has anyone tried this suit??

rober · May 09, 2014, 10:44:52 AM

anyone tried these suits?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vented-Bee-Jacket-Eco-Keeper-Premium-Professional-Beekeeping-Suit-3XLarge-Size-/271268592914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f28de3d12

sc-bee · May 09, 2014, 12:01:16 PM

Looks like an ultrabreeze copy. Probably a Chinese copy. Trying to google and search for it I can't find it offered under that name anywhere else. I don't have an ultra breeze but have thought of getting one. The Ultrabreeze is $64 more than what you posted but I think made in the USA designed by a beekeeper and some folks here will attest to its quality.

http://www.ultrabreezesuits.com/

SmokeEater2 · May 09, 2014, 12:41:59 PM

I bought one that looks like that 2 years ago and the elastic in the cuffs and waist have failed making lots of bee openings. :shock: I bit the bullet and ordered an Ultra Breeze through Amazon this morning for 159 bucks.

The Chinese copies just seem to be a waste of money imo.

mikecva · May 09, 2014, 01:15:28 PM

I purchased a jacket (unfortunately the name escapes me and I am not at my yard) that has three layers of vented material (all as listed on Ultra Breeze's site but with a different hood then shown). It is about twice the weight of my first jacket. The new one lets me work for hours in my yard and I stay cooler then I was after 30 minutes with my first jacket. I am not a small person or young so any extra time in the yard is worth the extra cost over the 'starter' jacket. [Note, I am not badmouthing 'starter' jackets but if you are older and not stick skinny, I would look into the value of vented jackets such as Ultra Breeze's. -Mike

sc-bee · May 09, 2014, 01:27:17 PM

Quote from: SmokeEater2 on May 09, 2014, 12:41:59 PM
I bought one that looks like that 2 years ago and the elastic in the cuffs and waist have failed making lots of bee openings. :shock: I bit the bullet and ordered an Ultra Breeze through Amazon this morning for 159 bucks.

The Chinese copies just seem to be a waste of money imo.

Heard nothing but good things about the ultra-breeze. I also need to bite the bullet.......

rober · May 09, 2014, 02:36:20 PM

this is the pullover jacket I'm currently using. it was $56.00 when I bought & it's now $99.00.
https://www.kelleybees.com/products/images/main/25PCAjpg.jpeg
it works fine & I like the veil & pith helmet. it's just too hot. I have been leaning towards the ultra breeze. I'm just not sure if I'll like the fencing hood.
I heard Kelly was having Q.C & production problems with their suits after they changed manufactures & their vented suit is actually higher than the ultra breeze.
I did email the e bay eco suit to see where they are made & what kind of warranty the have but it's looking the ultra breeze is the way to go.

sc-bee · May 09, 2014, 03:18:48 PM

Quote from: rober on May 09, 2014, 02:36:20 PM
this is the pullover jacket I'm currently using. it was $56.00 when I bought & it's now $99.00.
I'm just not sure if I'll like the fencing hood.

Neither Am I?

SmokeEater2 · May 09, 2014, 04:10:10 PM

I believe the hood on the Ultra Breeze zips off, I would think you could use a helmet and veil if you wanted to. Hopefully someone who already has one will weigh in.

Mine's supposed to get here Tuesday so I'll find out then.

rober · May 09, 2014, 04:37:32 PM

I just heard back from the eco suit dealer. not American made & no warranty. ultra breeze here I come.....

JackM · May 10, 2014, 09:17:23 AM

Quote from: rober on May 09, 2014, 04:37:32 PM
I just heard back from the eco suit dealer. not American made & no warranty. ultra breeze here I come.....

Smart move

RHBee · May 10, 2014, 10:07:20 AM

I have the ultrabreeze. Very well made. Brass zippers, adjustable wrist closures, Velcro at the veil/jacket closure. Still gets hot in SC though.

OldMech · May 10, 2014, 09:15:17 PM

I bought two ultra Breeze suits, a full and a jacket. I love them both... The full suit has saved me a lot of pain when dealing with NASTY cut outs.. When the bees get me through my jeans I know its time to put on the full suit. I have not been stung through it yet. I am sure its just a matter of time, but the confidence and security it gives is hard to beat.

GLOCK · May 11, 2014, 12:05:29 AM

I have both jacket and full suit and I love both worth every penny. I ware just shorts under the full suit some time very nice.

BeesPleese · May 11, 2014, 02:22:49 PM

Expenses considered, it looks like a really solid anti-bee defense suit.

I beelive I'll bee getting one.

splitrock · May 11, 2014, 10:05:49 PM

I'm going on year 3 with my ulra-breeze full suit, it is in fine shape yet, I ran 60 to 100 hives these last years and I have not been stung one time through it. It is heavier than regular suits, but if there is a breeze, the ventilation is well worth the weight. I would agree with the previous poster OldMech on his point on the confidence and security the suit brings, and highly recommend one to anyone willing and able to spend a little more.

Satch · May 12, 2014, 11:47:19 PM

Pigeon Mountain and Mann Lake used to carry these. I have both and have used them for going on the third year. I run 55 hives and the only tiime I get stung is when I forget to zip the hood. :shock:

They are good for the price and next time I'll probably get the ultrabreeze. For now, I see a few more years in these.