The tcf magazine team is on the money with a look at some of the many two-piece suits available to keep the elements at bay.

tcf Buyer’s Guide
Two-piece suits are an essential part of the modern angler’s gear. No matter what your discipline there’s a suit out there that’s just right for your style of fishing. But which one do you choose?
There are far too many for us to feature, so the tcf team has selected a few of the many styles in an effort to give you some ideas if you are in the market for a new suit. This is not so much a comparative review, more a look at some of the best suits for the different conditions affecting specialist, match and pleasure anglers.
The first choice to make is whether you want the suit to have a bib and brace or a pair of overtrousers. Roving anglers prefer trousers as do those who like to fish in waders or chesties when a thinner lining might be an option.
With regard to linings most suits seem to come with a fleece, a fibre quilting or nylon webbing, while some jackets have a thin lining that enables a fleece jacket to be incorporated when the winter chills arrive.
Not all anglers will wear a suit at the start of a session, especially when it comes to the bottom half. So you need to know that you can put them on over your boots without having to take the boots off when the time comes.
There are not many suits that fail in the waterproofing stakes with the modern materials available today, but none would be much good if the zips and cuffs allowed water in, so peripheral stormproofing is a must.
Another area that is just as important in the collar of the jacket. When fully zipped up it’s important that the collar fits tightly around the neck or a cold draft could cause no end of chills and result in a stiff neck. The hood, if the jacket has one, also needs to be a good fit to keep the wind and rain out and, crucially, your head warm, as this is where a lot of body heat is lost.
During colder weather you can spend some time waiting for a bite and many anglers don’t like wearing gloves, so to keep hands warm fleece-lined pockets in both the jacket and bottoms are a popular feature. The ability to fasten up the cuffs of the jacket to keep cold and water out is also important.

tcf THE TEST
The first part of our observations took part in the tcf office where we had a good look at each of the 15 suits supplied to see just what was on offer.
We examined each and logged all the visible features. Finding all the pockets was fun – unless we looked carefully some could easily be missed amid all those flaps and linings. We tried on each of the suits and looked at the zips, cuffs, collars and hoods to see how user-friendly and effective they were.
We then took them to the riverbank on the Warwickshire Avon where each bib and brace and pair of overtrousers was tested to see if they could be put on easily over a pair of Wellington boots. All went on with varying degrees of ease, but once the wellies became wet it was difficult to put on any of those items with a fleece or quilt lining. We also went for a walk in each to see how it performed on what was a cold and breezy day.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TWO-PIECE SUIT
1 Bib and brace or overtrousers?
2 Is the suit breathable?
3 Is the jacket fitted with a hood?
4 Is the suit fleece-lined or quilted?
5 Are the zips and cuffs stormproof?
6 Is the material waterproof?
7 Is the leg flap big enough for wellies/boots?
8 Does the jacket have a high neck?
9 How many pockets are fleece-lined/waterproof?

Tackle Shops: www.total-fishing.com/tackleshop.aspx

ZEBCO
QUANTUM CARP SUIT
RRP: £132.98
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL; XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, press stud-fastening flaps
Internal lining: Jacket, webbed; bib & brace, nylon
No of pockets: Jacket, five; bib & brace, one
Type of hood: Fixed; quilted; hard-rimmed; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with press stud fastening
Contact: www.zebco-europe.com

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: The legs of the bib and brace are a little on the narrow side, but with a little effort they can be put on over a set of dry wellies. I feel the waist is a bit on the low side and it’s not that easy to adjust the braces. The jacket cuffs are Lycra, so I’m not sure how waterproof they are, but the main zip is good. The collar is low and I had to put the hood over my head before pulling the zip up as it was a tight fit.
Style mark: 7/10

KORUM
LIGHTWEIGHT SUIT
RRP: £129.99
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Lightweight webbing
No of pockets: Jacket, seven; bib & brace, three
Type of hood: Removable; peaked; web-lined; neck flap; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with Velcro fastening
Contact: www.korum.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Steve says: The bib & brace was quite easy to put over a dry pair of Wellington boots and I particularly liked the deep hand-warmer pockets in both the bottoms and jacket. The suit is lightweight and ideal for the wandering angler. As part of the waterproofing the jackets cuffs are Neoprene and sealed with a Velcro strap. The fleece collar when fastened keeps the neck warm, but I recommend you wear a hat under the hood in cold weather.
Style mark: 8/10

SHAKESPEARE
SUPERTEAM DRY SYSTEM SUIT
RRP: £79
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Jacket, nylon; bib & brace, none
No of pockets: Jacket, three; bib & brace, two
Type of hood: Removable; folds into collar; fleece-lined
Type of leg bottoms: Large, Velcro-sealed flap
Extras: Lightweight jacket included
Contact: www.shakespeare-fishing.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: No problem putting the bib & brace on over a pair of wellies and the brace straps are really easy to adjust. It a lightweight suit not really suited to very cold weather, but a fleece suit worn underneath it would cope with most that the British weather can throw at it. The Neoprene cuffs on the jacket help keep water out and the hood lining is a good feature. I did find the main zip of the jacket fiddly when my hands were cold.
Style mark: 6/10

