Ice Fishing Clothing

[kj]

With the weather changing, Ice fishing is about 6 weeks away. I start looking at getting out around Thanksgiving. With that in mind, I am thinking about getting some new apparel for myself and the wife. We have always used Dickies bibs and coat in the past and have stayed quite warm. The trouble with that setup is it is not water proof and although warm, has proven to be bulky. Thinking about something along the Clam line, still bibs with a coat, but something without so much bulk and also waterproof.. Not necessarily sold on Clam as there are lots of products available. Those of you who use the suits specifically made for ice fishing, what are your recommendations? Our norm is to ride the snowmobile to the designated area and setup a tent with a heater. On those warm sunny days, we have really enjoyed sitting in the sun without the tent. Both of us are in our 60's so we aren't as hard core as we used to be. We are more sensitive to the cold, especially my wife. What have you liked and disliked? Your thoughts are welcome.
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[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 3]So - you're a couple of youngsters. []

I've been using the Clam IceArmor suit (un-insulated) for 4 seasons now. No issues other than I found out the hard way that the material melts when placed in close proximity to my heater. [crazy]

I too, ride a snowmobile and have found the suit meets my needs for wind protection when I wear appropriate clothing under the suit. The insulated suits were about $100 more and I'm frugal (some would say cheap). I also have plenty of cold weather layers so didn't feel I really needed the extra weight and bulk.

I have no experience with any other brands, but have been very satisfied with the Clam product.
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[SkunkedAgain]

I was right there with you in Carr Harts until last year when I made the jump to Frabill I2 Jacket and forget the brand of bibs (Striker Lake Effect) got them at Sportsmans Warehouse in a great sale around Christmas... Anyway totally love this set up they are so nice and warm and dry and I was in some nasty conditions last year and they kept me warm and dry... I would recommend hitting icefishingdeals.com.... they have had a set of IFloat Frabills for around $79 to $94 for a jacket and I didn't check the bibs price, but it's good stuff and they have some great sales through the season... Don't pay $300 a piece you can find them around a $100 some even as low as $50... I just about bought me a second I2 when I seen it on sale at $50.... I didn't need it, but for that price and knowing the quality I just about got a spare... They are for sure a step up and you'll love them for ice fishing... no more wet knees when you kneel down to do something, they don't wick water up your legs when you're in deep slush... They are good stuff built for ice fishing... I won't recommend one company over another because I know Frabill, Clam and Striker and others make really great ice gear... But I will tell you if you need new ones get some of those set up for ice fishing you will be glad you did it... Later J
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[Ryno]

I've had the Ice Armor insulated suit for about 6-years and absolutely love it. It's super warm, comfortable, and durable. I hardly use a shelter anymore, because I'm basically walking around and fishing in one. I've also used it on boats, snow mobiles and ATVs during the winter, and it's a perfect wind break. The built-in rump and knee pads are nice on the ice, and there's a ton of pockets (interior and exterior) for holding tackle and gear. I've sliced a couple of spots on the pants over the years, but CLAM sells a patch kit making repairs a cinch. I highly recommend the suit, it's a game changer.

Good luck, Ryno
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[Jedidiah]

I've got the Frabil ifloat set too. I'll note that Field Supply hasn't had the jacket in medium for a while, but Amazon does for around $75. The ifloat stuff could save my life, but the one thing about it is that it doesn't breathe well. I find myself zipping the pants up past my knees in the tent because moisture builds up if I don't. Also, pretty sure it would be a bad idea to wear just the bibs. I thought about getting just those but then went through the logistics of actually floating in the water with your buoyancy all located in your lower half and figured there's no way you could keep your head up without considerable effort.
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[Kent]

Hey Kevin,
I gather you didn't pull the trigger last time?

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=964878;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]Link[/url]
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[Delement87]

striker ice suits! they have sure float in them just in case you get into a bad situation they are extremely warm and comfortable
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[kj]

Kent... I did not buy any last year. My wife and I could not get away due to her crazy work schedule so we decided to wait. This year is looking much better and we have been talking about getting out much more. It is early enough that if we pick up a set this month and another in November, it will be much easier on the pocket book.
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[gmanhunter]

I have a pair of clam bibs and love them. They have deep pockets, and most of all an easy access zipper to take a wiz with out taking off the bibs. I looked at several pairs of bibs and found some of the inseams on the bibs were to tight between the thighs, no access zipper to take a wiz, shallow pockets and pricey. I went to the stores to find out what size I wore and bought my bibs off of E-bay. I got a great deal for $150.00 for my bibs. I use a regular insulated Carhartt coat for the top piece until I can get a good deal on the coat.
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[kj]

Thanks for your comments everyone. We took the plunge and spent our lives savings and purchased two bibs and two coats. We went with the Clam Ice Armor. Now we are anxiously looking forward to the hard water. We will be Styling this winter all dressed in blue. []
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