[trainee]

have seen recent post on cold weather jackets and have an additional question

Is anyone familar with the Mustang "Clasic Floater ' I am concerned if it may be too heavy or 'thick" and how it may compare to the Artic Armour recently reviewed

I think this is the jacket USCG may issue but there are a few models mustang offers so not sure

Thanks for the info and help

 

[rj]

I looked closely at the Artic Armour coats & pants that were on display at a recent fishing show.

Definatly not worth the money that they were asking there.
Did not have a mustang coat to compare it to but did have a Cabella's guidewear coat to compare.

from some quick observations of the Artic Armour ,it didn't take long to find numerous flaws & shortcomings
Artic Armour was definatly sub-standard ,,300 denier nylon vs 500 denier for the guidewear
Poor stitching--stitches ran over the edge of the fabric in several places .

stitching was also missing or skipped in many places.

Expandible pockets were sewed shut at the top with a single row of stiches so that the top of the pockets would not fully expand easily or placed undue strain on the jacket fabric itself . could barely get my hands in the jacket pockets even without gloves.
2 different sets of labels which were misleading 1 said water resistant. & 1 said waterproof.

only 1 year warranty with no information as to how to obtain warranty service!
no neoprene cufs to keep out water.
no mesh liner inside to let fabric breathe.
It is advertised as a floating coat but is NOT Coast guard approved.
(some Mustang models are Coast guard approved)
available as an insulated coat only. no option to remove lining on mild days.

Shop Carefully-there are better deals out there than Artic Armour.

 

[Shawn Kimbro]

Sorry to disagree, I think Artic Armour is the best cold weather gear available. I've had mine over a year and you know how hard I've been on it. Good stuff.

 

[fish stories]

Gotta support RJ on this - on all counts. Bought the full suit (on line) based on rave reviews from many here, and I am sorely disappointed. Due to the reductions in the sales price (refund) once I elected to wear it anyway (my choice), it was not cost effective to return.

Good luck in your search...

Joe

 

[Shawn Kimbro]

To be more clear, I'm sure there's better stuff out there for more money, bulkier, etc. AA certainly isn't a survival suit. It just suits my needs perfectly. Joe, do you want to sell yours?

 

[fish stories]

I'll PM you. Shawn...back in class in a sec...

Joe

 

[HCountyBasser]

I looked closely at the Artic Armour coats & pants that were on display at a recent fishing show.

no neoprene cufs to keep out water.

Must not have looked at them too closely if you missed the velcro adjustible neoprene Cuff

i.d.i gear : arctic armor ice fishing jacket

 

[drewzim]

I bought a set of AA a few months and can find nothing wrong with them. Are the best made out there? Probably not. But I bet you could find issues with almost anything out there. They are light and thin so you maintain mobility. And I know mine have neoprene cuffs. Not sure what you looked at. And I really don't think the price is that bad for what you get. I've seen suits that cost a lot more that you get a lot less with.

 

[Oriole]

I am with you Shawn. May be something better out there but I measure my satisfaction based on my comfort and Artic Armour is the warmest most comfortable I have ever had. Would recommend it highly and I am very pleased with it.

 

[rhahn427]

I REALLY like the Artic Armor ........... well made ....... plenty of pockets .......... very thin but very warm .........

 

[C-Hawk18]

Definatly not worth the money that they were asking there.

Rich,

I saw the Arctic Armor a bit different. I went to an ice fishing forum and found very few negative coments. I looked it over and bought a set at the show.
It is VERY light and VERY warm. I can tell you that it is warmer then my Carhart coat, at half the weight. I wear it as an everyday coat.
I did notice the "singe" stitch on the pockets, but mine is stitched about 3 times the normal amount. All of the other stitches that I checked appeared fine.
And mine also has neoprene cuffs with a velco strap to tighten it up.

I consider it a bargin over the guidewear for the fact that it $100 less expensive and I haven't seen any videos of anyone going through the Ice in guidewear to see if it floats them. Jut extra piece of mind.

Here is the Ice fishing post with 20 pages of replies.

HSO Arctic Armor......Is it worth the money? - Minnesota Ice Fishing Wisconsin - Hunting South Dakota

 

[rla69]

Over the years i've bought many sets of winter outer wear and for me artic armor is by far the lightest and warmest most comfortable and water proof suit i've owned. Worth every penny and than some.The gloves are also very warm and thin enough to fish with.

 

[MIKE BURGESS]

Come on guys I wear shorts and a tee shirt all year round Warm cloths to me is a hat and socks to go with my shorts :clap:

 

[Bunkerboz]

I bought the BPS 100mph suit about 4 yrs ago and have only good things to say. Well worth the money. the pair is gonna run you $450 now I think but its light, warm, wind and water prooof.

Just my 2 cents

 

[MIKE BURGESS]

Boz I have had my 100mph for a little longer then you and love them never a complaint except for the stupid BPS patch on them I have the Blue ones

 

[Francis]

I have the 100mph stuff as well. It's gotten really expensive now but so far I am very happy with it. I think I have had a set for 7 years now and they def do the job.

They do hold in smells. And when filleting blood doesn't just hose off like they do with Grundens. They actually get stained pretty easily. Mine are not allowed in the house any more.

You can see how dirty they get. And, that's all dried fish slime and blood, so you can imagine how they smell. I have had them for several years now. . .

 

[tksmitty]

I have tried on both the AA suit and BPS 100mph bib's/jacket. The BPS getup has the edge on "fit" and comfort for me but, I don't think it is anywhere near as warm as the AA seemed to be. The BPS suit is a lot of money too, $459 for bib's/jacket + $100 if you want the jacket liner, and I'm concerned it will not be warm enough for winter CBBT trips.

 

[mdduckcarver]

I purchased a Mustang jacket for my brother. It was very bulky and the sleeves were stiff-did not appear to be comfortable to wear for any extended period of time.

I also purchase a new Artic Armor suit for the CBBT last month. It is very comfortable and warm. I highly recommend it.

 

[rhahn427]

I have tried on both the AA suit and BPS 100mph bib's/jacket. The BPS getup has the edge on "fit" and comfort for me but, I don't think it is anywhere near as warm as the AA seemed to be. The BPS suit is a lot of money too, $459 for bib's/jacket + $100 if you want the jacket liner, and I'm concerned it will not be warm enough for winter CBBT trips.

Does the BPS suit float?

 

[tksmitty]

Does the BPS suit float?

Nope..... so in that regard it isn't a comparable garment.