I just received my L6 Emperor, XL . I am 6'4 and 200# and fits perfectly. Haven't had a chance to get on the water yet so I appreciate you giving it the wet-test! Thanks!
Looks pretty nice. I already have the IR 7 figure dry suit. I bought Astral Hiyacks, thought the sole was a bit thin, bought the Rassler as well. Both I bought a size larger. When I’m not wearing the dry suit, I use neoprene booties to fill out the size.
Hi wade like the reviews would you be able to do one big paddle comparison video or podcast with all the major brands and paddles you have reviewed, interested how they stack up in your mind
@@WadeHarrison could you do carbon race paddles: Galasport Manic, Werner Shogun, Gpower XCreek, Lettman ergnom pro extreme, Select warrior and maybe a raab X-16?
I upgraded from nrs to kokatat suit for this winter. I did try one of the level6 tops you reviewed and found it both reliable and affordable. Good stuff
I’ve been boating some the late ‘90s on n Alberta and BC. I got a drysuit for the first time this year. I picked up an Odin from Level 6. OMG what a difference it is! It has a front zip and it works really well for me. I find Level 6 gear just works so well and is bomber.?
I have the previous version of the emperor - generally the same drysuit (ie bombproof build etc) but it doesn't have that cinch waist belt , so unless I do the waist velcro straps tight, the trousers do tend to sag (as you pointed out). Apart from that its a superb drysuit - built to last and take a hard time, and you do get toasty in it too.
do you only wear this in the winter with low air temps, or when you are in mountain/snow melt rivers in the summer as well? I am just getting into kayaking here in Colorado, and I am a bit torn on my setup since I'll mainly only be floating in the summer months. I've gotten advice both ways - a full suit or a top + shorts/wetsuit
I wear this or a drytop when In CO I recommend having a dry suit when paddling out there at high elevation. Here in the Southeast its really cold for just a few month's.
I have this suit. Th only nit pick I have with it is that the cordura does not dry fast at all. But I guess it’s a trade off to have those high west areas protected.
Wade New to the channel and I appreciate the content. I am 5’11 about 215 pounds, 36 waist and about 42 chest . Do you think the Large would be a good fit?
You have to think of the layers also when it comes to a drysuit this might be more a question for the guys at level six I would message them and see what they say
A quick question for sizing, if chest and waist measurements put a person in a XXL but their hight is more in line with the small, does it matter if the drysuit is too long and ends up bunched up a bit?
I had the IR seven figure for 5 years and it pretty much reminds me of that suit with better protection in the knees elbows shoulders and ass And I had the Kokatat dry top but not the dry suit so can’t really compare those
Thats awesome get whatever you feel works at what you can afford, and I did say "I think" and was referring to more on the Nylon ply suits like NRS,IR ect. I don't disagree with you at all with going with Kotatat GoreTex they are very nice. I had an icon for years and was really good.
Wade, I have a few questions/comments for you about dry suits and I would appreciate your input/opinion. I have been using a NRS Eclipse Dry Top and a NRS Freefall Dry pants together for several seasons now as a modular dry suit. Though at times because it is two pieces it is not 100% dry. I really have no complaints and the top and pants have served me well for the most part. However, the dry top and pants are starting to wear down in some places and are not quite as dry as they used to be. Thus, I am in the market for a dry suit. I've been looking at several brands like Kokatat, NRS, Immersion Research, and Level Six. Is Gortex really that much better? When I was in the Marine Corps we were issued Gortex rain gear and I always thought they didn't breathe well at all. However, the main selling point for Kokatat and the new NRS dry suits is they use Gortex and they breathe better. Do you agree that Gortex breathes better? Also, my concern about the NRS Axiom and Kokatat Meridian is that neither suit has added Cordura fabric to the areas that are most likely to wear the fastest. The Immersion Research 7 Figure and Level Six Emperor dry suits do have added Cordura to the places most likely to tear. Also, the Level Six Emperor is $200 less than the other three dry suits I've been looking at, so I'm starting to lean that way because I'm a teacher and only have so much disposable income. Also, which company do you believe has the best gaskets and longevity overall? I know you prefer the rear zipper which would right away eliminate the Kokatat Meridian and NRS Axiom. Would you please give more details on why you think the rear entry is better than the front diagonal entry? Thanks for any input that you provide and thanks for all the time and energy you put into your videos. I definitely watch you as much as anything on TH-cam. Keep Sending It.
