Need Essentials - how they wearing?

[morris]

As the topic asks - how are the seams etc?

Seen that they get lots of lovely reviews straight off, but how are they fairing after a winter?
Holding up well or budget beginning to show?

Thanks!

[Tomdiddlybomb]

I've utterly abused my 5'4 hooded this winter, and so far the only real issues are the elastic that pulls down the chest flap getting a bit worn, and the rubbery grippy bit inside one of the cuffs came halfway off and I had to glue it back down. I'll take a small amount of maintenance I can do myself for that price!
seams are still nearly airtight... but I've not felt any leaks in water down to about 8 celcius so that's alright by me

[morris]

Thanks for the review - think I'm sold. Though realistically, it's too close to the end of winter to justify a new winter suit, so will have to get the blackwitch out again to slow down some of the worst leaks and hope the prices haven't risen by too much next autumn.

(one weekend of sunshine and thoughts of summer start to pop up....)

[ATTMFKH]

Thanks for the review - think I'm sold. Though realistically, it's too close to the end of winter to justify a new winter suit, so will have to get the blackwitch out again to slow down some of the worst leaks and hope the prices haven't risen by too much next autumn.

(one weekend of sunshine and thoughts of summer start to pop up....)

Now is the time to buy your winter suit

[Leven]

A mate has one of these. Basically said it's like a low end model from any major brand. Nothing special at all.

[morris]

Thanks for the review - think I'm sold. Though realistically, it's too close to the end of winter to justify a new winter suit, so will have to get the blackwitch out again to slow down some of the worst leaks and hope the prices haven't risen by too much next autumn.

(one weekend of sunshine and thoughts of summer start to pop up....)

Now is the time to buy your winter suit

I totally agree if you can pick something up in the sales - these suits didn't seem like they weren't going to be offered at discount prices, so it wouldn't be worth it.

[Philchapman]

A mate has one of these. Basically said it's like a low end model from any major brand. Nothing special at all.

/\ Except the neoprene is higher quality and all the seams are sealed. Can't comment on wear just yet, but I like mine so far. When I bought it I didn't want anything special, just something that met my NEED, with no fancy bells and whistles, just the ESSENTIALS.

The clue is in the name.

[Leven]

A mate has one of these. Basically said it's like a low end model from any major brand. Nothing special at all.

/\ Except the neoprene is higher quality and all the seams are sealed. Can't comment on wear just yet, but I like mine so far. When I bought it I didn't want anything special, just something that met my NEED, with no fancy bells and whistles, just the ESSENTIALS.

The clue is in the name.

Not sealed very well. Less than a season of wear and his is leaking through a lot of the seams. Reckons he'd never do a winter in it.


And the name is just marketing bullshit.

[Philchapman]

Fair enough. I'll keep an eye on the seams then.

[nawgy1979]

Hi guys; any updates on these ?

[Tomdiddlybomb]

worn mine once more since last posted just because it was my only dry suit, seems to have developed a couple of pinholes in the crotch but fine once in the water
it'll do me this winter and then I think I'm going to try a hooded vissla 5/4

[Leven]

Actually ordered one of these in the summer (3/2) and sent it straight back. Felt ludicrously thin and flimsy. I reckon you'd put your foot through the calf just putting it on.

I know some people are raving about them, but I don't get it. Every one of them I've seen has just felt what it is....cheap.

[nawgy1979]

Thanks; that was my initial perception.

[Philchapman]

Wore my 4/3 today for the start of it's second season. Seams all good still. Can't fault it so far.

[fjrfrankel]

Interested to hear more from people's experiences of Need Essentials as I'm looking at the 5/4 hooded. Could wait til the sales and go for something else but not looking to spend more than £220ish.

Cheers

[Philchapman]

Anyone tried their boots yet? Any good?