As mentioned in the previous article, I've got a Tri-tex drysuit as replacement for my standard kayak drysuit.

This suit is definetly more comfortable to wear. The irritating plastic zipper has been replaced by a standard metal zipper and the tissue is nice, flexible and comfortable.

The problem here is yet again: not dry! I did paddle with this suit on the C-boater armada in Austria on the Saalach and related rivers. I already had the impression water was coming in, but I could no check it while I've ben sweating quite some bits as well.

At home it was time for my "Is this drysuit really dry" test. I pulled on my cotton pants and pull followed by the drysuit and went for a swim in a pond. I was quite disappointed to discover several leaks in the suit!

Yet again it has to be send back to Hiko, where they'll do a quality check. I suggest they do their check before these products end up in the hands of customers! Don't understand me wrong, I have no problem testing gear from Hiko. Though I don't expect having to pay for that gear. When I pay for paddling gear, I expect it simply does where I buy it for!

Meanwhile I'm looking around for another drysuit. Hiko is definetly out of the picture for me!

Hopefully the last part of the saga has come into play. I've got my suit back. Definetly dry they claimed. But I've put on my cotton pyjamas and jumped into the lake for the definitive test. Yes, after they double taped for about every seal, wrists and shoulders are dry. The suit was even leaking more then before in between the legs!
Have a look and tell me how dry you think this is for a 10 minute swim:

Conclusion:

I bought a drysuit, having it's knee reinforcement coming loose after half a year. Suit lasted almost 3 months for repair.
I was lucky not to take a swim with it for half a year, when I did so, water was pooring in  so hard that after 3 swims water was in the suit knee high!
After almost 3 months returning to Hiko, I've got a new suit, also a new model. Meanwhile I had to rent a drysuit to complete my guide courses.
Tested the new suit, and had the impression water was poorring in on the shoulders and arms. Cotton pyjamas test, yes leaking.
Another 2 to 3 months: "It's definetly dry". Alright, it's dry where it used to leak on the arms and shoulders, but leaking even more on the legs. They must have a serious flaw in their controll procedure where they damage their own gear. But hey, as long as I pay for a drysuit I expect it to be dry! I don't mind testing it, but I don't want to pay for it either. And especially, I should have one then that's definetly dry for serious paddling!

Oh, I almost forgot, I've got a page of Hiko promo stickers together with my still leaking drysuit! I hope they can doe better than this because I'm expecting a refund now. I think my patience has been pushed over the limit by now!