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First impressions were that the products looked very well designed and of good style from a paddlers point of view. I also noticed that the price (at $199 for dry pants and $299 for the top) was alot cheaper than other big brands. This pricing certainly got my attention. I have been paddling for a number of years and have seen other manufacturers bring out similar products at similar prices, only to have de-lamination problems or quality issues. It has meant these products have had a short life in the market. With this in mind I couldn't wait to see how fast I could wear the products out.
It has been 6 months since I recieved both the top and the pants and with an avergae weekly usage of 4 kayak lessons, 2 guided kayak trips, the odd kayak surf (all of these salt water) I felt this was going to be a good test of the top and the pants.
Much to my surprise and excitement the short sleeve top is still beading water off itself, which any kayaker likes to see their gear doing. After all the use in a salt water enviornment there is not one sign of de-lamination and the velcro still works perfectly.
From my perspective I like that the top doesn't have a double waist, making it more user friendly and multi-use for all kayaking domains. The pants, like the top, are still going strong. I decided to see just how good they were by wearing them on my motorbike in the rain - smiliar to having a cold shower on full power the entire time. I ride home, walk into my house and remove my jacket (which by now is saoked through), I thought there is no way these pants are going to hold up to this but yet again... the pants I was wearing underneath the dry pants are still dry.
In my personal and professional opinion the new Extra Sport range went beyond my expectations. They ended up exceeding my expectations in terms of quality and at the rrp, are excellent. I'm even going to go as far as saying these items are some of the best I've used. You won't be disappointed with their performance or quality.
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