New GEO 'Kingsdale' Suits

thehungrytroglobite

thehungrytroglobite

Well-known member
Has anyone tried this suit before? https://www.troggshop.co.uk/product-page/geo-kingsdale-caving-suit-1

I saw a group of cavers standing around by the shakehole in them at winch meet, looking very new and unused.

The spec online does look quite good however, and they are much cheaper than an AV. I am thinking of getting one for expedition so I don't wreck my AV on the sharp rocks, but really need to try an oversuit on before buying. It seems these are supposedly 'unisex' which I am always suspicious about - so many things that call themselves 'unisex' are actually just made for the male body, like Landjoff suits. I would be very interested to hear reviews of this suit and if anyone knows of places to try the suits on in person.
 
thehungrytroglobite said:
Has anyone tried this suit before? https://www.troggshop.co.uk/product-page/geo-kingsdale-caving-suit-1

I saw a group of cavers standing around by the shakehole in them at winch meet, looking very new and unused.

The spec online does look quite good however, and they are much cheaper than an AV. I am thinking of getting one for expedition so I don't wreck my AV on the sharp rocks, but really need to try an oversuit on before buying. It seems these are supposedly 'unisex' which I am always suspicious about - so many things that call themselves 'unisex' are actually just made for the male body, like Landjoff suits. I would be very interested to hear reviews of this suit and if anyone knows of places to try the suits on in person.
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Was interested till I saw the grade of Cordura... With the way AV's have gone I just don't think these will hold up well for regular cavers... But we shall see...
 
LadyMud said:
TTIUWP
Click to expand...
891031C4-615E-4F05-A036-32221D13ADE8.jpeg

I do love mine. Fit wise it’s the best I’ve ever worn, if I leave the collar open
On the negative side I wore a hole in the arse on a Cussey trip (first wear of the suit) and it’s not going to last long under normal TA usage conditions.
If I could have the same cut, minus the neck profile of the collar and delete the hood, in a mythical heavy duty cordura that doesn’t go horribly stiff after use (TBH the same stuff as in the AV Midroi would work fine as a balance) I’d be buying it
 
Thanks for your responses everyone. I hear new Austrian caves are very sharp so if the suit won't hold up in Cussey, I doubt it will hold up in Austria! Maybe I'll stick to using Mt old AV (yes, the one everyone on here told me to retire over a year ago)
 
2021 discussion relating to AVs, warmbac, landjoff & older designs:
ukcaving.com

AV?s Oversuits Quality Control

Anyone else having any issue with the AV titan? Feel like the quality of them has decreased over the years? :dig:
ukcaving.com ukcaving.com

GEO say "Heavy Duty 500D fabric with double 500D in the high abrasion areas"
 
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Come back TSA, all is forgiven. My wife has fond memories of a size zero Troll suit even.

In the unlikely event I was going down a deep cave now the only option for me is buy a new suit like a AV Titan and assume it is toast after a couple of weeks. Maybe take two. It’s very annoying.

I currently have two AV’s and try and keep the newer and only vaguely waterproof one for longer wetter trips. You end up sometimes needing a neofleece, which I am not wearing for several days underground.
 
LadyMud said:
Yes, but those suits are "ideal for dry and warm cavities"
The Titan (and its variations) are "recommended for cold and wet caves" so presumably a heavier fabric.
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The only listed difference is that they are better waterproofed
 
thehungrytroglobite said:
What corduroy grade are AV's? & Warmbac / Landjoff?
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Just re: Landjoff, the standard 'Cordura Plus' are 500D as Bagpuss says, and the Cordura Extreme are 1000D, so comparable to Warmbacs.

I use the Cordura Plus, and did so before starting to sell them myself, and using it twice weekly (largely in Dales caves) I get about a year before the sacrificial double-padded areas start to tear, then perhaps another 6 months tops before I start getting comments about being a cheapskate :) Those who move more graciously through caves than me may get longer out of it.
 
ActionStash said:
Just re: Landjoff, the standard 'Cordura Plus' are 500D as Bagpuss says, and the Cordura Extreme are 1000D, so comparable to Warmbacs.

I use the Cordura Plus, and did so before starting to sell them myself, and using it twice weekly (largely in Dales caves) I get about a year before the sacrificial double-padded areas start to tear, then perhaps another 6 months tops before I start getting comments about being a cheapskate :) Those who move more graciously through caves than me may get longer out of it.
Click to expand...
Incredibly short usage life then!
 
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