Three Layer Mesh Ventilated Beekeeping Suit
So after the recent trip to the hospital with the wife see anaphylactic shock article.
I decided to keep the bees for the time being but tool up as it were. So decided to look into getting a full beekeeping suit. Then found beekeeping suits who declare they are sting proof. An Australian company make a full sting proof suit for £99. Which seems a great deal when a Sherrif Apiarist full suit comes in at £139 and its not stated as being sting proof. If its anything like the jacket version I have it is definitely not sting proof, as I have found out many times.
I ordered the vented suit and was impressed by the build quality as soon as it arrived. Its got two tool pockets one on each arm. Two waist pockets and two Breast pockets that are Velcro closeable. The elasticated waist means it fits well around you and minimizes the bulkiness of the suit.
The zip, up each leg is huge making it easy to remove without having to take off your boots or shoes. The legs also have foot straps making sure the bottom of the suit leg goes in your boots. Not leaving you exposed any where.
The wrists also have a thumb loop each to stop the arm of the suit riding up the glove.
The vented design means its a lot cooler than standard bee suits made of a single layer of cloth. But also it does feel slightly strange the first few times you wear it as it feels so much cooler. Its vented as you are basically wearing three layers of mesh material.
Inside layer is made of poly cotton
Middle layer is the bulky thicker EVA foam material
The outside layer is made of poly cotton
This means the suit thickness is 4mm but very breathable. This thickness makes it sting proof. I have not been stung yet but will keep you updated if anything changes.
Picture of mesh close up
The hood is a fencing style but they also do a round hat version. This is quite sturdy and comes with a hard rib of plastic on the top of the hood. To keep the mesh pushing against you face. When my suit arrived this was not with it. A quick email to the supplier and Oz Armour sent some out to me. Very good customer service.
It feels very sturdy and I am enjoying using a full bee suit that gives a high level of protection while not being too hot.
I also bought a pair of the gloves which are great as they also cover all of your forearm and most of your bicep.
Its nice to wear if a bit bulky. But the bulk is not as much of a problem as the heat. I am now so much cooler and due to the bulk of the suit I have changed what I used to wear under the old suit. Thinner layers rather than bulky clothes to stop the odd angry bee getting to me with its stinger.
The only real negative I have found is with the plastic ribbed hood support. If you are driving between apiaries in the suit with suit on and hood flipped back. You need to adjust it to the left or right so you don't squash it between you and the car seat. But that's no problem to do.
In conclusion I think its a great suit and great value for money. This is one customer who highly recommends them.
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