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Monosuit??????

11K views 24 replies 21 participants last post by  DorkMissile  
#1 ·
Ok guys I am curious about pulling the trigger on a monosuit, uninsulated. Been eyeing the Castle X Freedon High Viz and Red monosuit. My concerns. I curently wear Klim Klimate Coat and Pants. I know the monosuit is uninsulated but have heard they are warm when you layer under the suit. Nope dont expect it to be lke my Klim gear, but looking at the monosuit as another outfit. My second concern is the fact of looking and feeling like an "Umpa Lumpa" wearing the suit. NO obeist, but not as young as I use to be with the six pack either. OK OK might be a pony keg now, but still....... Thoughts, recomendations and opinions on the monosuits? Primarily ride trails in Michigan, with some off trail play everynow and then. Thanks.......
 
#3 ·
My dad had one of those suits when he bought his new 1972 skidoo Olympic. Who would've thought that style would come back? Anyway one thing you will want to make sure of is that it's windproof. I have had un lined jackets before but I recently bought a FXR mountain jacket and it is not wind proof and it will just about freeze the you know what right off you. Doesn't matter what you wear underneath it. Whatever you choose it should be windproof to be able to block the wind.
 
#12 ·
50 years of riding and yes, I did own one of those back in 1971. To each his own, but one thing I've learned, if it's not real gore tex, do not buy it ! I've tried a few of the "just like gore tex" clothing and they're not even close when it counts. Totally wind and waterproof but with extreme breathability, the perfect material for cruising or a full bomb, ride it like you stole it, sweatfest, you'll always be comfy. Just make sure you wear no cotton clothing, absolutely none.
 
#14 ·
50 years of riding and yes, I did own one of those back in 1971. To each his own, but one thing I've learned, if it's not real gore tex, do not buy it ! I've tried a few of the "just like gore tex" clothing and they're not even close when it counts. Totally wind and waterproof but with extreme breathability, the perfect material for cruising or a full bomb, ride it like you stole it, sweatfest, you'll always be comfy. Just make sure you wear no cotton clothing, absolutely none.
I have to partially disagree on the "no cotton" comment. That really depends on your body chemistry and/or the type of riding you do. I myself am not much of a sweater. I am the type of person who can go run three miles and just barely get a bead of sweat on my forehead. For me cotton has never been an issue. Other guys I have ridden with that sweat a lot just can't do cotton base layers. Everyone is different.
 
#15 ·
I have a Tobe Privus (XL and red/grey color) I'd sell cheap if you want to try one before dropping a massive amount of cash. I used it last season, the stitching on the liner by the cuffs let go and Tobe won't warranty it. If you can see or cut them out, the suit itself is in great condition otherwise. PM me if interested.

I went back to Klim after two denied warranties on Tobe. As for monosuits, it's my typical go to; but I ride in the Rockies all winter. For mountain riding they work good and I prefer them.
 
#16 ·
I've had both. I have, and still use sometimes, Klim BIBs and coat. Now I have a FXR Ranger Instinct monosuit.

Best thing with the monosuit is that the different bodyparts can share warmth between them in a way they don't in a two piece suit. I can dress less under the monosuit and still stay comfortable.

So all put together I stay warmer but cooler in the monosuit, if that makes any sense? =)
 
#18 ·
i have the Tobe Novo V2 monosuit in dark ink. expensive but worth it and it's actually for sale it only because these are cut very large. i wore it about a half dozen times last season and was very impressed with the features, performance and quality of construction.

select dark ink color in the drop down.

https://www.blownmotor.com/products/novo-mono-suit-v2?
Sold out in that color
 
#21 ·
A problem that I have encountered with one piece clothing is when you raise your arms over your head. The motion pulls the whole suit up and can be uncomfortable.
 
#22 ·
I'll piggy back on the No Cotton advice...merino wool is the best, but synthetics work well too. Also, for hunting and sometimes sledding, I'll put on a pair of thin wool dress socks under my smart-wools to aid in keeping my feet dry. I never get cold feet this way even on the long winter sits in late bow season. Dry is the key to warmth. Just my 2 cents.
 
#23 ·
I think they would be excellent during cold snaps I hate my lower back getting cold. It will keep the love handles warm that is for sure. I like the thoughts of having a non insulated one with the option too have a insulated liner. Then a heated seat the only way to ride at minus 25
Don't you have bibs that go up your back? An elastic at the bottom of your coat? A snowskirt inside the coat as well?

I've never had an issue with wind coming up inside my coat, but it sure is nice to be able to unzip your coat and have air circulate when you want it to. Not to mention how nice it is to be able to remove your coat if you're stuck or clearing brush so you don't get overheated. And that doesn't even count stopping for lunch or supper at a restaurant.

For backcountry type riding a monosuit is simply impractical. For groomed trail type riding it would be absolutely ridiculous. I can sort of see the arguement for them if you're doing boondocking type riding for a couple of hours leaving from and returning to your truck, but for anything else a decent set of bibs and coat would be much, much more practical.
 
#24 ·
On my second castle x freedom monosuit, and have used them both on and off trail. I've had 2 of the insulated versions, if that's what your looking at. Very warm, except in the arms, it's not as warm. Mobility is excellent, and keep heat in very well. Biggest thing is try it on before buying, they have to be exact fit, or slightly bigger to like wearing them. Also I'm convinced that the people who worry about the 3% of the day at most must pull their underwear down to use a urinal. To which Im not talking about the ladies. If you have any questions go for it. I've got both a 1 piece and 2 piece setup.
 
#25 ·
Well I myself haven't been in the market for gear for a LONG time as in 2006 I bought a new Cat Crossfire and at the time the dealer gave me a deal on a Cat GoreTex Jacket that had a zip out liner and a pair of GoreTex pants. Short of Riema, you couldn't get GoreTex back then in sled gear.

Stuff was great, but I have gone a few years without a sled, and during the time I lost nearly 70lbs,. the old cat stuff is just WAY too big.

I kind of laughed at the look of the Onzies, but the more I thought about it it seems ideal. At least for comfort. Im fortunate to not live far from SkiDooOutlet and they have suits from Klim, 509, SD, Tobe and Castle on the floor. All said and done, I bought a Revy un-insulated suit today. After putting it on a couple of times getting into the sleeves it seems to be no problem.

Rode in 4 deg temps tonight in a 25mph steady wind, (-22F wind chill) with the suit, a pair of fleece pants on underneath, a t-shirt and a FXR fleece jacket. Plenty of warmth riding on the lake, and to be honest, it felt like riding in my pajamas. A lot less restrictive.

I own a Klim Latitude jacket that I use for riding my motorcycle, and was going to use it along with some new bibs, but given I got the Revy for the price of a pair of Klim bibs, I figured I would give it a try.

And it is Black & Red that matches my Expedition Xtreme to the T - so I am 100% full Ronald McDonald mode now.