You probably know Grundéns for their line of commercial-grade foul weather gear; the stuff you’ve seen on commercial fishermen working the coasts. While they still manufacture heavy-duty raingear, they have made the jump into performance outwear in recent years. These offerings include a line of waders, jackets and bibs built with lightweight but durable fabrics, like their Transmit X line.
I received a set of the Grundéns Transmit X jacket and bibs a little more than a month ago — just in time for the rainiest part of the year in New York. Despite being constructed of lightweight nylon instead of PVC-coated canvas, they have kept me dry through some pretty miserable weather. The Transmit X even stopped sideways rain driven by 35+ mile-per-hour winds on the mighty Niagara River, and stopped the spray caused by a pounding seven-mile ride out into Lake Erie.
Initial Impressions
Grundéns Transmit X jacket and bibs are constructed of a 100% nylon shell treated with a 15K/10K waterproof/breathable coating. The jacket’s front zipper is housed in an ample storm flap with a hook-and-loop closure, designed to knock down whatever spray comes your way. Neoprene wrist cuffs on the sleeve help keep water out when you’re lipping or releasing fish.
The front is flanked by two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets with secure zippered closures, and the chest wears a zippered pocket placed just right for cell phones. A sculpted hood features internally routed shock cords for easy adjustment and a customized fit. Reflective logos with visibility striping enhance safety in low-light conditions, and there’s a D-ring to attach kill-switch lanyards.
The bibs feature the same 100% nylon construction with 15K/10K waterproof and breathable construction as the jacket. Practical fishing-focused details include full front zipper access with corrosion-resistant YKK hardware, knee-high leg zippers for easy on and off, an angled thigh pocket with a pliers dock for quick gear access, a D-ring for attaching a pliers leash, handwarmer pockets, and adjustable suspenders for a secure, comfortable fit.
So what about that waterproof rating? Basically, this means that a garment with a 10k rating can withstand a water column pressure of 10,000mm before water permeates the material; a 15k rating can resist pressures of 15,000mm. The lower the number, the more breathable the fabric is. Grundens used a 10k coating in some sections to maximize breathability, and 15k in others to ensure water won’t get through in areas prone to getting splashed.
The price was also a bit of a surprise, and in a good way. Grundéns has both the jacket and bibs listed at $229. This is an excellent price point for fully-featured outerwear, making these a bargain.
On The Water
If there was ever a time to thoroughly test rainwear, it was this spring. It seemed like it rained every day, with a pretty hearty wind accompanying it. Though I’ve only had the Transmit X rain suit for a while, it’s safe to say I put through the wringer.
Grundéns has done cuffs right since they worked them into their Brigg 44 commercial fishing jacket, and these were no exception. Fitting tightly without binding even on my oversized wrists, the cuffs kept water out as I reached down to lip bass. They even survived repeated livewell dunkings pulling out shiners on perch trips.
I found the layout of the jacket’s pockets to work well. I was able to keep my phone at the ready to snap grip-and-grins, but felt it was more than protected. The fleece-lined pockets were welcome on cold, windy days on the big lake, warming my hands after a successful release.
The hood was another high point. The internal shock cords made it easy to cinch the hood down before high-speed runs across the lake, but loosened easily when we slowed back down. I really liked the push-button form of the toggle, which made for an easy release.
The bibs go on and off easily, thanks to a full-length front zipper and knee-high side zips that allow you to slip your boots in and out. Fit is accomplished via adjustable suspenders, which lock down and won’t move once you’ve got them where you want them. Though I didn’t make much use of them because I was typically wearing a jacket, the handwarmer pockets seemed to be in the right place.
One of the most important features I look for in a bib is a well-placed pliers pocket, and the Transmit X delivered. It was located on my upper thigh, right at my fingertips but out of the way, with a D-ring just above it that lets you attach a lanyard. The angled thigh pocket was ideal for stashing packs of soft plastics and other small items.
Final Thoughts
I have a Grundéns Brigg 40 jacket and pair of Grundéns Herkules 16 bibs that I have been wearing since I was given them during a stint working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska’s Prince William Sound about 20 years ago. Aside from a couple of nicks here and there, they are no worse for the wear despite being worn hard for nearly two decades. I’m sure Grundéns built these with the same level of craftsmanship, but in a much lighter, performance package.
Grundéns Transmit X jacket and bibs have proven to keep me dry in some really nasty stuff. They offered a host of fishing-focused features that make them ideal for a day on the water, in a comfortable package. And they manage to do so at an extremely attractive price point, making them a bargain, too.
