OR Pyro Pro Drysuit?
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 16:57
I'm in the market (maybe) for a drysuit.
I've read the pros and cons, reviews, comparisons, marketing fluff...
What I'm interested in is this:
A candid and honest opinion from anyone in the Masskiting community about the Ocean Rodeo Pyro Pro Breathable Drysuit.
If you own or have used one more than a few times, what do you like and don't like about it?
Comparisons (from experience) to other drysuit brands/models welcome.
Also interested to hear your opinion on the breathability claim.
Thanks!
Christophe
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 17:30
#1
predator
Hey Christophe, I've just been writing some folks today about this. After just getting by in a 5/3 last winter I picked up an OR Predator Surfdry in the spring. It has two layers compared to a regular drysuit - the dry layer is thinner and baggier (for bigger range of motion) and is snugged down by the outer neoprene skin layer.
Of course you have to wear a thermal layer underneath, these suits don't have insulation. I've been 100% warm the whole time wearing it. I think the breathability claim is real, I've never felt sweaty. I need to test my seams though - I've taken this suit out only five times and my thermal layer usually ends up damp nearly everywhere. I've been told that some leakage around the gaskets (wrists, ankels, neck) is normal, especially if you're crashing a lot, but a drysuit should keep you mostly dry inside.
So now I'm weighing out switching to a hooded 6/5/4 wetsuit - it would be a lot easier to get in and out of and should be warm enough. The only bummer is changing out of it and into dry clothes on a freezing day.
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 19:28
#2
Pyro is my vote
I like the OR Pyro Pro the best so far. They don't leak and front entry has been great. I am not sure about the lucifer as the hood is unnecessary and to me it looks like a humpty dumpty suit. I will admit a bunch of people wearing Pyros could do a SNL skit about the starship enterprise.
I think I would prefer and like to try the 6/5/4 with hood. I like my board shorts I guess and have a van to change in. Though putting it on and off might not compare to the speed of the Pyro. Also I am already hanging out drinking a beer by the time I take it off vs having to change then...
If you want to get in and out and back in the pyro is not great to re-suit and nothing really is. It gets damp. But I am looking to have both a 6/5/4 hood and a pyro. Plus every size kite, board, bar on the market and own a condo on every shore at every beach and say "fuck you I am a local" but its all day dreams.
I think the pro is great its no fuss and nice. I have heard good about O'neil and Lucifer too. The 6/5/4 hood id great if you classic surf and is safer if you rip or get caught off-shore. End of the day whatever you get will be warm and get you out there.
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 20:28
#3
I bought an OR Pyro Pro back
I bought an OR Pyro Pro back in 2009. So I am having my third season with it. I think it is amazing. It has allowed me to enjoy kiting all winter. I stay dry in it, I wear ski clothes, and the post session dress down is not excruciating.
You have to maintain it carefully, put it away at the end of the season with tennis balls at the wrist and ankle gaskets and a beach ball at the neck so the seal doesn't stick to itself, place in a bag and suck the air out keeping it in a dark closet. I also use seal saver, a lube of sorts.
I do find that it breathes, which is amazing. I have heard of leaks, so you may need to test it to make sure it is water tight. Leaks can be repaired.
I have yet to try using a 6/5/4, but the Pyro Pro was a game changer for me considering how freaking windy it is here in the winter.
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 22:09
#4
If you go with OR pyro...I
If you go with OR pyro...
I bought it online directly from OR five days ago. It was cheap, relatively, $650. But it still hasn't shipped. I recommend calling them directly, asking if they have the size in stock and find out exactly when it'll ship...if that matters. I really wanted it for this weekend, and I'm very bummed I'll have to wait for the next weekend.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 01:31
#5
What size do you need? I have
What size do you need? I have an unused medium pyropro for $550.
Ive been using one for 2 seasons now and I love it. I'm replacing a neck seal right now cause I didn't care for it much on the last offseason. But I can show you how to care for it if you end up getting one.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:04
#7
My ocean rodeo pyro for sale.
My ocean rodeo pyro for sale. Size large brand new condition. Used twice. Seals all perfect. Comes with new gul full body fleece suit with elastic fingers to keep arms and legs from bunching up. That alone costs $100
Both for: $400. Mecutl@cs.com. Pics available.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 11:46
#8
Sounds like a great
Sounds like a great deal.
Unfortunately, L size not a good fit for me.
Good luck!
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:53
#9
We used to sell them and I
We used to sell them and I still have the medium laying around. So it should have normal warranties and all that. It's Either a 2010 or 2011. I gotta check. Pm me if yer interested. Or anyone else for that matter.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:27
#10
Great Suit
I had one for one season and used it about 6 times before I sold it and replaced it with a Kokatat one. Its a great suit; well built and will keep the water out. Getting out of the suit and still being warm and dry when the wind is whipping across the parking lot is awesome.
There are other good suits out there though. I bought the Kokatat mostly because it fit me better. If you are looking for a Kokatat, you can get them at a slight discount from companies that supply rescue workers ( you don't have to be one to get the discount ).
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 09:25
#11
How about a 7mm semi-dry?
