Daiwa Sports
Waterproof and Breathable Clothing

NEW FOR 2011

Ignoring the recent heat wave, autumn is now well and truly upon us and with the change in seasons comes the need for good quality all weather clothing. Getting the outer layer right could mean the difference between fishing in comfortably warm and dry or sitting soaked to the skin wishing you were at home (we’ve all been there). Obviously you can spend £500 for a bib & brace and over jacket with your name embroidered on it to impress your mates but with many of us on a much tighter budget these days, practicality has taken the place of individuality in the all-weather clothing market.

Taking these on board Daiwa Sports has released a new Waterproof and Breathable clothing range for 2011. The new range is manufactured from a high grade three layer black fabric that is very comfortable to wear. Daiwa have had a serious look at and taken influences from the styling of many other high activity sports to release a Jacket and Bib & Brace clothing system that offers great protection from the elements, functionality and a style to match any custom made suites currently available at half the price. So UKMA asked Lancashire Police Team member Steven Carr (pictured right) to put the suit through its paces, here’s how he got on.

Breathable Jacket

Vital Statistics

• Reflective piping
• Elasticated quick pull waist cord
• Multi adjustable hood
• Internal clear view pocket
• Velcro secured cuffs

The Breathable Jacket has got everything you could ask for when in an angling situation. The jacket has a full length, easy to use zip that is fully seam sealed to prevent water penetration. You have a full internal meshed skin which is designed to prevent moisture build up and as I leant in the Army many years ago, these little holes also helps eliminate heat loss in cold conditions. The jacket’s waste band has a draw cord that enables you to create a comfortable fit and eliminate any drafts when sitting down. The Cuffs have a fully adjustable Velcro fastening which is simple to adjust and secure once correctly fastened. The jacket is finished of with a permanently fitted hood which has two draw cords fitted that make it fully adjustable, secure and comfortable to wear.

This stylishly cut over garment offers no less than five zipped pockets that offer you water proof storage for your wallets, mobile phones and valuables. You have two large side pockets, one chest pocket which is located on the left breast, one small pocket on the left hand sleeve and finally a small see through pocket inside the jacket. All external pockets have been seam sealed, this makes them completely waterproof. The pockets are very easy to open as Daiwa have added large pull tabs on all zips, as we all know these are a blessing on those sessions when your hands are soaking wet from the rain or when wearing gloves in the cold. 

Breathable Bib & Brace

Vital Statistics

• Removable bib converting to trousers
• Single cargo pocket
• Velcro adjustable boot gusset
• Elasticated shoulder straps

Describe by Daiwa sports as a Bib & Brace, these over trousers with removable bib have oodles of features for the angler who likes there clothing to offer all weather protection as well as looking the part at the same time. The Bib & Brace have a removable bib which can be taken off easily by removing the braces which are fitted with Velcro for ease of removal the bib is then taken off the trousers by a zip. If a bib & brace support is not to your liking they can simply be removed by releasing the Velcro fastenings and removing the braces you can use a belt as Daiwa have added belt loops to the trousers waist band to accommodate your belt if required.

The bottom of the trousers has a gusset, which is fastened by two 75mm long Velcro strips that run down the leg and a third Velcro strip which allows perfect adjustment around the ankle or boot. At the side of the thigh on the left leg is a cargo pants style pocket which is easily accessible via a Velcro fastened cover even when seated on your box. Just below the waistband Daiwa Sports have added a further two pockets that a both easily accessible and unobtrusive. Another top feature is the addition of the re-enforced knee panels and gusset. These have obviously been fitted to eliminate wear and tear on the hardest worked areas of the garment.

Final Thoughts

Daiwa Sports have really put some consideration into the practical function of the all new for 2011 Waterproof & Breathable clothing range. Everything you would expect from a good quality clothing system is in place and has been very well thought out. All zips have been made 100% waterproof by the inclusion of seam seals and all seams are taped for total waterproofing and durability. This very comfortable clothing system that although it is not designed for all weather work it can be worn over the top of a good quality base layer and will definitely keep the wet and wind at bay even in extreme conditions. I have used several other top brand two piece suit's over the years and considering this is half the price of a few of them, the Daiwa Sports Waterproof & Breathable clothing compares to the very best I have used personally and I would recommend you have a good look at this when considering changing your clothing in the future, a top quality, well thought out suit that has it all.