Striker Suit Maintenance

This is my first year fishing a dedicated ice suit (Predator with defender gloves) and it completely transforms the experience on those cold windy days. First ice was a slay fest and just about every inch of my bibs and gloves ended up covered in crappie slime. The tags say cold machine wash separately and air dry, but are there some do’s and don’ts when it comes to washing and maximizing the suit’s life? I’m especially interested in hearing the defender gloves with the leather. Thanks!

I’ve always washed according to the directions on the tag and never had any issues. I dry mine either by hanging it overnight or, if time is short, I run it through the dryer on the no heat mode. I’ve never had any issues with wear caused by washing and I wash mine two or three times a month.

As for the gloves, I just throw them in with the suit and dry them using a boot dryer.

James Holst wrote:

I’ve always washed according to the directions on the tag and never had any issues. I dry mine either by hanging it overnight or, if time is short, I run it through the dryer on the no heat mode. I’ve never had any issues with wear caused by washing and I wash mine two or three times a month.
As for the gloves, I just throw them in with the suit and dry them using a boot dryer.

Do you leave the minnow heads in your pocket or take them out? Is that in the directions?

James Holst wrote:

I’ve always washed according to the directions on the tag and never had any issues. I dry mine either by hanging it overnight or, if time is short, I run it through the dryer on the no heat mode. I’ve never had any issues with wear caused by washing and I wash mine two or three times a month.

As for the gloves, I just throw them in with the suit and dry them using a boot dryer.

Good to know. My suit is getting a little ripe from the bluegill slime! I have been cautious about machine washing it. Instead, I’ve been wiping it down. Clearly, that’s not enough.

Wash it often, like every 6-8 uses, with a specialty detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash and never use fabric softener. Also follow the label directions for wash cycle and water temps like James says.

That combo will be best to help keep the DWR active on the suit so that water will not saturate the shell fabric; you should do the same for your rain gear, too.

https://www.outsideonline.com/2058116/how-should-i-clean-my-waterproof-shell-and-down-jacket

Do not leave shiners in your pockets before you wash it….

It will look like glitter in your washing machines for weeks.

tucrs wrote:

Do not leave shiners in your pockets before you wash it….

It will look like glitter in your washing machines for weeks.

John it sounds like you know from experience!