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LEVEL SIX ODIN DRYSUIT REVIEW
Video: Simon Coward
Simon here from AQ Outdoors, and today I'm diving into a thorough review of the Level Six Odin Drysuit. Level Six, a great Canadian brand, crafted the Odin to cater to a wide range of paddlers, from whitewater kayakers to sea kayakers. Overall, I found it to be a really capable dry suit at a great price point.
After putting the Odin through its paces over the past couple of seasons and racking up around 150 days of use, I've got some good anecdotal feedback to share. We'll also go over some of the key features of the suits and talk a little bit about the warranty, sustainability, and repairability of these dry suits.
Key Features of the odin
The exhaust 3.0 fabric is top-notch, offering excellent waterproofing and durability. The latex neck and wrist gaskets, along with the neoprene cuffs and Velcro closures, provide a snug and comfortable fit. Plus, the waterproof YKK zippers and articulated joints add to the suit's functionality and mobility.
General Fit & Fabric Choice
The fit of the Odin was spot-on for me. Standing at five feet nine inches and weighing around 165 to 170 pounds, the medium size fit like a glove. The exhaust 3.0 fabric used in the Odin feels incredibly durable, with reinforced areas in all the right places like the knees, butt, and elbows. So over the two or three seasons of use, I never saw any real wear to the suit, even though I put a lot of days on it.
Articulated Design for Enhanced Comfort
One feature that really impressed me was the articulated back panel of the Odin. It's tailored in a way that ensures comfort, even during those long sessions on the water. Unlike some other dry suits that can feel restrictive when seated, the Odin allows for unrestricted movement, which is a game-changer, especially for activities that involve a lot of sitting or paddling.
Areas for Improvement
While the Odin ticked a lot of boxes for me, there were a couple of areas where, in my opinion, there is still room for improvement. For starters, breathability was a bit of a concern. While the suit did a great job of keeping water out, it didn't fare quite as well in terms of breathability, especially on warmer days or during more intense activities. This meant things could get a bit clammy inside the suit, which wasn't ideal.
Another thing worth mentioning is the weight of the suit. The Odin's durable construction is great for protection, but it can make the suit feel a bit heavier in the water, especially during activities like swimming. Additionally, after a few seasons of use, I did notice some leaking in the feet. However, Level Six's repair service quickly sorted that out, so kudos to them for their excellent customer service.
Commitment to Sustainability
It’s important to touch on Level Six’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. It's a direction our industry's been going and it's much needed. And Level Six certainly seem to be at the cutting edge of all of this. The Odin dry suit is made from 100% recycled materials and they're also PFAs free, which in short means there's less bad chemicals going into our waterways that won't break down over time.
On top of the Odin's Limited lifetime warranty, Level Six offer repair services on all of their suits at really reasonable prices, and actively encourage users of their dry suits to renew or refurbish their suits rather than buy new ones. This approach will help keep their dry suits on the water and out of the landfill, which is better for us and better for the environment.
Final Thoughts
The Level Six Odin dry suit is a solid choice for anyone looking for durability, comfort, and performance on the water. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its overall quality construction and thoughtful design make it a standout option in its class. If you're in the market for a reliable and versatile dry suit, the Level Six Odin definitely deserves a closer look. I hope you found this review helpful and informative. If you've got any questions or experiences with the Odin dry suit, feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or popping into store.