Yeah the gortex suits are really good i feel they breathe better then the nylon ones do but are not warmer or feel as durable I had the IR 7fig for years and it was great now I feel this Emperor is just as good at a better price. As far as gaskets Level Six uses British latex and it’s one the best available but really I think about all the top brands use that
@@WadeHarrison What are you thoughts on the Hydrus compared to iR and Level Six? I have the Hydrus but am thinking about retuning it because it just swamps down sweat into my underwear. The tunnel for the spraydeck also seems to let water in... I run hot so even for winter do you think Gore Tex is the best in that case? and if not how'd you compare iR vs Level Six vs Palm or even the Hiko you reviewed recently?...
$256.16 Ali express dry suit checking in. It's nowhere near the quality, but without it I would be cursing while watching kayaking videos. I have no serious expedition or winter plans, but it bought me an extra 2 months of paddling in Canada. I've had a few swims in it, the only water has been from the large wrist gaskets.
@@WadeHarrison I have MS and can't work anymore. A Level Six suit would be 3 months income for me. Just doing what I can to get as many hours on the water as I can.
Level Six Emperor Dry Suit-------- amzn.to/3DQso1O
VULCAN - INSULATING UNI SUIT--------- www.levelsix.com/collections/all-men/products/vulcan-insulating-uni-suit
Astral Men's TR1 Mesh-------- amzn.to/3TUbFQG
Smartwool Socks ------- amzn.to/3h84ciE
Thanks for all the time you put into the vids & podcasts Wade, my favorite kayak content on YT for sure!
Thanks James appreciate that..
Love my lvl6 emporer, this will be my 2nd season with it. I have ZERO complaints!
That’s good to hear River!
I just received my L6 Emperor, XL . I am 6'4 and 200# and fits perfectly. Haven't had a chance to get on the water yet so I appreciate you giving it the wet-test! Thanks!
Awesome would like to hear your thoughts
@@WadeHarrison will do, as soon as I can give it a test..thanks Wade
I highly suggest wearing neoprene socks over your drysuit so you help prevent tiny holes in your feet. Nice review, I just bought one
Yeah I might get some for that
Looks pretty nice. I already have the IR 7 figure dry suit. I bought Astral Hiyacks, thought the sole was a bit thin, bought the Rassler as well. Both I bought a size larger. When I’m not wearing the dry suit, I use neoprene booties to fill out the size.
I had that same suit for 5 years it’s good
Hi wade like the reviews would you be able to do one big paddle comparison video or podcast with all the major brands and paddles you have reviewed, interested how they stack up in your mind
Yeah might put something together soon
@@WadeHarrison could you do carbon race paddles: Galasport Manic, Werner Shogun, Gpower XCreek, Lettman ergnom pro extreme, Select warrior and maybe a raab X-16?
I upgraded from nrs to kokatat suit for this winter. I did try one of the level6 tops you reviewed and found it both reliable and affordable. Good stuff
Yeah I have been used that dry top a lot
I’ve been boating some the late ‘90s on n Alberta and BC. I got a drysuit for the first time this year. I picked up an Odin from Level 6. OMG what a difference it is! It has a front zip and it works really well for me. I find Level 6 gear just works so well and is bomber.?
Very well priced for the quality you get
Nice video. Is there a reason for buying a goretex dry suit, since this ome is 500usd cheaper?
Gor Tex little more breathing and last longer
I have the previous version of the emperor - generally the same drysuit (ie bombproof build etc) but it doesn't have that cinch waist belt , so unless I do the waist velcro straps tight, the trousers do tend to sag (as you pointed out). Apart from that its a superb drysuit - built to last and take a hard time, and you do get toasty in it too.
Good to hear this I feel it’s a perfect for the amount of paddling I do
how about getting in and out reaching the back zipper
It’s like any other back zip if flexible enough you can do
do you only wear this in the winter with low air temps, or when you are in mountain/snow melt rivers in the summer as well? I am just getting into kayaking here in Colorado, and I am a bit torn on my setup since I'll mainly only be floating in the summer months. I've gotten advice both ways - a full suit or a top + shorts/wetsuit
I wear this or a drytop when In CO I recommend having a dry suit when paddling out there at high elevation. Here in the Southeast its really cold for just a few month's.
I have this suit. Th only nit pick I have with it is that the cordura does not dry fast at all. But I guess it’s a trade off to have those high west areas protected.
That’s valid I did remember the cordura areas had water longer but was not crazy
Wade
New to the channel and I appreciate the content. I am 5’11 about 215 pounds, 36 waist and about 42 chest . Do you think the Large would be a good fit?
You have to think of the layers also when it comes to a drysuit this might be more a question for the guys at level six I would message them and see what they say
I noticed on another video you mentioned you have never used a Kokotat...I was curious why considering they have the marketshare.
