Sorry, I asked this question in another drysuit thread, but now I can’t find it…

I am going to buy a drysuit next season(Pyro pro, or Pyro surf) and I was also thinking of getting an impact vest. Probably the Dakine matrix. Would the vest rubbing on the drysuit cause it to wear out prematurely? Thanks for any input! Cheers!

If you are going to wear one, I’d suggest wearing the impact vest under your drysuit. On the outside it would restrict your range of motion and would be very tight…

JZ

Thanks for the reply John, thats a good idea by the way. Does an impact vest really protect against much if you aren’t doing railslide bars and stuff? I mean water is pretty soft even at fairly high speeds. On my one and only time wakeboarding I rode for about 4 hours and while ripping pretty good bailed pretty spectacularly as well. Ok really spectacularly! And I didn’t feel any pain, maybe this is because I am used to falling on snow…not sure…But to reitterate, Does an impact vest really protect against much if you aren’t doing railslide bars and stuff?

Thanks for the advice, Cheers!

Vests are useful when you are trying new moves or riding OP’d-
if you make contact with the water arms out or flat on the back, believe me,
thats when it really can save your session, and keep you from losing future sessions because of an injury…
to a degree.
Because,
a kite can whip you to hell if you let it. :twisted:

Good idea JZ, its going to add warmth under the suit, and keep you streamlined. Smart.

I decided an impact vest would be a good idea for winter sessions - not many people around, gusty winds, cold water. I tried it under my pyro pro and it messed up the fit of the suit and mobility around the shoulders. Over the top of the suit it works fine, doesn’t seem to affect mobility. Helps to keep my core really warm. First time i used it i snapped a front bridle and faced a long self rescue - was very reassuring having the extra bouyancy of the vest. I think it would add worthwhile protection if i get slammed on the water or on the beach.

Ok, thanks for the input guys. Is there a general consensus on the best available vest? I usually try to buy the best if the difference in price isn’t too bad…So far I have been eyeing up the Dakine matrix but if another vest has better qualities such as flexibility,comfort, protection or floatability then I would definitely consider it. Thanks and Cheers!

Paul, thanks for the feed back on this one! I was only going off of assumptions as I have not yet taken a ride with an impact vest on. I will be sure to use this information in future consultations with our riders!

Thanks again! 

JZ

If your Pyro is big enough you will stay warmer with a vest under… and lighter (for lighter winds) as well… since the vest will be dryer. It sure does help for impacts under or over… I wear mine under, works well…

Cool, thanks for the input! Cheers!

I’ll try wearing mine under my pyro again. That would be my preference as i agree the vests weigh quite a bit more when wet.