Frabill Snosuit FXE verses new Frabill I-4 Series

I bit the bullet last winter and go the Frabill Snosuit Bibs for Christmas and then got the matching jacket later in the winter. I only used it about twice last winter and then used it muskie fishing on Vermilion the first week of Nov. I really like it. It is really comfortable and the fabric feels very durable. Unfortunately, I noticed the seam between the legs in the crotch/butt area is coming apart. I contacted Frabill by email to find out what to do. The bibs have a 2 year warranty. I emailed them pictures, receipts, etc. They told me the Snosuit is being discontinued and they don’t have any more XL’s in stock. They will replace both the bibs and jacket with their new model.. the I-4 series. The retail price of the Snosuit bibs and jacket are 329.00 each. The retail price for the I-4 is 299.00 each. I would prefer to check out the new model in a store before deciding to swap out my current Snosuit. I’ve looked at Cabelas, Fleet, Joes, and Dicks and I only saw the I-3 model at Dicks. The material doesn’t seem as heavy as the Snosuit. There is also an I-5 series but they are 449.00 each.

Is anyone familiar with the Snosuit and new I series? Any thoughts on how they compare. I’m trying to decide whether to get the new series or just pay to have the seam repaired. Other than the seam, I have no complaints on the Snosuit. Thanks for any feedback.

http://frabill.com/clothing/ice-fishing-apparel/i4-bibs.html

After having my icesuit for 3 years and how well it has held up through my abuse. I planned on picking up a snosuit this year but ran across the new I-3 suits last week and have a hard time believing that the new material would hold up to half of what I have put my icesuit through.

Dbright,
That is what I thought too based on looking at the I-3 and I-2. I haven’t seen the I-4 and whether the material is heavier on them. I’m waiting for Frabill to let me know if there is anywhere in the Twin Cities to go check out the I-4’s.

I just bought probably the last XL snosuit bibs in existence. Based on features I believe the I5 are more comparable feature wise than the I4. Bottom line is I would insist on an I5 bib as replacement. Price should make no difference.