The knee pads are a highlight of Slam's offshore oilskins. Lots of reflectors, reinforcements and good adjustment options make the Slam Ocean a solid offshore oilskin.
Extreme knee pads
The most striking feature is the knee pads. They are extremely thick - around 5 millimetres - and feel like a real mattress. The additional reinforcement on the outside is also massive. The pads are oval-shaped, which means they have to be positioned correctly. Initially, the shoulder straps were set too high, so that the knees were only on the lower side of the pads when kneeling down. After adjusting the straps, they fitted perfectly. They then offer an extremely high level of comfort when working forward.
The trousers have pockets with Velcro on the thighs and heat pockets - but without lining. The adjustment options are good, although not entirely intuitive. You have to reach around a bit to adjust the waist. But it works.
Hood with transparent areas
The hood has transparent areas in the peak, similar to the Henri Lloyd Ocean Pro. The peak is a little wobbly, but the transparent inserts still improve visibility. The hood doesn't turn perfectly, but you can look to the side through the transparent areas. This partially compensates for the limited rotation.
The collar is very high and nice and fluffy on the inside. Comfortable to wear, offers good protection against wind and spray. The jacket has well-placed heat pockets with some lining and pockets with Velcro on the outside.
Many reflectors
The Slam Ocean has many reflectors in strategic places. Visibility at night or in poor light conditions is very good. Reinforcements in high-wear areas increase durability.
Good offshore oil
Overall, the Slam Ocean is a good offshore oilskin with a focus on knee protection. Anyone who does a lot of foreship work or frequently kneels will appreciate the extreme padding. The equipment is very good, the price of 1,600 euros (jacket + trousers) in the upper range.
Technical data:
Slam Ocean
Price:
- Jacket: 800 Euro
- Trousers: 700 Euro
Weight:
- Jacket: 1,182 g
- Bib: 960
Material:
- Slam Shield 20
- 30,000 mm water column
- 10,000 Breathability
- PFC-free (DWR)
- YKK zips
Field of application:
- Offshore Performance
- Ocean racing
- Long passages
- Foreship work
Sizes:
- Unisex: S - 2XL
- Only in one version (no separate ladies' version)
Jacket features:
- Very high collar (fluffy inside)
- Hood with transparent areas in the peak (for better visibility)
- Heat pockets with light lining
- Outer pockets with Velcro
- Lots of reflectors in strategic places
- Good reinforcements in exposed areas
- Adjustable at the waist
- YKK zips
Trouser features:
- Spectacular 5 mm thick knee pads (!)
- Oval-shaped knee pads with special honeycomb structure
- Knee pads can be removed
- Massive additional reinforcement on the outside over the pads
- Heat pockets
- Pockets with Velcro on the thighs
- Good adjustment options (shoulders, waist)
- Reinforcement on the buttocks
Knee pads - The highlight:
- 5 millimetres thick (thickest in the test!)
- Almost like a mattress
- Oval shaped (must be positioned correctly)
- Special honeycomb structure
- Removable
- Extremely high comfort during foreship work
Hood:
- Transparent areas in the shade
- Improves visibility to the side
- Does not rotate perfectly
- Twice adjustable
Cuffs:
- Neoprene cuffs on the sleeves
- NOT adjustable
- Were a little too wide in the test
- Adjustable outer cuff on top
Special details:
- Lots of reflectors in strategic places
- Reinforcements in highly stressed areas
- Good adjustment options at the shoulders and waist
- Waist can be adjusted
- Italian chic design
- Focus on knee protection for intensive foreship work
Availability:
- www.slam.com/de
- Selected specialist dealers
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
