I wanted to start this topic for those of you new and seasoned that are looking for a new or replacement suit. I have had the Ultrabreeze for nearly 6 years now. It has served me well. Only one sting on the shoulder where the suit was tight against my body and then it was only a minor sting. It has tears all over from either snagging on something or areas that my smoker came into contact with it (it will melt fast!). I am 5-11 and 195 lbs. The large was always a little small especially in the legs length. $259 then and it's still the same price.
I watched a great youtube review
https://youtu.be/z2kJz8bHQC0 that helped a ton and with some researching on the web, I landed on the Mannlake Vented suit. Not to be confused with the more expensive Mannlake Provent Suit which has poor reviews across the web. I paid $123.98 with free shipping from Mannlake. I buy all of my stuff from Mannlake and I am loyal to them so this was an even easier decision to go with them. (new keepers: I have used the Mannlake Goatskin gloves
https://www.mannlakeltd.com/shop-all-categories/protective-gear/gloves/pro-grade-goatskin-gloves all 7 years in the hobby, I love them. I get stung through them mostly on the harvest day when its super hot out and the sweat soaks the glove above the top of my hand and sticks to me. Having over 20 hives and being out in the yard a long time, I have learned to change my gloves when they get sweaty. Just a tip for ya.
So, here are my obserations:
1. The large Ultrabreeze weighs 4.2lbs and the XL Mannlake weighs 5.2 lbs. The weight of these has been a common complaint.
2. Again, 5-11 and 195 lbs, the L Ultrabreeze was a little short on legs, the XL Mannlake is great all over but a little long on the legs, but ya
know, I don't really mind. Better looser than tight.
3. Ultrabreeze zipper is brass and catches. The Mannlake is plastic and slides smooth as butter.
4. Fencing veil is nearly the same. I wear a hat to keep the veil away from my face. Both will touch your chin if you aren't conscious of it when
you look down full tilt. Also, I think the visibility is better with the Mannlake veil (larger holes). Another complaint by many.
5. I am very excited about the solid fabric knee pads on the Mannlake.
The biggest thing will be to put it to test in the yard. I will monitor weight fatigue, cool/hot and stings.
I will follow up with this post then.
dice rolling simulation