i would like to hear what dry tops you are useing and what u think would be a great dry top with a good value

Hello there:
Go with a Kokatat drytop. Reasonably priced, and very functional.
Dean

I also think the Mountain Surf drytops are a good value, they have a little more room in the shoulders than the Kokatat. Lots of folks also like IR semi-drys, but they're not great for winter boating (unless you like water trickling down your neck). Anybody have thoughts on Stohlquists lineup?

I like my Stohlquist Retrogripp.

a. It's made of Goretex, so it lets some of the sweat out.

b. Good latex at neck and wrists. Keeps the water out, but allows circulation.

c. It has another layer on elbows and shoulders so that the fabric doesn't wear from carrying the boat, etc. In fact, the fabric is rough textured, and makes for an easier boat carry.

I love my IR shortie for summer wear. It does leak a little water down the neck, and the velcro fastener at the waste has a tendency to wear the spray skirt, but it's easy to get on and off -- much easier than latex gaskets.

Issues to consider: cost versus goretex; latex dryness versus IR sticky comfort. No one dry top does it all. Cheap, dry or comfortable... Hard to get a perfect match on all three.

I have an IR comp that works pretty well for me. Bought it last October and it's been more damp than dry. However, I just sent it in to IR and they're providing new ones for me and Jami. Hers had a fabric problem and mine had a leak on the left arm seam. In the words of the IR rep, they could've repaired mine, but it wouldn't be right. Can't wait to see how the new ones work.

I've been stoked on my Kokatat, good price and value, great durability. My Stohlquist didn't hold up at all, nor did their warrenty, ended up returning it to Sierra Trading Post. Picked up a Range-n-Wear drydeck and am happy with it, better material around the wrist and neck than the kokatat. (not the latex, its the same, but the outer material is soft and nice) Only downside is that its a bungee skirt and not a rubber rand.