Friday, October 26, 2012

Scuba Stretch Vs. Scuba - The Numbers

Rose Alberta Lake Print Scuba Stretch
My Scubas
I went to the store today to return my Make A Move and Split Set Pants and ended up going home with the Alberta Lake Rose Scuba Stretch Hoodie. I was all prepared to hate on the new Scuba Stretch jackets but the print on this one is very pretty and I couldn't resist. The photos don't do it justice.

I made some measurements against my other Scubas for you. I have four Scubas, three size twelve and one size ten. The one I bought today is also a size twelve.

              
Width is measured armpit to armpit. Length is measured from the shoulder seam where it meets the hood down to the bottom hem. I have a big deli scale I use for eBay packages so the weights are accurate. It's definitely shorter and I would love to have the length back for sure but it's not a deal breaker in this color since the jacket blends with black pants. I also thought the fit was pretty form fitting in this color. I tried on the Raspberry Glo Stretch, too, but thought that looked and felt more bulky. It could be a matter of light vs. dark colors. The weight is noticeably different than the regular Scuba. As another point of reference I weighed one of my Remix Light hoodies and was 1.29 lb and a Define weighed in at just over a pound. The hood also looked smaller to me but I measured them against my other Scubas and they're pretty similar. It must be it lays differently since it's not so heavy.  If you live in a warmer climate then this might be a good jacket for you. The Rose Alberta Lake felt a little lighter to me than the Raspberry Glo version.

18 comments:

SaraLynne said...

This is a really tough one for me. I know I'm just one person, but I have to stand my ground and not buy a Scuba Stretch, no matter how gorgeous the AL one is.

For me - it comes down to principal. The way that the new design 'snuck' into the pile of regular scubas, the obvious changes that save LLL fabric (ie. money), and the price staying the same.... I just cannot accept these things. I can't allow myself to be 'tricked' by LLL, again, no matter how much I might actually 'not mind' the new Scuba.

I'm glad that you love the design - and I think every one is entitled to their vote. However, my vote is to tell LLL that their approach with this one is not ok in my books.

Anonymous said...

I live in the PacNW, so I love the thick heavy original scubas. Bought the last black one in my size today. I can see how some may prefer this style, but I am sad they are replacing the regular style with this. It would also be hard to pay the same price for a less finished product.

OT, I picked up the rain gaiters in the store today. I run a lot on trails and in rain and snow. I'm worried about the plastic toggle near the bottom, though. I asked if I could return them if it broke, and they said well, I could return them if it broke because it was a bad design, but not if it broke because I stepped on it. Also, it depends on When I return them, because they're not meant to last forever. Huh? I told them that if I bought a pair at REI, I could return them anytime if they broke. This is a new unproven design. She then said yes, I could return them if they failed due to their design. To be honest, I don't think I'll keep them. I just don't want the hassle of trying to argue that it's not my fault if the toggle snaps. It's pretty flimsy plastic. Why do they have such crappy customer service? Makes me sad.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with you. The Alberta Lake Rose Scuba Stretch Hoodie IS too pretty to pass up, and I don't mind the minor change in length, the lighter weight of the Scuba, and the absence of the ribbed side body panels. I'm almost 5'4" and I like how this Scuba's length dosen't bunch up on the hips on me and hits at the top of my butt shelf accenting the curve.

I'm glad I got a hold of this Scuba cuz I sure feel pretty in it. This, and the Black Swan Back to Class jacket are my two fave Lulus this month.

Anonymous said...

What did you Dislike about the Split Set pants? I ordered some and they haven't arrived yet, but I was curious to know what you thought of them and why you decided to return them?

yogibabe said...

Thanks LLA! From your measurements, the Scuba Stretch will fit be better than regular Scubas. I LOVE Scuba and have too many to admit, even for my mild winter in the Central Coast of CA, so this lighter weight ones will fit the bill better for me! This print looks really pretty. I passed on the same print in the Define because it just didn't look quite right. I'll stalk this one for sure! :)

Elisa said...

I order the spilt set pants but haven't received them yet. Why did you decide to return?

Anonymous said...

Everyone has been hating on the scuba stretch but I actually really like them! I love the shorter length, I also like that it's less bulky, I do agree when people recommend that it be sold at a cheaper price than the regular scuba but other than it's price I think the new design is awesome!

LuluAddict said...

@ Saralynne - I wouldn't say I love the new design of the Scuba Stretch. If I had to choose the regular scuba over this in the same print, it'd be the regular scuba for sure. I think a mid-weight sweat jacket has a definite market and the jacket could be perfect if they put the length back where it was or even a little longer. I guess I could go without the ribbed sides but since there is still ribbing in the arms they could easily put it back. The price should be cheaper, though, to reflect the lighter weight. I also think there is a market for the regular weight Scubas. They are the warmest sweat jacket I've ever owned and excellent at stopping the wind.

Re: the Split Set pants. I liked them a lot but I didn't like how they looked on me. It's definitely me and not the pants. I think I need a bit more of a flare at the bottom to balance out my hips a little more. I think they look very cute on a lot of people in the photos I've seen but I have a lot of pants already and I have to really love them on me to justify keeping them.

Anonymous said...

I am really tempted by this scuba too but just do not want to give in because I would be paying the same price for a lesser product. If it was priced lower and had actually come out as a new hoodie (not after the fact) I could do it.

Anonymous said...

The length and the cheap looking hood make it a no for me. If it ends up on sale for $70, then I will consider it. I do love the print on this one, though!

On another note, I received my AL rose herringbone define today. I love it! Feels like my ghost herringbone define from last year. It looks prettier in person and is a unique design to add to my collection of defines.

Anonymous said...

Price! Can't believe they expect us to pay the same amount for less. It really is a joke and I feel lulu is laughing all the way to the bank!

Anonymous said...

Ha! I returned my split set and bought the new rose scuba, too! I l really like the SS pants but they're just not worth $92.00. Love, love the scuba rose print - and the hot pink accent is super cute. Favorite new item by Lulu in a while!

SaraLynne said...

@LuluAddict - I totally agree that there is a market for this. Had it been a new product in addition to the regular Scuba, and at a lower price, I think I would be totally fine with it.

LuluAddict said...

@ SaraLynne - totally agree. They should have a regular and a lighter version Scuba. I have two Remix lights that I've been wearing for three years now and are starting to get ratty. I can wear those every day. I've been waiting for something like them to come back for forever.

Anonymous said...

Random question-in the first photo, what pattern wunder unders is the girl wearing? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I tried on the Scuba Stretch and it actually fitted me better than the original Scuba (I am 5'2", 100 lbs). However, I didn't but it cos the price was unreasonable. Lulu should've charged $20 less for the new design.

Interesting enough, I measured my two Remix and my newly purchased original Scuba and they have the exact body and sleeve length, the only difference being the width (the Scuba being 2" narrower). I'm really happy to have bought one Scuba that fits me well!

Anonymous said...

My daughter tried on the new scuba yesterday and it looked ridiculous. She is 5'8" and while the sleeves were long enough, the very small pockets hit her right under the rib cage. Sizing up to a 6 did not help. Sounds like they fit right for some, though, so if interested, def try on first!

Laurie said...

I was pleasantly surprised. I live 2 hours from the nearest store but made a trip out of town today. I went with intentions to buy a Scuba as it's finally getting cold in Illinois.

I still ended up buying the "older" style Scuba in the grey ziggy stripe pattern (didn't care for the colors of the Stretch they had in stock). But was surprised as the Scuba Stretch actually did fit better. I do wish it had the extra length like the "older" style. But the Stretch hugged my body better.

I wish they could combine the two. Longer length, body-hugging like the Stretch, and with a heavy/thick hood like the older styles would be perfect.