Anyone who boats or fishes in the Northeast knows that dependable foul weather gear isn’t optional. From cold spring mornings and sudden summer thunderstorms, to northeast winds and late-fall runs for striped bass or tautog, our weather can change quickly. Even a calm ride out can become a wet, uncomfortable trip home once the wind turns against the tide.
After wearing the Gill Apex Pro-X Jacket and Bib, I found the apparel to be extremely well-made and particularly well -suited to these demanding conditions. It provides serious protection from rain, wind and spray, yet it fits in a way that allows you to move naturally around the boat. The quality was obvious from the first time I put it on; the material, stitching, zippers, pockets and adjustment points all feel substantial.
This is not lightweight emergency rain gear intended to sit unused in a storage compartment. It feels like a system designed for anglers and boaters who regularly fish through difficult weather. Gill constructs the Apex Pro-X with its XPLORE+ three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric, fully taped seams, and a water and stain repellent finish. It provides excellent protection without feeling unnecessarily heavy or stiff. That balance is important in the Northeast. During the spring and fall, we often leave the dock in cold temperatures, warm up while fishing and then face a chilly run home. Waterproof gear that doesn’t breathe can leave you soaked from perspiration even if it keeps the rain out. The Apex Pro-X does an excellent job of releasing body heat and moisture, making it comfortable enough to wear for an extended period.
The fit is one of the system’s greatest strengths. Some heavy duty rain suits become restrictive when you cast, bend down, reach for a net or move through the cockpit. The Apex Pro-X has a more natural, athletic fit. I could reach, bend and work around the boat without feeling as though I was fighting the material. The bib’s high-cut design provides plenty of coverage, while adjustable shoulder straps and a stretch back panel help it move with you. Full length YKK AquaGuard leg zippers make it easy to put on over deck boots when rain suddenly develops. Abrasion-resistant panels protect high wear areas, while adjustable ankle closures help create a secure fit around your footwear.
The matching jacket is equally impressive. Its YKK AquaGuard front zipper and internal storm guard help prevent wind-driven rain and spray from working their way inside. Adjustable double cuffs, including inner seals, protect the wrists when running through rough water or handling wet gear. Gill’s Vortex hood is another practical feature for Northeast boaters. It is designed to remain stable at speed, reducing the flapping and movement that can become distracting while operating a boat. The hood adjusts easily, provides good coverage and does not unnecessarily restrict visibility. A shock cord hem helps seal the jacket around your waist. The pockets are secure, well positioned and accessible, even while wearing a life jacket. The outer finish also helps shed rain, saltwater, fish slime and grime, making the gear easier to rinse after a long day.
The Gill Apex Pro-X Jacket and Bib are a significant investment, but they are professional quality foul weather gear. The system is rugged without being cumbersome, waterproof without becoming excessively hot, and protective without restricting movement. Whether you are crossing Long Island Sound and fishing the rips at Montauk, running the New England offshore waters or chasing striped bass late into the fall alongthe Jersey Shore, the Apex Pro-X provides the protection and comfort needed to stay focused when Northeast weather turns against you.
