Grand Master

Northlander

Posted
Posted

Quote:

This post will hopefully explain your question. First, please remember that we (Arctic Armor) put 5 additional layers of INSULTEX in both knees and the butt for added comfort. We decided to use INSULTEX instead of a hard plastic shell that would be uncomfortable. All sizes of our bibs have more than adequate amounts of INSULTEX to ensure buoyancy.

I have pictures of a person in the water wearing just the bibs. He was 'unable' to sink wearing just the bibs and a t-shirt. The bibs ride up far enough to cover your body except for the head, which comprises 7% of your total body weight. If you fall 'unconscious' into the water, your head would automatically fall backwards or forwards into the water. I would just caution you regarding to what you would wear as an alternative jacket. There are some jackets that absorb water like a sponge and would work 'against' the buoyancy of Arctic Armor.

This should answer your question. I Just had to read through all the posts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept