Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Tag: Palm Equipment (Page 14 of 14)

Palm Rivertec Fusion PFD – Review

The Rivertec Fusion PFD has been about for some time now and has only seen one real revamp in its history. It first appeared in the late 90’s in a rather smart dark blue which was later joined by red and now grey. The new grey version also has a zipped chest pocket, something which its colourful predecessor lacked. The basic concept of the Fusion will be familiar to most – a slab PFD with adjustment on the shoulders, sides and waist.

Palm Rivertec Fusion PFD - Review
Palm Rivertec Fusion PFD – Review

Where it differs is the use of neoprene to help provide a snug fit without being restrictive or allowing the PFD to ride up. The neoprene forms the basis of the shoulder straps with additional tape adjustment. Further neoprene is also evident on the the front and back of the Rivertec Fusion and are joined by tape adjusters fastened by fastex buckles. This makes the Fusion very easy to put on, adjust and remove. An additional strap on the bottom of the Fusion makes riding up almost impossible.

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Palm Rivertec Pogies (Paddle Mitts)

Keeping warm is often difficult when you paddle whitewater during the winter. I find that the one area that is difficult to keep warm are my hands. I’ve tried neoprene gloves (which work once warmed up), the woollen/washing up glove combo and various other bits/bobs.

Many years ago I owned a pair of pogies (aka paddle mitts), I can’t remember the brand but they were blue/fluorescent yellow. They did a good job of keeping the wind off until they got wet, which meant my hands got wet and cold. Roll on ten years or so and I picked up a pair of Palm Rivertec Pogies. The ones pictured below are still used and must be well over 10 years old. Palm do a modern take on the Rivertec Pogies called River Tec Paddle Mitts.

Pogies are designed to be fastened onto paddle shaft. Your hands go inside of the pogies and grip the paddle shaft as normal. Compared to wearing neoprene gloves or indeed any gloves at all improves the general feel and control. Some paddlers do find them restrictive as your hands need to be removed to access pockets, pull your spraydecks rip cord etc. In addition some designs can be difficult to get your “last” hand into.

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Palm Spark Surface Immersion Suit – Review

The Palm Spark Surface Immersion suit has been awarded Canoe & Kayak UK product of the year for 2012. I picked up a Spark earlier this year shortly after it was launched.

Over the course of the last few months the Palm Spark Surface Immersion Suit has been worn a fair bit. I’ve worn it during WWSR courses, kayaking, canoeing, ww rafting and bell boating, so it has had a really good test.

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Unsponsored Q&A Series – Paul Robertson

I’ve been hunting down Paul Robertson aka Cheesy to take part in the Unsponsored Q&A series for a few months. Paul kindly agreed to fit it into his super tight schedule. Paul is a former world C1 freestyle champion and a well known face on the freestyle scene. Paul is now Palm Equipments brand manager and marketing director which places him at the heart of kit development.

I am extremely grateful that Paul managed to find some time to take part in the Unsponsored 2012 Q&A series.

Unsponsored Q&A Series - Paul Robertson

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Paddle Expo – Palm Equipment

New/updated PFDs, new thermals, tweaks to the fit and styling of cags, drysuits and trousers.

The newly updated FX PFD looks like it is going to be a winner.

Palm Spark Surface Immersion Suit – First Look

Rather than this being a review of the new Palm Spark Suit, this is more of a photographic first look. There has been lots of talk about the suit over the last few months but very little in the way of images. I have therefore decided to put that right. The suit shown is my new Palm Spark in large.

The Spark is a Surface Immersion Suit, it is not a dry suit as both the ankle seals are not latex (or socks) and are therefore not 100% water tight. However reports suggest that the performance of the seals is pretty good.

I picked up the Palm Spark from Northshore WaterSports today. Continue reading

Palm – Ladies Element Dry Suit

Palm @ Kanumesse – new Ladies Element suit! from James Bebbington on Vimeo.

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