Typhoon PS440 dry suit

After testing the prototype extendedly, I sent it back and asked for some minor changes. The result was the brand new PS440 which I received some months ago. This time I got the fully update prototype, which is the one that is on the market now. For people who don’t know me and my NORTHSEAKAYAK team, we spend almost more time in the water than in our kayaks practicing various rescue techniques. So I can honestly say that the suit was put to the test in a real environment, during realistic scenarios and with real sea kayakers.

There are a few things that I find important in a sea kayak; how it behaves/performs, how well it is equipped, how the build quality is, and how it looks.

waterproof

There are a few things that I find important on a kayak dry suit. For starters, is it waterproof (yes, really)? I had some stories (and first hand experiences) with other brands where there was moisture seeping through the fabric, mostly the socks, as they are deepest under the surface during a swim (more pressure). This PS440 does what every Typhoon dry suit does, it keeps cold water out, period. No delamination, even after all the things we did with it. No tears, even after abusing the suit during our training.

The overall fabric is both light, firm and allows unrestricted movement of the paddler. The only thing that brings the weight a bit up is the Cordura inserts. This doesn’t make a bulkier feeling, on the contrary, the suit feels as if it can take anything. Never did I fear tearing it, the suit is made for expedition use, it looks and feels like that.

pockets

The large pocket on the chest on the previous PS models is now removed. There is still a pocket with two zippers on the side, convenient when you’re not wearing your buoyancy aid on the shore during breaks, you can put your hands inside and it also contains the bungies to tighten up the waist around your spray deck. There are also two pockets on the upper legs. When seated in the cockpit of a sea kayak there is no use for them, but again, once on the shore you can put some small items inside the pocket. If the suit is worn by a sailor on a dinghy, then it’s even possible to put a (folded) sea chart inside and you will be able to read it on the fly by looking down. Convenient and it sure makes this suit very versatile.

The seals are all in Glideskin neoprene… Years ago I wasn’t a huge fan of neoprene seals because in some suits they were leaky when spending plenty of time in the water. Now, I must say that I did everything possible to get water into the suit (rolling, diving head first, rough water rescues…) but Typhoon have managed to keep the seals bone dry and comfortable.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by that and I would recommend this suit to people who are allergic to latex seals.

Velcro cuffs

Now the cuffs! The Velcro cuffs have been made a bit larger on my request. They’re great and makes the wear and use of the suit even more comfortable. They don’t come loose during our training. The pinnacle of this suit must be the removable collar with fleece lining and a hood. Versatility, remember? If I want an unrestricted view around when surfing in the rough stuff, just simply remove the whole thing. You don’t need to undress the upper part of the suit to remove the collar, nor do you need anyone to help you. You can easily remove or put back on the collar yourself when wearing the suit, which is placed on the suit with handy zippers left and right. The collar itself is more snuggly than the one on the Typhoon Multisport Sea Kayak (MS SK) because of the height and fleece.

Like I said, it’s an expedition suit and it will keep you warm whatever the conditions. The hood itself is bright yellow for safety reasons, as is the suit provided with Solas reflecting taping on the shoulders. The suit comes both in red and yellow. The hinge zip entry system has proven its use, so you can put the suit on without help or putting yourself in weird positions. It’s not in the way during paddling and the quality is good, no leakage and opens swiftly.

There are super comfy braces in the suit, where during breaks you can remove the upper part of the suit without dropping your pants and they are not in the way during paddling. There is also a small pocket, should you want to keep your car keys dry, attached to the braces.

Now probably the nicest and cleverest feature! I have already said that the suit is reinforced with Cordura, both on the knees and the seat. However, have another look at the seat. You can only notice this from up close but the Typhoon development team have put a removable neoprene insert in the seat. Say goodbye to the ‘cold-buttocks’ days! The neoprene provides perfect insulation when seated (in your cockpit, or even on the beach when seated on cold rocks) and some extra comfort during the longer trips. Typhoon tried this out on the MS SK prototype that I received previously and I was immediately sold on the idea! I haven’t seen this on any other suit – it’s a really great feature!

For more details, have a look at the Typhoon website! We also have made a video where you can see the suit from up close. If you’re looking for an expedition dry suit, this must be on your list! Even if you don’t go out on expeditions, this is the suit for the committed sea kayaker or sailor! Always when I think that Typhoon have made something that is perfect, their development team succeeds in making perfect even better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50lAUCpFt98

Have fun and take care of each other!

Dimitri Vandepoele NORTHSEAKAYAK team leader