The New Comp LX, From a Woman’s Perspective

We signed Susan to the team this fall after years of her being an IR advocate, and a paying IR customer.  Her loyalty to the brand is pretty unique in todays mix of eager young grom’s that kill it on a daily basis.

Susan sent in a review of her W’s Comp LX, and Competition Pants, that she seems to be pretty pleased with.  Here is what she had to say:

Year-round rain water and temperate air…the Pacific Northwest is a kayaker’s dream winter home right? Well, yes, but let’s be realistic.  No matter where you live in the United States, kayaking from October to April is cold.

Yes, we have rain throughout the winter, but we also have snow, ice and wind.  Sometimes all at the same time.  Yet, we still kayak with unnatural frequency in the coldest of months.  The steady flows in rivers like the Green Truss of the White Salmon, Canyon Creek, Wind River, Little White (author must cut herself off from listing for time purposes)…are to blame.  The water is there, so we go kayaking.

Thus, we return to a fundamental key of kayaking: keeping warm and dry.

The 2011 Comp LX Women’s drytop and Competition Pants have swooped in to save my winter.  They are a tired and worn drysuit’s new best friend.

The combination of the new drytop and pants makes for an equally bomber barrier between the glacial water of the Pacifc Northwest and my body.  The top fits great and moves without a thought of comfort while I’m on the water.  After over 10 uses, I’m still catching the fabric beading up water that hits its surface, always bringing a little smile to my face.

With a an older–and over-boofed–kayak, leakage is pretty standard.  Without a drysuit, I would expect to get at least damp patches on my unionsuit.  The competition pants will have none of that.  Made with the same fabric and bomber seam taping, the pants keep me warm just like the Double D.  Even though water sloshes around, I remain blissfully ignorant.

In fact, I don’t even think about my gear while on the water.  Fortunatly, as running new–and flooded–rivers throughout the winter requires a fair amount of my energy and attention.

Finally, the new graphics and colors for the 2011 IR line up make me proud.  Fun, but not flashy, colors help kayakers be seen, without being too loud.  With graphics that reflect the sport’s culture, I’m pretty stoked to be wearing the new Women’s Comp LX this year.

Thanks IR!

Susan Hollingsworth