Frabill’s New F-series Storm Gear Gives Anglers a Definitive Advantage
OutdoorHub 02.19.14
And now, here’s your Bassmaster Classic forecast: Fair chance of rain each day with winds and temps all over the map. Translation: Expect interesting weather. With conditions like that, the smart money says each of the 55 Classic contenders will at some point be shrouded in a foul weather suit. Frabill’s F-Series Storm Gear was concepted precisely for conditions like these.
Unveiled at the 2013 ICAST Show, F-Series Storm Gear provides a complete line of defense against the elements. Each suit is superiorly engineered with advanced materials and innovative features. F-Series Gear gives anglers an awesome layer of protection for manhandling big water like Lake Guntersville, and any tempests that might rise on your backyard waters.
The form, fit and function of Storm Gear, however, extends well beyond foul weather defense, bestowing anglers with ample ergonomics.
Frabill design engineer and fishing apparel architect Chris Leonard simplifies the body-hugging concept in terms importance to the angler: “Ergonomics is the scientific study of how the body moves and where it bends—in this case, how the angler moves—for the purpose of improved efficiency, comfort and safety.
“When you cast a crankbait, or crouch down to lip a largemouth, the Storm Gear moves with you. There’s no restriction in the design or materials. That’s huge.”
Offered in three progressively advanced models, the F2, F3 and F4 Suit all share common hallmark features, beginning with ergonomics. “Proper ergonomic design defines all F-Series Suits. Significant pre-curvature of the arms, thoughtfully designed and tailored hoods, and articulation and padding in the knees— even the angles at which your hands approach the pockets— each was carefully premeditated and planned relative to how the angler moves. Comfort in all conditions leads to less fatigue, plus greater concentration and performance while fishing.”
Other accoutrements shared by all three suits include extra, ample-sized pockets inside and out; interior mesh lining in the jacket to assure convective heat transfer in warm or cold conditions; and a fully size-adjustable hood with a hat-like moldable visor for a customized fit and further protection from rain and spray. Further, Frabill’s cam-buckle design is extremely durable and greatly eases the process of length adjustment on the bibs.
While blasting across big waters, such as Lake Guntersville’s 75-mile expanse, bass anglers and spectators alike further benefit from Frabill’s ultra engineering. “Our flagship F-4 Cyclone Suit features an industry exclusive Flow Through venting system, which was designed to minimize airflow into the jacket during the extreme high wind conditions anglers experience in bass boats. By adding an internal collar with a bungee cord lock closure at the top and large mesh vents at the back of the hood, we’ve redirected airflow coming in at the face back out through the rear of the hood. This prevents that dreaded ballooning effect and the uncomfortable drag that happens with most suits when you’re blasting across the lake.”
Now, back to the weather report. Leonard—“I’m an engineer, not a meteorologist!”— drops another fancy phrase. Hydrostatic resistance is Frabill speak for protection from the elements. “It’s the main reason anglers purchase technical apparel. Waterproof performance and wind protection are expected. Storm Gear delivers. All three suits are 100% seam sealed, provide excellent wind protection, feature high performance durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, and provide industry leading hydrostatic resistance. The F2 provides no less than 10,000mm (14 psi) of hydrostatic resistance, the F3 offers 15,000mm (21 psi), and the F4 has 20,000mm (28 psi).
“The result is a happy, high-performing angler—rain, wind and the elements become almost irrelevant next to the task of boating bass.”
So pardon us if we pray for rain. Frabill’s F-Series Storm Gear is up to the task, from the Bassmaster Classic and back to your favorite fishing hole.
