DRYPODS
Many of you have been asking about Drypods for several months. (I mentioned them in several Bulletins as “Tripod Condoms.”) They have been some time in testing and development as Rod Wiley wanted to get them right. James Shadle and I have been testing them for several months and though we were pretty happy with the early versions Rod kept making them better and better and using stronger and thicker plastic. BAA is proud to add a small line of Drypods to its mail order product line. Here are the details:
Drypod Waders are designed to keep your valuable Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripods dry while you are wading, especially in saltwater. If you have always completely disassembled your tripod after each wading session, never had a single leg lock corrode, never had to send a tripod back for a new leg section or two, or never totaled a tripod, then you do not need a set of Drypods. (I once sent three Gitzo tripods to Bogen for repair after two many trips in salt water. I wrote after about 8 months as was told that they had thrown them all into the trash. Really.
Drypods are made of a specially formulated plastic sleeves that are approximately 47" long. The foot of each sleeve is reinforced with 4 layers of plain and woven poly for added protection. On the foot of each sleeve is a layer of sacrificial tape applied to allow you to set up on gravel or rough surfaces. All Drypod kits come with three Velcro Wraps to secure the sleeve to the tripod.
The standard Weekender Kits come in 3" and 4" widths, with the 3 inch being almost universally popular. The 3" Drypod sleeves have a diameter of approximately 2-3/16" and the 4" approximately 2-11/16.” You should order the smallest size that will fit. All but the larger tripods that have clip locks or wing locks will fit inside the 3” Drypods. There are 4 sleeves in a kit. The extra sleeve is a backup in case a single sleeve develops a leak after repeated abuse. Each kit comes in a heavy Ziploc bag with instructions.
The Deluxe kit comes with 3 heavy nylon boots approximately 26" that slip over the plastic sleeves to provide protection on rough areas like rock or coral. Custom made cinch straps are used to attach the nylon boots to the tripod. Extra Velcro wraps are provided to seal the top of the sleeve while in deep water. Like the Weekenders, the Deluxe kits come as both 3'' and 4" sleeves. There are 4 sleeves in a kit. The extra sleeve is a backup. The set comes in a heavy Ziploc bag with instructions
The prices of the Drypods (shipped to US addresses) are as follows
Weekenders 3" kits are $26.95 plus $7.00 S&H (Overseas shipping please add $13, for a total of $39.95).
Weekenders 4" kits are $28.95 plus $7.00 S&H (Overseas shipping please add $13, for a total of $41.95).
The Deluxe units 3" kits are $49.95 plus $11.00 S&H (Overseas shipping please add $17, for a total of $66.95).
The Deluxe units 4"kits are $51.95 plus $11.00 S&H (Overseas shipping please add $17, for a total of $68.95).
Refills for the Deluxe units (3 sleeves only, no straps) are available at $21.00, same shipping as above
Florida residents please add 7% to the Price only
Refills for the Deluxe units are available and come 3 in a set with no Velcro wraps.