Remember the good old days when we’d wrap ourselves in layers of animal furs just to make it through the winter? Neither do we, all thanks to numerous clothing technologies that made it possible to stay warm without having to skin a bear. Those technologies keep improving, and many companies spearhead the research and development. Today, we’ll direct the spotlight onto one such company – Striker Ice. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ice fishing apparel has become something of a habit for them. How come? Our Sports Store has an answer. Let’s take a magnifying glass to sort things out.
A Brief History of Striker Ice
Striker Ice has been making waves (or should we say breaking ice?) in the outdoor industry since 2005. Initially focused on providing premium technical clothing for snowmobilers, they soon pivoted their attention to ice-fishing gear in 2010. Their commitment to innovation and proprietary developments set up the creation of their revolutionary full-feature Lite and Heavy suits in 2011. That was the first collection to include the game-changing SUREFLOTE® flotation assist technology now used in all the brand’s ice fishing gear. This groundbreaking technology catapulted Striker Ice to the forefront of the ice-fishing gear market, where it remains to this day, intrepidly leading the industry.
Now, what makes Striker Ice the go-to brand for ice anglers and winter sports enthusiasts? Their apparel technologies, among other things. Here’s the list of the most prominent ones.
eVent Fabrics
Striker Ice collaborated with eVent® Fabrics while developing their latest line of rainwear. This high-performance fabric is designed to keep you dry from both external elements and internal moisture generated by your body. The secret behind eVent Fabrics lies in its patented Direct Venting™ technology. Unlike some competitor fabrics that require a buildup of heat and moisture inside the garment before they start breathing, eVent Fabrics allow air to flow and moisture vapor to escape right away. This continuous venting process ensures that you stay comfortable and dry throughout your outdoor activities.
eVent Fabrics’ advanced waterproof membrane not only provides excellent protection from the elements but also offers remarkable air permeability. This feature sets it apart from other waterproof/breathable fabrics that often need specific temperature and moisture conditions to perform at their best.
SUREFLOTE® Flotation Assist
SUREFLOTE® Flotation Assist technology amplifies the wearer’s survivability during ice-fishing trips. It addresses one of the biggest threats anglers may face on their winter trips: falls through the ice. This innovative system is designed to provide buoyancy for up to two hours in the event of an emergency.
The SUREFLOTE® system uses low-density polyethylene foam, which traps air within its closed cells. These trapped air pockets create buoyancy, enabling the wearer to float in water. By integrating this technology into their jackets and bibs, Striker Ice significantly increases the chances of survival and rescue in life-threatening situations.
One of the most remarkable aspects of SUREFLOTE® Flotation Assist technology is that it does not add significant bulk or weight to the garments. That ensures that the wearer’s comfort and mobility won’t be hampered and the clothing won’t feel restrictive.
THERMADEX® Insulation
THERMADEX® Insulation is a high-performance insulation technology that provides exceptional warmth without the bulk typically associated with winter clothing. Designed specifically for active outdoor wear, THERMADEX® ensures superior insulating performance and minimal loft, making it ideal for activities such as ice fishing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and Nordic skiing.
One of the key advantages of THERMADEX® Insulation is its ability to provide an optimal balance of warmth, softness, and breathability. This means you won’t have to worry about your under-jacket space turning into a steambath. The technology effectively retains your body heat while still allowing moisture vapor to escape, keeping you comfortable and dry during your outdoor pursuits.
HYDRAPORE® PRO
HYDRAPORE® PRO is an advanced waterproof and breathable technology that delivers maximum protection against extreme weather elements. Built into the outer shell fabric of Striker Ice fishing suits, HYDRAPORE® PRO features a laminate that offers both exceptional waterproofing and breathability. The system boasts an impressive 5,000mm/5,000g/m2 rating for resisting water penetration and allowing moisture vapor to escape. This means that the fabric effectively keeps rain, snow, and wind out, while simultaneously letting perspiration evaporate from your body, maintaining optimal temperature throughout your activity.
The HYDRAPORE® PRO technology is specifically designed for passionate anglers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts who can’t settle for anything less than exemplary. Its enhanced waterproof and breathability properties make it a significant improvement over the original HYDRAPORE® technology, ensuring that you can stay in the elements for longer periods without compromising on comfort or protection.
Conclusion
Though apparel technologies aren’t the sole contributor to Striker Ice’s reputation, they are nonetheless solid proof of the brand’s profundity. Striker Ice has truly revolutionized winter apparel with their technologies. Many of them found their way into the clothing of other brands, reshaped and reimagined. But experts be experts and Striker Ice still keeps the bar high. So next time you’re gearing up for a frosty adventure, remember – Striker Ice has got your back. And your front. They’ve got you whole.