Steve’s Favourite
GREYS
GRX SUIT
RRP: £299.98
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flap on jacket; Waterproofed zip in bib & brace
Internal lining: Nylon webbing
No of pockets: Jacket, seven; bib & brace, four
Type of hood: Fixed; peaked; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Stormproofed with Velcro fastening
Contact: www.greysfishing.com

tcf Verdict
Steve says: The bib & brace do fit over a dry set of wellies but due to the lining it does take a little effort. I like the waterproof zips on the bottoms and the braces are very easy to adjust. The bib is cut lower compared to others making it more attuned to specialist rather than match fishing. The jacket cuffs are Neoprene with Velcro straps, and the chin-high collar and hood help keep the elements at bay. This lightweight suit exudes quality, but it should do at the price.
Style mark: 9/10

MAVER
MATCH SUIT
RRP: £119.98
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Convertible bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Flaps with press studs
Internal lining: Nylon
No of pockets: Jacket, seven; bib & brace, two
Type of hood: Collar-stored; peaked; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped
Contact: www.maver.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: This is a fairly lightweight suit made from a good-quality material. I like the fact that you can convert the bib & brace to overtrousers via some simple Velcro fastenings and a zip at the back. However, it’s not that easy to put them over wellies compared to some examples. The Velcro cuffs keep the elements out and the handwarmer pockets are an added treat.
Style mark: 7/10

SENSAS
GORE-TEX MATCH SUIT
RRP: £399
Sizes: M to XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Overtrousers with elasticated waist
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Nylon in jacket
No of pockets: Jacket, six; trousers, one
Type of hood: Removable; peaked; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Velcro-fastened flap
Contact: www.sensas.fr

tcf Verdict
Steve says: It goes without saying that Gore-Tex is the tops when it comes to waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing. The overtrousers easily fit over a set of dry wellies and the elasticated waistband does not cut in like some other examples. Both trousers and jacket have handwarmer packets and the stormproofing is superb, but expensive. However, you will need to wear undergarments during really cold weather.
Style mark: 8/10

MOSELLA
TEAM MOSELLA RAINSUIT
RRP: £56.99
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL; XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: No
Type of bottoms: Overtrousers with elasticated waist
Stormproof zips: Yes, front of jacket
Internal lining: Nylon
No of pockets: Jacket, three; trousers, two
Type of hood: Removable; quilted; peaked; collar-stored; neck flap
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with Velcro fastening
Contact: 07977 210078

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: This is more rainwear than a complete fishing suit, but it’s not to be overlooked as it’s ideal for milder weather, and when worn with a fleece under garments it will do a job. The overtrousers are easy to put on over a set of dry boots and the jacket has good stormproof properties. This lightweight kit is more suited to the match fishing scene and is worth a look for the general angler.
Style mark: 6/10

PRESTON INNOVATIONS
DRIFISH 1000 SUIT
RRP: £129.99
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flap on jacket; press studs on bib & brace
Internal lining: Jacket, lightweight webbing; bib & brace, none
No of pockets: Jacket, four; bib & brace, two
Type of hood: Removable; peaked; neck flap; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Velcro-fastened flap
Contact: www.prestoninnovations.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Steve says: The bib & brace has really wide legs and there were no problems putting them on over dry wellies. The suit is really lightweight and gives ease of movement, and both bottoms and jacket have deep handwarmer pockets. The jacket’s cuffs are Velcro-tightened Neoprene under the sleeves, a unique feature of all the suits we tested. The hood collar integrates with the jacket collar to form a windproof seal, but I’m not sure about the need for elastic in the hood.
Style mark: 7/10

Gareth’s favourite
ESP
QUILTED CAMO SUIT
RRP: £98.50
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Overtrousers with elasticated waist
Stormproof zips: No
Internal lining: Quilted
No of pockets: Jacket, four; trousers, three
Type of hood: Collar-stored; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped
Contact: 01865 748989

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: The overtrousers easily pass over a pair of dry wellies and once on they feel extremely comfortable. Both the jacket and trousers have a warm feel to them and to keep you hands away from the elements when waiting for a bite they have the added feature of handwarmer pockets. The jackets cuffs are elasticated and the garment’s fleece-lined collar is top dollar. However, I advise that you wear a woolly hat under the hood in winter. This makes an ideal roving suit.
Style mark: 9/10

