Zephyros Protect - 3 Layer Ventilated Beekeeping Suit Outfit - with 2 Non-Flammable Veil Mesh (Round & Fencing) - Beekeepers Stay Ultra Cool & Protection from Bees & Wasps

I researched several bee suits before this purchase and narrowed it down to Ultrabreeze, Zephyros and BBwear. BBwear youtube videos show their suit protects against European and Asian hornets. Both BBwear and Zephyros suits are 5mm thick, so I expect similar protection. BBwear was much more expensive and not available in the US, so it wasn't an option for me. Ultrabreeze does not advertise their thickness, so I also ruled them out (although price is equivalent to Zephyros). I wouldn't even consider a non-vented suit.Previously I owned a "lightweight" cheaply made bee jacket. That jacket was still VERY hot and my sweat would make the jacket stick to my skin... which removes most of the protection. The Zephyros is MUCH cooler! When I'm walking or a breeze passes by, I get a surprisingly nice sensation of cool air. IT's pretty cool... I can wave my arm around and feel a cool breeze while my neighbors wonder why I'm walking around in the yard in a bee suit waving my arms like a bird. It's fun to keep nosy people guessing...Also because of the protection the suit offers, I only need to wear very thin shorts and tshirt. The ventilation and protection level make this suit completely worth the price, for me!I have not owned the suit long enough to claim it is "sting proof" and I'm not really eager to test it's limits. However I feel confident enough not to worry about being stung by paper wasps, yellowjackets and European hornets in my area. If I need to take down a nest, I may wear long sleeve and pants underneath, but I'm not sure how necessary this is.. particularly because I would wait for nightime and hit them with Delta Dust the day before. If I was dealing with honeybees I wouldn't worry at all, theoretically it should be impossible for them to penetrate the suit since it's 5mm thick. I'm not a beekeeper, so I have no experience here.I'm 5'9", 250lbs with broad shoulders and a long torso. I usually wear loose fitting XXL t-shirts and 40x30 jeans. I bought the XL Zephyros and wouldn't recommend going any smaller if you are my size. The XL is snug in the crotch if I wear jeans underneath or when I crouch down. If I were to re-order this suit I would go with the XXL, just to have the extra room.The quality of the suit is very high. Double stitched, strong metal zippers, and good visibility with the Veil. I like how the Veil can be compacted down to lay flat against my back when it is partially unzipped, and how it can be completely removed. The mesh material in the veil is stiff enough that it "springs" into place when fully extended or collapsed. This means a hat isn't necessary to keep the veil away from my face... one more way to stay cool! Visibility with the Zephyros veil is very good, I can see to my sides and above me (important for dealing with wasp nests). My previous "cheap" jacket had an awful veil that flopped around and made it impossible to look up.I also like that the Veil attaches to the suit about 4" below the collar. This means that I can leave the main jacket zipper unzipped about 3" (and still be completely sealed), so the jacket doesn't choke me when I crouch down. There is also elastic bands for your thumbs and feet, this prevents the suit arms/legs riding up while working and exposing a flesh target.One thing to note is that any ventilated suit (regardless of manufacturer) is likely to snag, compared to a non-ventilated suit. This is because the hole design can catch on an object easier. However, I doubt the suit will tear through all 3 layers, so it's unlikely a bee or wasp can get in. Personally I would rather get more snags in the outer layer, than have a single layer suit potentially tear all the way through.I bought the "Sand" color, but would describe it as "Peach".In summary, I'm very happy with this purchase! The suit design provides the best protection without overheating me. I can't imagine that anyone who wears a ventilated suit would ever go back to a non-vented one.

I came home from work and had a nice surprise - my new Natural Apiary Zephyros Beekeeping Suit.I knew it would be nice, but I didn't expect it to be this nice.First impressions:1. Great reusable storage bag2. Natural Apiary really goes above and beyond with their package inserts (I won't spoil the surprise!)3. I really like the design of the main protective suit which is made of three layers - cotton mesh on both sides with a sturdy knotted mesh in the middle - I don't think there will be any stinging in this suit4. The components are of very high quality - from zippers to velcro to seams5. The hood is my favorite part - it is so light, it feels like you aren't wearing anything - and the design provides a very full field of view with little visual obstruction from the fabricWith the heavy middle mesh, I expected the suit to feel bulky. But it doesn't. You clearly feel very well protected, but the suit feels lightweight and breathes extremely well. More air equals more comfort.Anything that I didn't like? There is a plastic attachment hook in the pocket that I probably won't use. I'm sure some will love it.Definitely glad I made this purchase. You will be too!

I like the idea of a carry/storage bag for this product. It makes it easy to put away and you know it will not get damaged from it being in the open. Just to let you know there is a surprise in the inserts for this package.I really like the design of this beekeeping suit which is made of three layers - cotton mesh on both sides with a knotted mesh in the middle. There is also very good overlap and velcro at the zippers so no bees will get into the suit. I don't think you will get any stings with this suit on. Has good sized pockets also.This beekeeping suit is high quality. From zippers to velcro to seams. Reinforced around the wrists and the ankles. Elastic around the wrists and the ankles is very good.The hood is so light, it feels like you aren't wearing anything - and with this suit you will have a full field of view with little obstruction from the headgear of this suit.I put the suit on and it breathes very well. With other jackets and suits it gets so hot inside of them and I hate sweat running in my eyes.If you are looking into getting something like this for taking care of your bees or getting into beekeeping and need a suit this is the one to get. I love this suit.

I purchased this bee suit from Amazon to work my hives. Nowhere in the add was it mentioned that this suit would be used. When I opened the package there was a note indicating that the bee suit was used but had been cleaned. I did not intend to buy a used suit and was taken aback by being sent a used product. Felt like the old bait and switch! The suit seemed fine, didn't smell and I cannot detect any holes. But it still feel deceptive.

I like the material the suit is made from & it is very protective & ventilated well. I really like the color. However, the metal zippers around the hood are extremely hard to zip. They just get stuck; especially making the 90 degree turn on the upper chest. The metal zippers just dont zip smoothly. I used a little oil on the zipper & they worked much better for awhile. I thought the size chart was accurate. I am 5’8”, 150 # & the small fits well although the sleeves are a bit short. I would buy this brand suit again but would prefer vinyl zippers