Hi Chris
The wetsuitwearhouse.com has a 7mm semi-dry wetsuit for only $226 (http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/mens-fullsuits-5/SX870MB). I've never tried one myself but I've heard it keeps you warm in pretty intense cold. Changing is still an issue, unless you drive home in the wetsuit, which I have done before in my 5/3.
They also have a O'Neil drysuit for only $420, probably worth checking out (http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/watersports-drysuits/2054).
Frank sent me the link for his drysuit yesterday http://www.kokatat.com/products/dry-suits/t3-swift-entry-dry-suit-men.html that sells around $500, I can't talk for him but looks like he was happy with it and they are serviced in CA in case you have to have it repaired. They also have GoreTex based models but they cost twice as much.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 10:05
#12
I cant imagine trying to move
I cant imagine trying to move in a 7mm... Thats why active wetsuits are 6/5/4 or 5/3.. Gives you motion.. This 7mm is really meant for scuba not kiting/surfing active sports
OR PYRO PRO is my suggestion.. I am so dehydrated from kiting I never have to pee so this is irrelevant.
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 11:35
#13
Good point
But the owner from Mackiteboarding told me he was using one if I recall
correctly. It's an option among others, probably not ideal but it's cheaper.
One bad thing about the drysuit though, if it blows on the water, you're screwed. Not only you get cold but you get heavier as well.
Thu, 11/10/2011 - 13:45
#14
Yes that is indeed a serious
Yes that is indeed a serious safety concern, making the wetsuit a better option.
Thu, 11/10/2011 - 09:33
#15
Another OR plug...
They have a Pro and a Lite... The Pro is breathable. Lite is not. That Oneil suit above is not either. Kind of
Like wearing a plastic bag. You'll get out of it pretty wet from sweat. It'll be worth the extra $$ for the Pro.
Phil has those sweeet Ion dry wetsuits at his shop. If I could afford it, I'd totally wear one of those!!
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 10:20
#16
Geo tu trouves tout!
Geo tu trouves tout!
Sun, 11/13/2011 - 06:33
#17
Just Ordered One...
Went for it and ordered the Pyro Pro from KitePaddleSurf, size MT, $589.99. They offer free shipping, but I chose the 3 day UPS option to get it before next weekend. I'm psyched!
Thanks again for the advice, everyone!
Sun, 11/13/2011 - 11:36
#18
I have a 6.5mm semidry. This
I have a 6.5mm semidry. This suit is geared for diving due to the fact that my range of motion is severely compromised. I do not suggest it. stay with a 6/5/4 or drysuit.
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 14:00
#19
Is your suit 100% strech?
The Neosport 7mm wetsuit I was looking at is made of 100% superstretch neoprene, while diving suits can be as low as 30% stretch, that obviously makes a difference.
I guess for winter kiteboarding it's be a choice between the safety of a semi-dry and doing less or no tricks vs. keeping full motion in a dry-suit and take the risk of drowning or hypothermia if it blows high enough to fully fill up with freezing water.
This said 6/5/4 are probably excellent with an under-layer fleece and maybe we should not kite anyway when it's so cold than a 6/5/4 won't keep us warm enough.
Sun, 11/13/2011 - 21:07
#20
Welcome to the addiction
Welcome to the addiction
Mon, 11/14/2011 - 09:37
#21
An expensive one, at
An expensive one, at that...
Just ordered the OR Mako 140, too. 
Mon, 11/14/2011 - 15:12
#22
Dry vs. Wetsuit
Having used a variety of different cold weather suits one point not mentioned here is that with a pvc type drysuit (baggy like a PYRO or the old BARE Polar) you must not tear the suit while in the water. If you do the suit can fill up with water which is not a good thing. A 6/5/4 or any wetsuit for that matter does not have that potentially dangerous problem. Personlly I am on the verge of buying some brands 6/5/4 as my new winter suit hoping to retire my old BARE Polardry. BTW I recommend the O'NEIL 5m Pyschofreak bootie, split toe or not.
Mon, 11/14/2011 - 15:51
#23
The Wet v. Dry Debate
It must be that time of year where the trusty 4.3 doesn't cut it anymore. Its a pretty simple trade really, comfort and convenience ( Dry wins! ) vs. reliability in the extreme ( Wetsuit wins!). The wetsuit will be a bit cheaper to buy initially but it won't last as long as a dry suit so the running costs are about the same.
If you are looking at bomber winter wetsuit, check out the Pataguchi R4. Very warm and dry inside. It is a bit stiffer than some of the other winter suits (hyperflex, Oneill, body glove) but I still find it sufficiently flexible for my riding needs. Definitely a bitch to get out of in a cold windy parking lot though.
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 14:07
#24
I love my Mako
did not touch my twin tips since I have the Mako, sure you'll love it too.
Everyone, thanks for the replies! Really appreciate it.
Jean, merci for the great tips on off season maintenance.
You guys seem to confirm that one of the main benefits of the Pyro Pro, besides being dry and warm with appropriate under layers, is the ease of getting in and out of. I just hate getting out of my Hyperflex 5/3 after a sesh in cold weather. It seems that getting out of the Pyro is much easier and one already has basically regular clothing underneath that one doesn't have to change into.
That really appeals to me.
@ Jermy: Why are you selling your M size Pyro? Is it the latest model and 100% unused? Any manufacturer's warranty?
Thanks again guys!
Christophe
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Christophe