By Joseph Alfe
There are few product lines that come out that I can say are home runs in every way. Stormr is the exception to that rule. I have just wrapped up a full year testing the Stormr Stryker series parka and bibs, and their all weather hoodie, the “Swell.” It’s this piece of all weather gear that I will focus on here.
The Company
Stormr is a division of Henderson Sports, the company that makes professional grade wetsuits and flotation gear. Located in New Jersey, Stormr first cut its teeth in the commercial fishing market, then the east coast surf casters noticed and started wearing Stormr products to ward off the treacherous weather and surf conditions the area is famous for. In 2013, Stormr moved into the freshwater market by outfitting B.A.S.S pro Greg Hackney at the Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ The Cherokee’s in what charitably could be described as a blizzard. The weather, and Greg’s Stormr suit became news and folks wondered what was the “Hack Attack” wearing to look so comfortable in the wind and blowing snow? The answer, Stormr neoprene core technology.
The Swell Hoodie
The Swell is a lightweight, oversize hoodie that features a 2mm neoprene exterior and a micro-fleece interior. The rubberized outer shell blocks all wind and water, making this the ultimate rain jacket. It’s warm too, with the neoprene property of retaining core body heat, without the bulk. The Swell has a heavy duty metal front zipper, and cinch cords on both the hood and waist. Rounding out the package are flexible neoprene wrist and waist gaskets to keep wind and water out.
Performance
In very cold weather, I reach for the 3mm Stryker parka and bibs, which feature a thick micro fleece liner and soft exterior shell. On most other days, however, the Swell gets the nod due to extreme lightness and versatility. This hoodie is ideal for a cold morning blast across the lake, even in summer when warmer temps make the heavier Stryker a bit much. Last November, I was on Lake St. Clair in driving wind and rain, with temps in the 40’s and 50’s, and the Swell performed perfectly, allowing me to fish all day and stay dry. Most importantly to me, it kept the howling wind off me, and that made a huge difference. Water beads and falls right off, and when paired with Stormr’s neoprene gloves, a tight seal is formed that kept my arms and hands dry and warm even when up to my elbows in cold Great Lakes water releasing a monster Muskie. Lastly, the Swell just looks so damn cool, and I never fail to get compliments or have folks stop me to ask about my Stormr.
Price and Availability
Price as tested is $199, and you can order the Swell and other Stormr products from Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop www.muskyshop.com, Bass Mafia www.bassmafiatackle.com, and Tackle Warehouse www.tacklewarehouse.com.
About Joseph Alfe
Joseph Alfe, a resident of Northern Illinois, has spent his whole life in pursuit of angling and outdoors knowledge. As a Pro Staffer and brand rep for various industry and outdoors companies, he promotes and shares products that he believes in and that can make you a better fisherman and outdoorsman. For him, it’s all about education. Knowledge is great but you have to be able to get it across in a way that people can understand and be entertained by. Joe’s true passion is bringing relevant and fresh fishing industry news and techniques to his readers through his promotional website, anglerZconnection.com.
