Rain or shine, it’s fishing time! For those who live by this motto, Striker Ice, a renowned brand of technical fishing apparel, has some exciting news for you. After dominating the market with their high-quality rainwear, ice fishing outerwear, UPF apparel, and casual wear, they’ve decided to kick off 2023 with a bang – introducing the Vortex series.
In this article prepared by our friends at GRITR Outdoors, we’re going to dive into the depths of the Vortex series, exploring each garment and its standout features. Let’s get started!
Striker Vortex Suit: More Than Rainwear
Angles know the weather can be as unpredictable as the catch of the day. That’s where the Striker Vortex Suit system steps in, designed with a mission to extend your time on the water.
Striker’s Marketing Director, Matt Cook, shared the team’s vision for the Vortex series, saying their aim with Vortex was to equip anglers with rainwear that offers adaptable performance under diverse fishing conditions. He added they wanted our anglers to have the assurance that come rain or shine, the Vortex will keep them dry, allowing them to focus on what they love – fishing.
What sets Vortex apart is its unique suit system that allows anglers to customize their gear, mixing and matching tops and bottoms to perfectly suit their fishing style.
The Vortex rainwear collection exudes versatility not only in its functionality but also in its design. It caters to a broad spectrum of anglers, offering a range of color options and sizes. You can choose the Vortex Jacket in Black or Moss colors, while the Vortex Pullover, Bib, and Pant are available in classic Black. And rest assured, size won’t be an issue – the Vortex collection has got everyone covered, from size small all the way up to 5XL.
How Waterproof is the Striker Vortex Suit
The Striker Vortex Suit features the innovative Hydrapore Pro membrane, a waterproof and breathable fabric similar to the widely popular Gore-Tex. However, Striker has not explicitly stated the breathability rating of the Vortex suit, leaving us to make assumptions based on other products in their lineup.
Striker utilizes Hydrapore Pro in both their Apex ice-fishing suit and Adrenaline rainwear. The Apex boasts a waterproof/breathability (W/B) rating of 10K/5K, while the Adrenaline impresses with a rating of 15K/10K. Given these numbers, it’s reasonable to predict that the Vortex suit’s performance would fall within this range.
To put these numbers into perspective, a waterproof rating of up to 10K can effectively handle light to moderate rain for short periods. Ratings between 10K and 15K indicate the ability to withstand more substantial rainfall for an extended time. A rating of 15K to 20K or higher suggests a high-performance shell capable of standing up to intense, heavy rainfall for prolonged periods. In terms of breathability, a rating of up to 10K is sufficient for moderate levels of activity.
So, while we can’t definitively state the exact W/B rating of the Vortex suit, based on Striker’s use of the Hydrapore Pro membrane in other products, we can confidently infer that it offers a reliable level of waterproofing and breathability suitable for various weather conditions and moderate activity level. Plus, the suit’s waterproofing is further enhanced with the sealed seams, waterproof zippers, 2-layer fabric construction, and DWR fishing.
Striker Vortex Rainwear Break Down
Starting with the upper body, the Striker Vortex series offers two options: a jacket or a pullover. Both are engineered for longevity, ensuring years of use without compromising on weight or mobility. They share several storm-ready features that keep you dry even when the rain starts to pour. These include a three-position adjustable hood with an oversized fleece collar, a front storm flap, and adjustable neoprene sleeve cuffs.
However, there are subtle differences between the two. The pullover features a half-zip construction, while the jacket is full-zip. Additionally, the jacket edges out the pullover with an extra waterproof storage pocket, boasting three compared to the pullover’s two.
Moving down to the lower body, the Vortex series introduces both Bib and Pant options. This gives anglers the freedom to choose their preferred style. Mirroring the quality of the jacket and pullover, the bib and pant are made from the same high-grade materials and offer similar storm protection.
The bib and pant also feature an elastic waistband for added comfort and adjustability. Anglers will find the zippered foot openings and an adjustable inseam, which provides up to six inches of length adjustment, particularly useful for achieving a customized fit. Moreover, the Vortex Bib is equipped with an upper chest section featuring pockets and elastic shoulder straps.
Striker Adrenaline vs. Striker Vortex: What’s the Best Raingear?
When comparing the Striker Vortex and Adrenaline rainwear series, there are several key differences to consider. Each series has its unique strengths and offers specific features designed to cater to the diverse needs of anglers.
Starting with color options, the Adrenaline series takes the lead. In addition to the standard black, it includes two camouflage variants. On the other hand, the Vortex series keeps it simple, offering only black across all pieces, with an additional moss option for the jacket.
However, where Vortex lacks in color variation, it makes up for in garment variety. Alongside the standard jacket and bibs, the Vortex series introduces additional pant and pullover options, broadening its range of offerings.
In terms of construction, the Adrenaline jacket boasts a 2.5-layer shell, while the Vortex opts for a 2-layer approach. This subtle difference implies a slight edge for the Adrenaline in terms of superior protection against wind and rain.
Another notable distinction lies in the design of the bibs. The Adrenaline bibs feature waist-high waterproof leg zippers, compared to the knee-high zippers on the Vortex bibs. Additionally, the Adrenaline bibs use swivel buckle closures for the suspenders, whereas the Vortex uses velcro straps.
Despite lacking some of the features found in the Adrenaline series, the Vortex still holds its own as a capable 3-season rain suit. Moreover, it’s positioned at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.
