Cheap Chinese gear on eBay

[Newbee]

The local Beek's are having a meeting this Saturday where they will be checking on the club's hives (located at the town's nature center), and demonstrating how to transfer a Nuc to a new hive.

http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ded8c267b0b3cdbb4718f2aa2&id=8461bfd189&e=2ab4a942f4

While I won't have time to order before, it reminded me I need to get off my duff and get some protective gear. Being uncertain if I'm going to start this hobby full-bore, I don't want to invest 100 bucks in a pro-suit, but as a buyer of cheap-crap-from-china in the past…. 8-bucks for a smock + hooded veil seems a bit too-good-to-be-true? 25-bucks for smock and hood, gloves, brush, and hive-tool?

Does anyone have any experience  buying the cheap-o beekeeping gear off eBay? I was thinking it would be good to get some suits for the wee-one's, as well (should I ever get off my duff and build and fill some hives). I know quality equipment can't be beat, no matter the topic, but if I get a dozen hive inspections from the thing, it'd be worth it vs. spending big-money on a well made quality suit (which most folks don't seem to bother with, LOL!)

Thanks.

- K

[Perry]

Those cheap cheap prices are too good to be true. I doubt they would last anytime at all. Better to find middle of the road, remember, you usually get what you pay for.

[Les]

I bought a very good jacket and veil for myself and then my sweetie decided he wanted to get a jacket and veil.......... he went to ebay.  You do get what you pay for.  In comparison to my jacket it pales in comparison.  It would be great for a visitor to use but not for continual use. Agree with Perry, you get what you pay for.

[G3farms]

Ask around at your club meeting to see if anyone has a hat veil gloves for sale or loan.
After you try a couple of different ones and see what everybody else is using then put your money down.
Also check around on craigslist for some used stuff, never know what grandpa left in the shed that the kids are wanting rid of!!

After you get over your initial fear of a bee landing on you or at least being stung (not saying this is you at all, but we all go through this at the beginning) you will most likely do with out in the heat of summer.

[Newbee]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was going to see if any local's in the club have some old stuff to get rid of, and there's a Beek in town I've yet to meet.... Not being sure I want to get into the hobby, I'm hesitant to plunk down any real money, so the idea of a 10-dollar item appeals to me quite a bit, even if it is a total piece of garbage that tears after a few uses. With everything going on, I'm not sure NOW is the time to make the investment, but I don't want to put off getting acclimated/informed about things.

.. and yes, I thought of trying to be brave, and don't generally _mind_ wee winged things, but… don't want to freak and go running around Homer Simpson style, either. 

- K

[tbonekel]

Buying protective gear from ebay will probably work as long as you know how to replace the zipper. I'm betting that the fabric is going to be fine. What will fail is what you operate the most, the zipper. And really once that messes up, you either fix the zipper or get some duct tape.

[Ray]

You don't really need a bee suit. I wear a cotton work uniform while inspecting my hives and have never been stung through the fabric. Hardware store gloves will work also, No gloves at all works better though. A cheap veil is all I purchased to work my bees. I figure if I ever run into a hive that requires a bee suit, I'll think about it then.

[Bakersdozen]

I bought three of the cheap Chinese jackets with attached veils for $6 each online.  I got them for guests or the grandkids.  They are made out of very thin cotton.  Definitely worth the $6 but I know during certain times of the beekeeping year they won't be enough.  They certainly protect the head.

tbone is right about the zipper thang.

I tell new beekeepers to buy something they won't be afraid to check on the bees in.  If you are too afraid to get into a hive, you won't be a very good beekeeper.  Should you get more bee suit than you need, you might consider selling it on Craigslist.  Since you are not sure about taking the plunge, I think I would start out cheap too.

[ledifni]

I know quality equipment can't be beat, no matter the topic, but if I get a dozen hive inspections from the thing, it'd be worth it vs. spending big-money on a well made quality suit (which most folks don't seem to bother with, LOL!)

Lol I won't wear my suit anymore.  Too hot and uncomfortable.  I just put on a sweater, drop the veil over my head, and maybe if I think they might be in a bad mood I'll put on a pair of ordinary work gloves.  I haven't noticed a difference.  They can sting through that sweater if they try really, really hard but they aren't usually trying that hard so it doesn't matter much.

[sc-bee]

Way out of the price your are talking bus as far as heat I have wanted an ultra breeze for years, goldenbee is another. But at about $160 for the jacket welll... just won't pull the trigger.

[CpnObvious]

Last year when I started I never wore any gear.  Just shoes... I don't think stepping on a bee would feel good.  Toward the end of the year, when my hives were flourishing and dearth was setting in, they started to get a little testy.  I dug out a 25-year-old veil and had... it wasn't in very good condition, but it got the job done.  A few weeks ago while trying to feed one of the hives on a day the temp warmed up a bit, I took a stinger to the eye lid.  BOY!  Was THAT annoying!

I have now ordered, and received, some protective gear for early season and late season, but still plan to TRY to work without protection.  I did look on ebay.  I typically only order from within the U.S.  I agree with the zipper comments.  Here are the two pieces of gear I ordered, and I'm pretty happy with them at this point.  Granted, I've worn the "vest" once and the jacket once.

A bit long winded, I apologize, but here is what I ordered.  As an added note:  When I was going to order online, I wasn't very happy with their shipping rate.  I called to place the order, the shipping rate was $7 (I think) less.  This made me happy.

http://www.pigeonmountaintrading.com/shop/bee-wear/unisex/accessories/pmtc-veil-with-shoulder-strap-pm9270.html

http://www.pigeonmountaintrading.com/front-open-bee-jacket.html

[Newbee]

Excellent Capn, thanks for sharing!

- K

[LazyBkpr]

I more or less grew up working bees with no protective gear..  I guess I didnt realize there was such a thing as protective gear..  I remember seeing the beekeepers on TV and wondering what the heck they were wearing that "wierd" get up for..
  My first veil, was just the round hat with the veil that hung from it, and I thought I was invincible in that thing..  then I figured out bees can sting though jeans, and long sleeved shirts, and that when an angry bee gets inside the veil.. well, that veil is no longer your friend!!  Nothing you can do but grit your teeth and wait for it..  calmly begin untying as you walk away, so you can scrape the stinger out....
   It took a couple of nasty incidents to convince me that I needed a GOOD bee suit.. when i ordered, I ordered a FULL suit, and a jacket..   I wear the jacket often, and just leave the hood down unless I need it. Then I can pop it up and zip it fairly fast.  Usually the bees give a little warning. Enough for me to put it up before they decide to commit to the war.
   To date, I have never been stung through the Ultra Breeze..  It gives a feeling of confidence and security.  Any fair bee suit will do that, until you get stung through it.  Bees are resourceful. If they can find a way, they will find a way.

[Riverrat]

If looking for cheap you might check out the tyvek disposable suits. 

https://www.coverallsdirect.net/dupont-tyvek-disposable-clothing.html?gclid=COqlwbKK9sQCFYNAaQodFagALA

[Zweefer]

as a middle of the road option, i would also recommend http://www.eco-keeper.com/
got as a secondary to my suit for when i have visitors, and it seems to be fine.