The Paddler Magazine issue 73 Late Summer 2023 | Page 10

PADDLER 10

REVIEWS

Rooster Classic ThermaFlex 1.5mm LongJohn – Unisex – 2XL www . roostersailing . com By Oli Jordan – EoEPS

I ’ ve owned a few wetsuits , some good , some not so ! The first thing noticeable about the Rooster range is its fantastic quality ! This is due to their 4-way super stretch neoprene . The inner lining is soft and comfortable against the skin , though being a long john , I would partner this with at least a rashy underneath . The reinforced areas around your knees and backside are a nice touch . It would last a long time if looked after correctly .

I ’ ve never owned a long john type wetsuit before , though I can see the benefits of using one . Leaving the upper body free for unrestricted movement is great on warmer days for things like Paddleboarding . However , this could leave me feeling quite exposed in colder conditions , so I would begin layering up – which might impede the freeing feeling ! These can also be worn under full wetsuits to help extend a cold paddle session .

The fit , me being of a larger structure , shall we say , doesn ’ t leave much to the imagination . I can ’ t work out if this is due to the ‘ Unisex ’ fit or the fact it is super thin ; the relief Velcro seems an interesting option also . It ’ s quite a small opening and seems to sit in an unusual position for us men folk . I obviously can ’ t comment from a woman ’ s perspective !

I ’ m really impressed by the quality of Rooster ; after a few uses , I can confirm this is a comfy bit of kit , but I would probably always layer up or consider a thicker design , personally . Price : £ 130 .

Rooster SuperTherm 4mm LongJohn – 2XL

By Oli Jordan – EoEPS

Rooster has only gone and done it ! I love this . As previously mentioned , I haven ’ t owned a LongJohn before , but this is a decent bit of kit ! The feeling is fantastic ; as stated on the website , they have used ‘ enhanced fabrics ’ with an updated fit . They also mention this has an updated relief flap – and I can confirm it sits in a much better position for me !

The suit has pre-bent legs and arms , making it feel really nice when worn , and again , being a LongJohn , it frees up the arms and upper body to move around efficiently . I like that there are no Velcro shoulder straps to fiddle with , meaning it ’ s easier and quicker to get into . The reinforced areas again make this feel like it will last a long time and be a trusty bit of kit ! The inner is warm and comfy , mixed with it being a 4mm suit ; this will keep you going in colder conditions . I would still use this with a rashy of some kind and potentially a cag or jacket . I love the drainage holes at the back of the legs for quicker drainage – I ’ ve never seen this before on any wetsuits !

I ’ ve noticed that Rooster claims that various bits of kit work best when paired with other bits , etc ., which makes me feel I will need other items to get the best out of whichever bit of kit I have just purchased . Conversely , it ’ s good to give ideas of how best to pair items for anyone learning about outdoor clothing .

The customer service from Rooster is also excellent . I ’ m slightly between the sizes listed on their website , so I spoke to them and organized the best option . Go check them out ! Price : £ 235.00