I have used one I said don’t own one they are very nice and high priced I have used IR and now level six have been just fine in everything
@@WadeHarrison Thanks👍
A quick question for sizing, if chest and waist measurements put a person in a XXL but their hight is more in line with the small, does it matter if the drysuit is too long and ends up bunched up a bit?
I go with an oversize so can run layers and move better
What do you think of this compared to offerings from Kokatat and Immersion Research?
I had the IR seven figure for 5 years and it pretty much reminds me of that suit with better protection in the knees elbows shoulders and ass
And I had the Kokatat dry top but not the dry suit so can’t really compare those
Where are they made?
I think every dry suit on the market is made in Asian somewhere I have to looks at the tags if I still have them but was thinking Thailand
@@WadeHarrison no kokatat is 100% made in USA. Lifetime warranty also with Goetex. I'll stick with kokatat for a few bucks more. Thanks anyway.
Thats awesome get whatever you feel works at what you can afford, and I did say "I think" and was referring to more on the Nylon ply suits like NRS,IR ect.
I don't disagree with you at all with going with Kotatat GoreTex they are very nice. I had an icon for years and was really good.
@@WadeHarrison few bucks more kokatat is well worth it. Beware counterfeit level 6 suits are being sold.
Wade, I have a few questions/comments for you about dry suits and I would appreciate your input/opinion. I have been using a NRS Eclipse Dry Top and a NRS Freefall Dry pants together for several seasons now as a modular dry suit. Though at times because it is two pieces it is not 100% dry. I really have no complaints and the top and pants have served me well for the most part. However, the dry top and pants are starting to wear down in some places and are not quite as dry as they used to be. Thus, I am in the market for a dry suit. I've been looking at several brands like Kokatat, NRS, Immersion Research, and Level Six. Is Gortex really that much better? When I was in the Marine Corps we were issued Gortex rain gear and I always thought they didn't breathe well at all. However, the main selling point for Kokatat and the new NRS dry suits is they use Gortex and they breathe better. Do you agree that Gortex breathes better? Also, my concern about the NRS Axiom and Kokatat Meridian is that neither suit has added Cordura fabric to the areas that are most likely to wear the fastest. The Immersion Research 7 Figure and Level Six Emperor dry suits do have added Cordura to the places most likely to tear. Also, the Level Six Emperor is $200 less than the other three dry suits I've been looking at, so I'm starting to lean that way because I'm a teacher and only have so much disposable income. Also, which company do you believe has the best gaskets and longevity overall? I know you prefer the rear zipper which would right away eliminate the Kokatat Meridian and NRS Axiom. Would you please give more details on why you think the rear entry is better than the front diagonal entry? Thanks for any input that you provide and thanks for all the time and energy you put into your videos. I definitely watch you as much as anything on TH-cam. Keep Sending It.
Yeah the gortex suits are really good i feel they breathe better then the nylon ones do but are not warmer or feel as durable I had the IR 7fig for years and it was great now I feel this Emperor is just as good at a better price. As far as gaskets Level Six uses British latex and it’s one the best available but really I think about all the top brands use that
@@WadeHarrison What are you thoughts on the Hydrus compared to iR and Level Six? I have the Hydrus but am thinking about retuning it because it just swamps down sweat into my underwear. The tunnel for the spraydeck also seems to let water in... I run hot so even for winter do you think Gore Tex is the best in that case? and if not how'd you compare iR vs Level Six vs Palm or even the Hiko you reviewed recently?...
Love my emperor! 3rd season coming up.
Awesome glad to hear that.
"you know, I don't swim much..." Tempting the river gods hmmm?
Hahah well I don’t but definitely have
I didn't know they had a lifetime guarantee, I had to retire my Emerpor after 3 years. Might have to give them a call
I didn’t either I just picked that little tag up and seriously just read it on the spot
They do all their repairs in house up in Ottawa. Should be a pretty fast turn around if you send the suit in.
@@alexlowman8154 yeah I have had nothing but amazing responses and dealings with level six
$256.16 Ali express dry suit checking in. It's nowhere near the quality, but without it I would be cursing while watching kayaking videos. I have no serious expedition or winter plans, but it bought me an extra 2 months of paddling in Canada. I've had a few swims in it, the only water has been from the large wrist gaskets.
I could see that for a trip here and there.
@@WadeHarrison I have MS and can't work anymore. A Level Six suit would be 3 months income for me. Just doing what I can to get as many hours on the water as I can.
@@anotherfakereview4612 yeah definitely go with affordable options just to stay out on the rivers