Aerostich Response to Feedback Re: Roadcrafter 2-piece Leakage

Andy Goldfine, the owner of Aerostich, provided the following candid response to my concerns on Nov. 8, 2002: I am sorry your suit and glove raincovers caused you problems. There are some easy things you can do to improve the water leaking situation a lot. As you note, the suits are compromised by the design (vents, entry system, etc...). First, if you want to use any wash-in waterproofing at any time on a new garment, it will improve the performance. The suit's fabric is already waterproof. But the zippers are not. The wash in waterproofing treatment will help the knit zipper tapes become more water resistant. The reason the crotch gets wet is because rain strikes the front of the suit and is funneled by folds across the torso into the zipper by the crotch. From there it soaks through the knit tape the zipper teeth are attached to and drips into the suit. One way to lessen this is to smooth out the folds across the front of the suit that gutter rainwater, somewhat like pulling a tunic or sweater taught after standing up. This helps a lot but is not practical for all day rides in rain. Two useful things that are practical: 1. Applying liquid seam sealant to the knit tape and adjacent stitching. and 2. Using a wash in water repellent to help the knit zipper tape resist water a little better. The seam sealant method is more permanent. Instructions for doing this are in the suit owners guide and also in a .pdf file attached to this message. These changes will make a difference you will notice. Mr. Goldfine also offered an exchange or refund, but I've elected to the weatherproofing route.  It still burns me a bit to spend extra time and effort to further waterproof such an expensive garment, but I really appreciate the commuter design of the Roadcrafter, and will take the steps to make it a touring garment as well...