Rain gear...to buy Grundens or not

[Rollin with Rolland]

well, was wondering if anyone had any advice on new rain gear. I have had the same reliable Stearns jacket for about 5-6 years, and has served me great, and cheap ($25). My main problem is bibs, the Stearns bibs stink, and others in the same price range ($25-40) all break on me right away. So i'm looking at some decent Grundens. Does anybody have any experience with Grundens?? out on the westside here can be pretty nasty, especially out at sea (not just rain, but waves). I am debating on spending $100 for the extra-heavy duty 1600 bibs, or if that is overkill and just spend the $75 on the Herkules bib (mid-duty). Or even yet, $60 on the light-duty Clipper 116 bibs. any reviews??
What about the Jackets?? how do those neoprene cuffs work out?? what do you use, and how does it work??

[Coastfishin]

I have a set of Grunden's that I have been wearing for 6 or 7 years with no problems. Seems like I paid $120.00 for them back then. The are pretty tough as I wear them at work more than anything. There is one small scar in the leg where I caught them with a hedge trimmer#-o but other than that no holes or leaks.

[Rollin with Rolland]

nice Coastfishin. i have a pair of kevlar chaps you can borrow next time you trim the bushes! Do you know what style/model you have?? from what i have heard, it sounds like the quality is there. I am a little concerned that if i get the extra-heavy duty ( of course what everyone THINKS they need), they will be a bit restrictive, or TO thick. I have gone and tried them on, but until you actually get out there and use the darn things, it's hard to judge. From what i gather, they get a :thumleft: from you. thanks for the input...

[shawn]

Here is the link to Grundens after looking on there I was really surprised to find out there home office is in my town.I wonder if one might get them cheaper from there if they have a local shop.http://www.grundens.com/

[Rollin with Rolland]

thanks for the link shawn, i actually haven't been on their site yet (now i have), mucho information. and yeah, i'm always looking for a cheaper price! what's your preferred rainwear??

[shawn]

thanks for the link shawn, i actually haven't been on their site yet (now i have), mucho information. and yeah, i'm always looking for a cheaper price! what's your preferred rainwear??

When it comes to rain gear I buy Grundens or Helly Hansen.They cost a little more than some of the others but the qaulity is there.The ones I have now are the Grundens they are the light weight ones I bought them last year.After some scumbag broke into my car and wiped me out.When I was at the stores lokking for a set I bought the bib overall and the jacket.The selling point for me was when the kid at Sportsmans told me go ahead give them a tug or two because I thought they would rip pretty easy.They don't I gave them my all trying to rip em.Im not a little guy either 5'8 and 240 and I put alot into trying to rip em.But dont get wrong they will rip if snagged or you take a knife to em.

[gpc]

I have a pair of Helly Hanson bibs and they work great. The only problem is they didnt come with a fly, so I had to make my own, and sometimes that will leak, but it has never got me wet.

I really like the cartharts with the neoprene sleeves, but personally have no experince with them. My buddy has some for work and he says they work great.

I only wear the bib fi I have too, because they are kind of a pain to wear. But I got some raingear from costco that works great. Its not the rain gear matterial, its more of a wind breaker type matterial, so its not as stiff. I have had it since Jan. and I havnt had any problems yet

[northfork]

I like the Carharts. Have the bibs, side zippers zip all the way up to the waist. lower cuff snaps to hold them tight to your boots. Reinforced knees. Breathable and water proof.
just bought the coat and haven't had a chance to see how water proof and comfortable it is, but I'm sure I'll get my opportunity.

[Rollin with Rolland]

I have a pair of Helly Hanson bibs and they work great. The only problem is they didnt come with a fly, so I had to make my own, and sometimes that will leak, but it has never got me wet.

gotta have a fly!!

Carhartt is on my list too. they seem pretty quality, and the price is a bit cheaper, right? i thought i saw the bibs for around $50, does that sound about right northfork?? thanks for the review, good info to share...

[mallard83]

My work bought me a set of Grundens (jacket and bib) and I have had no problems with them. I am a truck driver and this rain gear is subject to fairly heavy abuse. I also have used my work rain gear (Grundens) out for winter steelhead a lot and it is great. It doesn't seem to sweat as much as the Helly Hansen's that I had before these, which is a plus. I recomend them if you are looking for a tough set of rain gear that will get you through many seasons.

[kutthroatkilla]

Does anybody have any experience with Grundens?

I have had a pair of forest green Grudens I bought in 2003...I rarely wear the coat, but the suspenders keep all that fish blood off me on the ocean. I only use my Grundens when I'm out on the big seas. I should buy an insulated water-proof suit (all red) but they are too expensive for me right now. I highly recommend Grundens and I think you'll enjoy them.

[gpc]

I have a pair of Helly Hanson bibs and they work great. The only problem is they didnt come with a fly, so I had to make my own, and sometimes that will leak, but it has never got me wet.

gotta have a fly!!

Carhartt is on my list too. they seem pretty quality, and the price is a bit cheaper, right? i thought i saw the bibs for around $50, does that sound about right northfork?? thanks for the review, good info to share...

I think the jacket is $35 and the bibs are about the same or $45. I have Carthart everything. Once you get into the jeans and the jackets they get kind of pricey. But they last forever, I get new ones because my old ones are too dirty to wear lol. But yeah, I thought the rain gear was priced fairly

[northfork]

The bibs ran me around $75 and the jacket was on sale at Safety and Supply for $119.
Got to use the jacket this morning while working. I like it. Easy to move around in and plenty of pockets for tools.

[fishing collector]

I have used Grunduns, Hansens. Carhartts, and Frog Toggs...... The Froggys worked the best for keeping me dry and wicking away the sweat. I worked on Tugboats for 30+ years and went thru Gruns,Hansens, and others that cost a fortune but for fishin' I think the Frog Toggs are light weight and easy to store. The best prices are on eBay ....I paid less than $ 30.00 for mine. The more commercial types are a bit to heavy for fishing. On eBay you might find some that are for Sailboaters and made from super fabrics that keep you dry and breath. I take the Frog Toggs with me all the time. They are always in the truck. I am sure you will make an informed decision....Good Luck, Steve