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Save face with the Sungaiter from Simms
| Date: |
10/19/14 |
| Tackle type: |
Apparel |
| Manufacturer: |
Simms |
| Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 7.63 -
GOOD
Introduction:
Whether it's important
to you or not, protecting your skin while outdoors is a huge concern.
Unfortunately, far too many anglers don't seem to take this too seriously.
Shorts, flip flops, short-sleeve shirts, and a standard baseball cap are popular
choices during warm weather. This can be acceptable attire if a high-SPF lotion
is reapplied every few hours, but that is often ignored and the angler returns
to the dock resembling a cooked lobster. With such a huge selection of
sun-protective clothing available these days, it's easier than ever to block out
the sun's harmful UV rays. The Sungaiter from Simms is one such product,
designed to protect your face and neck under the most extreme conditions.
Simms Sungaiter
Specifications |
| Material |
92% polyester /
8% spandex |
| Sizes |
One size fits
most |
| Colors |
6 |
| Features |
Breathable UPF
50 fabric,
laser-cut
breathing holes,
extended cape,
contoured design |
| Origin |
China |
| MSRP |
$29.95 |
Pictured here are the Riffle Camo (left) and Geo Camo (right) patterns.
Quality/Construction: Before inspecting a garment from
Simms my expectations are always elevated, and the Sungaiter didn't disappoint.
This is a piece that's put together well and doesn't exhibit any inferior
quality issues. The 92% polyester and 8% spandex blend is very soft and smooth
both inside and out. Every inch of stitching is tight and tidy. The laser-cut
mouth holes are precise and the outer colors are vibrant. It's simply a high-end
mask, period.
|
Quality Ratings for Simms Sungaiter |
|
Thread Work
(1-5) |
Outer Material
(1-5) |
Lining
(1-5) |
Fasteners
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos* 10) |
|
5 |
5 |
N/A |
N/A |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Performance: I
bought two Sungaiters several months ago after being frustrated with a few other
brands of face masks in the past. So far, I have worn them on excursions here in
Florida as well as while fishing out west. Obviously not just for hot weather,
these masks are great for covering up any day, even if it's cloudy.
Check out that neat and tidy thread work....
Comfort is one of the
Sungaiter's strongest attributes. The soft, stretchy 92% polyester and 8%
spandex fabric feels great against my skin, yet breathes well enough to maintain
its comfort during those disgusting summer days here in Florida. Thanks to the
contoured profile of the mask, it also conforms really well to the face and
easily slips up over a hat. The bottom “cape” of the garment is elongated so it
can be tucked into the collar of a shirt for full neck protection. This feature
works well enough, but I'd like to see the bottom lengthened slightly to avoid
coming out of shirts with lower necklines.
The mask wraps nicely
around the nose and allows plenty of room for sunglasses. I still like to apply
a bit of sunscreen in the few areas still exposed, and I also wear SPF-rated lip
balm since the breathing holes do allow some light in.
Not only has the Sungaiter
totally protected me against the sun with its UPF 50 rating, but it also makes a
nice barrier against the wind. Since it's breathable it doesn't offer 100% wind
protection, but it drastically reduces windburn and that “exposed” feeling after
a long day. Likewise, if it starts to rain don't expect full protection. Water
droplets tend to not soak in immediately, but this material is far from
waterproof. And finally, let's not forget it also affords a bit of protection
against certain biting bugs.
A contoured cut
allows for complete coverage from all sides.
|
Performance Ratings for
Simms Sungaiter |
|
Wind
Block (1-5) |
Water
Repellant (1-5) |
Mobility(1-5) |
Breathability
(1-5) |
Adjustability of fit
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(=Tot/Pos *10) |
|
3 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
N/A |
13 |
20 |
6.5 |
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Section: Packing features into a simple garment
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