Anyone working on the foredeck in cold weather with plenty of spray needs reliable protection against the wet and pressure points. With its Ocean series, Slam offers a heavy-duty bad-weather suit that stands out above all for its extremely thick protective padding. The suit is priced at the higher end of the market, but in return offers functional features designed for harsh conditions.
Sturdy knee pads for working on deck
The most striking feature is the knee pads. They are extremely thick – about 5 millimetres – and feel like a proper mattress. The additional reinforcement on the outside is also very substantial. The pads are oval-shaped, which means they need to be positioned correctly. Initially, the shoulder straps were set too high, so that when kneeling, my knees only rested on the underside of the pads. Once the straps were adjusted, they fit perfectly. They then provide a high level of comfort when working at the bow.
The trousers have Velcro pockets on the thighs and thermal pockets – though they’re not lined. The adjustment options are good, although not entirely intuitive. You have to fiddle around a bit to adjust the waist. But it works.
Hood with transparent sections
The hood has transparent panels in the brim, similar to the Henri Lloyd Ocean Pro. The hood is a bit floppy, but the transparent inserts still improve visibility. The hood doesn’t rotate perfectly with your head, but the transparent sections allow you to look to the side. This partly compensates for the limited rotation.
The collar is very high and lovely and cosy on the inside. It’s comfortable to wear and offers good protection against wind and spray. The jacket has well-placed hand-warming pockets with a little lining, as well as pockets with Velcro fastenings on the outside.
Many reflectors
The Slam Ocean features numerous reflectors in strategic locations. Visibility at night or in poor lighting conditions is excellent. Reinforcements in high-wear areas enhance durability.
Good offshore oilskins
All in all, the Slam Ocean is a good Offshore oil gear with a focus on knee protection. Anyone who spends a lot of time working in the bow or kneels frequently will appreciate the extra padding. The quality is very good, whilst the price of 1,600 euros (jacket + trousers) is at the higher end of the scale.
Technical specifications:
Slam Ocean
Price:
- Jacket: 800 euros
- Trousers: 700 euros
Weight:
- Jacket: 1,182 g
- Ref: 960
Material:
- Slam Shield 20
- 30,000 mm water column
- 10,000 Breathability
- PFC-free (DWR)
- YKK zips
Area of application:
- Offshore Performance
- Offshore regattas
- Long passages
- Bow work
Sizes:
- Unisex: S – 2XL
- Available in one version only (no separate women’s version)
Jacket features:
- Very high collar (fleece-lined)
- Hood with transparent panels in the peak (for better visibility)
- Insulated bags with a lightweight lining
- External pockets with Velcro
- Plenty of reflectors in strategic locations
- Good reinforcement in high-stress areas
- Adjustable at the waist
- YKK zips
Trouser features:
- Spectacular 5 mm thick knee pads (!)
- Oval-shaped knee pads with a special honeycomb structure
- Knee pads can be removed
- Substantial additional reinforcement on the outside, over the upholstery
- Heat packs
- Pockets with Velcro fastenings on the thighs
- Good adjustment options (shoulders, waist)
- Reinforcement on the backside
Knee pads – The highlight:
- 5 millimetres thick (the thickest in the test!)
- Almost like a mattress
- Oval-shaped (must be positioned correctly)
- Special honeycomb structure
- Removable
- Exceptionally high levels of comfort when working at the bow
Hood:
- Transparent areas in the screen
- Improves side visibility
- Doesn’t rotate perfectly
- Adjustable in two ways
Wristbands:
- Neoprene cuffs on the sleeves
- NOT adjustable
- The items tested were a little too far
- In addition, an adjustable outer cuff
Special details:
- A large number of reflectors in strategic locations
- Reinforcements at high-stress points
- Good adjustment options at the shoulders and waist
- The waist can be adjusted
- Italian chic in design
- Focus on knee protection for intensive work at the bow
Availability:
- www.slam.com/de
- Selected specialist retailers
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David Ingelfinger
Volontär