DAIWA
WILDERNESS SUIT
RRP: £80.98
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable:
Type of bottoms: Over trousers
Stormproof zips: Yes, jacket features press stud-sealed flap
Internal lining: Padded nylon
No of pockets: Jacket, five; trousers, three
Type of hood: Fixed; peaked; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped
Contact: www.daiwasports.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Steve says: I’m not sure about the cut of the overtrousers as the waist seems a little on the low side and the crutch a little constricting. I also found it a bit of a struggle to put them on over a pair of dry boots. The cuffs on the jacket are Neoprene and Velcro-tightened, and the neck-high collar is warm, but I recommend wearing a hat under the hood when it’s cold.
Style mark: 7/10

AVANTI
ISOTHERM SUIT
RRP: £49.99
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL; XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: No
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, front of jacket
Internal lining: Quilted
No of pockets: Jacket, five; bib & brace, two
Type of hood: Removable; quilted; peaked; collar-stored; neck flap
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with Velcro fastening
Contact: www.dragoncarpdirect.com

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: Although the lining of the bib & brace is thick, the extra-long zip and wide flap lets you to easily put them over a pair of dry Wellingtons, and the elasticated shoulder straps allow for easy adjustment of the braces. The chunky jacket is a little bulky, but the fleece collar completely covers your ears when fully zipped up. This is a proper winter match fishing suit.
Style mark: 5/10

Best Value
RON THOMPSON
SYSTEM 7 SUIT
RRP: £149.99
Sizes: M; L; XL; XXL; XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Jacket, nylon; bib & brace, fleece
No of pockets: Jacket, seven; bib & brace, four
Type of hood: Collar-stored; fleeced-lined; peaked; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with Velcro fastening
Extras: The package includes a detachable fleece jacket, set of thermal undergarments, pair of thermal gloves and fleeced Beanie hat
Contact: www.svendsen-sports.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Steve says: With all the extras this suit has to be the best value for money. The jacket is a quite lightweight without the attached fleece, but when the extra material is added, boy, is it warm to wear! Of all the fleece-lined bib & braces we’ve looked at these were the easiest to put on over a dry pair of boots. When trying to do the collar up with the fleece jacket on board it was a little too tight around the neck, but the fleece-lined hood was really cosy.
Style mark: 6/10

CORMORAN
ASTRO-THERMO ATMOS SUIT
RRP: £143
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL; XXXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: Yes
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Quilted
No of pockets: Jacket, eight; bib & brace, six
Type of hood: Removable; peaked
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped with Velcro fastening
Extras: Removable quilted jacket
Contact: www.belstane.com

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: The elasticated bottoms and thick quilting make it difficult to pull the bib & brace over a pair of dry wellies, while the bib & brace also has a low waistband compared to some of the other suits we looked at. This is a seriously warm suit – the most substantial of all we tested – and is definitely the best if you fish harsh winter environments like the Fenland drains. The jacket has excellent stormproofing and the quality high fleece-lined collar will keep the chills out.
Style mark: 7/10

FISHRITE
DIAMOND MATCH SUIT
RRP: £149.98
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: No
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-sealed flaps
Internal lining: Fleece
No of pockets: Jacket, seven; bib & brace, six
Type of hood: Removable; peaked; fleece-lined; drawstring; neck flap
Type of leg bottoms: Zipped
Contact: www.fishrite.co.uk

tcf Verdict
Steve says: The thick fleece lining does make it quite difficult to put the bib & brace on over a set of dry Wellington boots but the chunky fleece gives the suit that cosy feel. Unlike most of the suits we looked at the cuffs on this jacket are elasticated but in time could become loose and allow water to enter the sleeves. The jacket’s zip was not so user-friendly in the cold weather, but when zipped all the way up the collar will keep the ears and neck snug. Once it’s on you’re as warm as toast.
Style mark: 6/10

MIDDY
TEAM MIDDY SUIT
RRP: £114.99
Sizes: S; M; L; XL; XXL
Waterproof: Yes
Breathable: No
Type of bottoms: Bib & brace
Stormproof zips: Yes, Velcro-fastening flaps
Internal lining: Jacket, nylon; bib & brace, fleece
No of pockets: Jacket, six; bib & brace, three
Type of hood: Fixed; collar-stored; drawstring
Type of leg bottoms: Press stud fastening
Contact: www.middytackle.com

tcf Verdict
Gareth says: This is a good suit for winter match fishing. The quilted bib & brace has a nice, high bib, but again the lining does make it a struggle when it comes to negotiating a dry pair of boots. Once on, though, it keeps your legs really warm. The jacket has easy-seal stormproof cuffs, handwarmer pockets and includes an integral zip to add a fleece in the winter. The top of the collar sits just below the ear, but a woolly hat is needed as the hood’s a bit on the thin side.
Style mark: 7/10

This review appeared in tcf magazine in 2007

 

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