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Name: VK1NF

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UPDATE 3 Both Supernovas are now flaking - turning 'em inside-out after they've…

UPDATE 3
Both Supernovas are now flaking - turning 'em inside-out after they've hung for the winter causes a tiny snow storm - white puffy very light flakes of the white inner lining, about the size of a little fingernail. Can't really complain, I guess - they did the job for four seasons of relatively light use with good care, been spares since the B-Pod and the ChillCheaters came along. Both give, IMHO, much better bang for the buck...

UPDATE 2 Four seasons in, my SuperNova is now showing real signs of…

UPDATE 2
Four seasons in, my SuperNova is now showing real signs of deterioration. My last update mentioned that the right bootie was leaking - well, it isn't the seams - the inner membrane is de-laminating in both booties, and has chafed through in the toe area in one. The seam tape has also detached in one. Can't say I'm impressed - the suit has been well cared for, and has seen relatively light use. The Tropos fabric doesn't seem nearly as durable as that used in the Stohlquist B-Pod and the Reed Chillcheater, both of which are semi-drys which don't cost a great deal more.
To be fair, though, my wife's SuperNova suit isn't showing any signs of deterioration...

UPDATE Our suits have just finished their third season, and we're still 8…

UPDATE
Our suits have just finished their third season, and we're still 8 out of 10 happy with them. Mine has had two issues - the neck seal, which had shed several large flakes of neoprene, was replaced under warranty by Kokatat after the first full season. The right bootie has now developed leaks, which a dive tech friend says are almost certain to be around the stitching - not a huge issue, since I use merino wool socks that stay warm when wet and usually wear waterproof boots anyway. My wife's suit has has no problems to date.

Breathability is satisfactory for our purposes, and the zippers have remained waterproof. Neck seal leakage when in the water and active is minimal - a few spoonfuls. The suits give us much, much better thermal protection in the water and comfort in the boat than the 3mm Farmer Johns they replace...

This paddling semidry suit has met all our expectations. The neoprene neck seal is far more comfortable than the usual latex gasket, and we have experienced no more than a few spoonfuls of water entering during swims. The relief zipper/dropseat and the booties are excellent features. The breathable fabric works - I've paddled on 25 degree C days with no sweating (did have to have a cool-off dip).

Complaints - about the only one I have is the main zipper placement - it tucks so far back over the shoulder that I have great difficulty reaching it to start closing the suit. I'd prefer it a little further closer to the front and extending further down the front of the suit. The only other question is that of durability - Kokatat doesn't offer their lifetime warranty on the SuperNova - we'll see how it holds up over the years.

Given the price (about $525 Cdn, $425 US), the SN suits are a good alternative for paddlers who need thermal protection but can't/won't pay the price for the full Goretex suits.