Delta Rapid Splash Paddle Top - Long Sleeve (For Men and Women)

perfect for off-season coastal kayaking in New England. Thanks!

I have worn this splash jacket twice on three hour plus paddles in 50 degree temps. My moisture wicking base layer was dripping wet and the inside of jacket soaked at the end. I own a half dozen tops made with GoreTex and Entrant breatheable fabric and whatever fabric this is made of does not vent as effectively.

Jacket falls between a dry top and splash top. All closures are comfortable neoprene with a smoothskin band on the inside for a tight seal. If not for the single tunnel it would be a dry top (opinion). The waist has a beefy 5.5" band of smoothskin neoprene inside that does a real good job of keeping the water out when kayaking, especially with a life jacket cinched over top. It'll be good for those cold raft days as well.

I use this top for kayak touring in cool to colder temperatures. Overall I'm very pleased with it. I wish it had a double tunnel, but that's personal preference not a criticism of the dry top. This top is very easy to put on and take off compared to a standard dry top with latex gaskets. You may find it tough to remove if you don't have experience, but knowing a few tricks like folding the neoprene tunnel over top of the fabric before pulling off make it very easy. I'm not a huge fan of latex gaskets, so the neoprene gaskets are wonderful. The gaskets seem to seal quite well, don't rub or chafe, and have plenty of stretch. The sizing is a little odd on this top. The item description indicates that a large is 40-44, but I wear a 42 suit coat and find the large "roomy." This isn't a problem as I use this top for cooler weather paddling, so I layer underneath. Though I've never tried on the medium, I wonder if it wouldn't fit a bit better. If you're in doubt, order both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. Fit and finish are very good. I feel this top is equal to Palm in quality, which is to say that it's good. Seams are well done and placed intelligently. The fabric seems to breath relatively well, but I haven't used it in warm weather. The neck gasket has a bit too much fabric, but this could be related to the size issue I mentioned above. It's not uncomfortable. Though this top does not have a double tunnel, the single tunnel design is quite effective. The neoprene band has a lot of tenacity (sticks well to my spray deck) and the adjustable bungee makes it pretty versatile. I feel this top rates a 4.5, but that isn't an option. For it's intended use I feel it's a great buy!

The fabric is great and it appears to be well made but it was very difficult to get on and off and the neck gasket felt too tight. I'm a small woman so I don't know how anyone with a larger neck could handle it. I'm returning it.

I love the pocket and the longer gaskets. It does get a little hot on sunny days but for early season and late season it is awesome.