Neither , I’d go for the Reed chillcheater one myself

 

When it absolutely has to be waterproof I use a Guy Cotten Chinook

 

There a bit out of budget are the vass and imax ones not waterproof then 😬

 

The cheap fishing smocks are not really that good , the best ive found was a Titan smock many years ago which ive still got it along with about ten others of various makes . These days i tend to take a cheap imax smock to keep warm and a USA army light Gortex jacket over sized for when it rains. The Gortex jacket folds up really small .

 

I've had a vass 175 b&b plus the smok for about 5-6 years now, never let me down. The b&b is getting a few pinholes from sitting on sharp rocks over the years but that's all the damage it's sustained so far. It's never let rain in and if you later up underneath, it is very warm.
I also bought the 175 lined version as I liked the unlined so much.
If I was buying again, I'd actually consider the 350 range but that's only because it's more substantial material and as I do more rock fishing than beach, it would probably hold up better even if it was abit heavier to wear.

I had the thermal red and black IMAX before that and it was like a sponge, plus it ripped so easily it only lasted me about 6 month before I gave it to my dad who has repaired it so many times it now made of more patches than original material.

 

Goretex army gear 2nd hand every time. If you buy top grade it'll usually be as new. Arktis make the UK SAS gear and the coats are 3-400 new, 30-50 surplus.

 

Musto from eBay keep an eye out they come up cheap now and then .

 

Seems to get slated a lot on this forum and quite a few other places but my Vass 175 hasn’t ever let me down. I’ve got the unlined version smock and bib and brace, never got wet, been out in some awful weather and after a few seasons still going strong. Packs down nice and small to be thrown in my box and pulled out if needed. I know it’s not on your list of what you’re looking at but the Guy Cotten Chinooks are meant to be bomb proof! Think you can pick them up around £55-60

 

Just checked and its the vass 350 thats totaly waterproof. Short length with tight waist. Ideal with waders

 

One of the best commercial smocks, cheap, fully waterproof made for working in , no hand pockets and not breathable . Guy cotton

 

Great smock ,It's just a shame I couldn't get an orange one to go with my orange bib n brace.

 

It really depends on how far you want to take it.
How water proof do you want it?
How much movement do you need?
How often will you need it?
Weve gone to the top end of totally water proof. But is that practical for what you will be doing in it or need.
Is a compromise needed?
Totally water proof cetainly isnt breathable and can be restricting. Long walks and constant movement can mean you are sweaty mess.
Plus if its your only jacket you could be wearing it when its not ideal.

I use a combination of 3 smocks. An old greys smock thats nice and warm but shower proof at best. An atlantic race jacket thats supposed to be a lot more water proof if i think theres a chance of rain but needs layering underneath for warmth. A Vass 350 thats totally waterproof if i know its going to be constant rain.

 

The great thing with the military gear is breathability and layering beneath. I've got a SAS smock from the 90s which is threadbare in places, but the goretex liner is still A1. Unfortunately I'm too fat at the mo to wear it! Using a Titan smock, which is fine for short sessions in light rain, and an army snipers coat (goretex) with duvet liner when it's p1shing down. A light waterproof shell is the main thing, other layers can be carried in a dry bag, which makes a great seat. As I said before, if you're hot and sweating when you've got to the mark, you're gonna be cold before long unless you have spare dry layers. I always have a shemagh scarf to water and windproof around the neck and throat, which seems to act as a layer itself!

 

Goretex is ruined by salt crystals in a very short time ..... Been there and done that .... If it's gonna pour down and I'm compelled to be out in it then it's plus one for the guy cotton smock in XL so I can layer up underneath.....

 

Goretex is ruined by salt crystals in a very short time ..... Been there and done that .... If it's gonna pour down and I'm compelled to be out in it then it's plus one for the guy cotton smock in XL so I can layer up underneath.....

this makes no sense to me? I’ve been using Musto HPX sailing gear since 2016 and never had a single problem with it. I’ve sat literally in water all day on bad weather boat days sometimes on the deck with water running across the deck from the scuppers with not one drop of water the them. Salt water definitely doesnot affect musto gear.

 

Neither. I went for gaberdine smock [woodland & desert DPM] Project Sciurus windproof and water shedding.
They can be found online in the bay.
Windproof and water shedding the gaberdine material is lightweight x4 pockets taped buttons with fitted hood/drawstrings.
I use grangers wash and proof on them. Brilliant.

 

Hmm . we have used ex German goretex for years in salt water environments from down here to Norway and been dry [and for general coarse angling btw] for the price ,difficult to beat

 

Never had a prob with goretex military kit. If it gets all encrusted with salt I just hose it off and shed-dry.

 

Jackets for me,have you tried to have a p*ss with chesties and a smock on........

 

Yes and they recon its a lot harder for little lads

 

Agreed. Real Goretex not the very much cheaper alternatives doesn't seem to get the salt crystal problem. Musto HPX and MPX is top drawer but to me at least a bit too good for my own sea fishing

 

sorry about two big pics,dont know how that happened.

 

I bought a yellow Chinook smock because I couldn't get an orange one, Id have rather had an orange one as my Guy Cotten trousers are orange.