Sting Proof Bee Suit

[Pansypots]

Having recently had a massive localised reaction to a sting on my wrist (I was digging in the veg patch when the little blighter crawled up my sleeve!), my GP has advised me to very careful around my hives. He initially suggested I might want to reconsider bee keeping but I think the look of horror on my face told him that this was unlikely to happen so he suggested have a look for better protection. Anyway I’ve been looking at sting ‘proof’ bee suits and there are several on the market ranging from ridiculously expensive to quite reasonable. This is the most reasonably priced and its uk/ Welsh made so this pleases me! Sentinel Queen Bee Women’s Beekeeping Suit
Has anyone got a view or experience of these suits (or any others)?

 

[drex]

I got the man's version at start of last season. Really pleased with it. No stings at all, and I usually get a few each season. A bit bulky to get into, due to the foam sandwich, but soon get used to it. Kept me nice and cool during hot weather. ( main reason I got it). Now my main suit in home apiary, using my BB wear for out work. Well made, with good service

 

[Murox]

I have their jacket in use for over a year - brilliant. The sizing is generous, and when I emailed an initial enquiry they replied offering sale or return.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Many on here have them, good feedback overall on the suits. Ian is very approachable and the customer service is good. Sorry to disappoint though - it would be nice if they were Welsh made - they're not, they're made in Eastern Europe. Same plae as he sources his wax foundation (Slovenia I think Ian told me)

 

[GuyNir]

I can only help with what not to buy...
I bought the Swienty Breeze suit last year and got stung through it.

 

[gmonag]

Having recently had a massive localised reaction to a sting on my wrist (I was digging in the veg patch when the little blighter crawled up my sleeve!), my GP has advised me to very careful around my hives. He initially suggested I might want to reconsider bee keeping but I think the look of horror on my face told him that this was unlikely to happen so he suggested have a look for better protection. Anyway I’ve been looking at sting ‘proof’ bee suits and there are several on the market ranging from ridiculously expensive to quite reasonable. This is the most reasonably priced and its uk/ Welsh made so this pleases me! Sentinel Queen Bee Women’s Beekeeping Suit
Has anyone got a view or experience of these suits (or any others)?

Yes I have the Sentinal Pro II. Zero stings through the suit, great veil, cool in hot weather. Recommended

 

[Beernie]

Hi, this was my first year bee keeping and so as extra protection I purchased the sentinel bee suit. I bought a purple one and as I’m between sizes I got the larger size which helps me move without any fear of unwelcome rips on any excessive bending. positive - I feel completely relaxed wearing it, even when they ping me on my veil when completely fed up with my novice fumblings. For consideration- It only has a one year warranty unlike other similar prices suits. The side pockets would be better with zips to stop items falling out and I wonder if the visibility through the mesh could be improved upon. But overall a big sting free thumbs up for me!

 

[pargyle]

I've had the jacket for a year ..used it all through this season .. it's a really comfortable jacket to wear - once you get used to the relative bulk of it. Tends to catch on things and in places (around the cuffs for instance) it looks a bit fluffy but it doesn't affect the performance. I have a spare jacket and both types of veil .. one of the best veils I have come across. The cuffs are held closed with velcro tighteners so you will need long cuff gloves to go up inside the sleeve - I use Marigolds - the suit does not have elasticated cuffs. Having said that I've never had a bee crawl up the sleeve. There are some well thought out features on it... the metal stiffener around the round hood veil keeps the veil well away from your face. The veil mesh (I think) is Kevlar ... very good and good visibilty. I tend to have long sleeve shirts under my jacket so I'm pretty much sting proof but I've not had any concerns about the jacket being completely sting proof. As has been said it's also a very cool jacket to wear. You might consider a jacket alone which would save you a lot of money and use it with a pair of cotton workmens bib and brace trousers which are very cheap. I just wear mine with my usual jeans or whatever as I've never been stung through them by my bees.

If you come across the bees from hell then your existing full suit without the hood and a Sentinel Pro jacket on top would be nuclear proof.

Thoroughly recommend them and nice and very helpful to deal with.

 

[tom8400]

It is not sting proof at all you will need disposable gloves underneath their gloves or you will get stung through and unless you have clothing underneath you may get stung. Basically if wearing shorts you may still get stung I have been twice arm and leg but I wear it a lot in t shirt and shorts.

Great suit far better than cheap suits but I wouldnt purchase anything from them again as the customer care is awful one of the gloves had a blatant manufacturing fault and Ian would not listen at all, shame as it's a good product

 

[gmonag]

Are we talking about the same suit?!!

 

[pargyle]

It is not sting proof at all you will need disposable gloves underneath their gloves or you will get stung through and unless you have clothing underneath you may get stung. Basically if wearing shorts you may still get stung I have been twice arm and leg but I wear it a lot in t shirt and shorts.

Great suit far better than cheap suits but I wouldnt purchase anything from them again as the customer care is awful one of the gloves had a blatant manufacturing fault and Ian would not listen at all, shame as it's a good product

I don't like leather gloves, I use Marigolds with disposable vinyls on top - totally sting proof ... and I can see that the sentinel pro material used as a backing for the gloves (whilst a good idea to stop your hands sweating) is probably a step too far. Are you saying that you have been stung through the actual suit ?

Also your experience with Ian is completely at odds with my experience ... I wasn't sure about the first veil I had ordered and he just sent me another one to try on a sale or return basis ... brilliant service - I kept both veils and bought another jacket to go with it.

 

[steve1958]

I have several of these sting proof suits.
The cheapest that I purchased from eb@y has been as good as my more expensive one.

One observation I have made is that the bees do appear to prefer them.
They are able to walk/crawl on them without getting caught up in fibres and thus panicking.

I can thoroughly recommend this style of beesuit

 

[Apple]

Sting proof suit maybe...
the followers will get you when you unzip the hood!

If you are that allergic a desentisation course is a must do!
Then at least the consequence of a sting may not be life threatening.
Consider Carp fishing as a hobby.
Not negotiable I am afraid.
SWMBO almost died as a result of a bee sting... TWICE!!
Another chap who used to post on here very sadly lost his young son to a bee sting.
Don't mess with bees.
Sorry.. not intended to be antagonistic.

Chons da

 

[drex]

In the very hot weather I wore my sentinel pro ( full suit. You will be glad to hear) just over underpants. No stings. For me it IS sting proof

 

[steve1958]

When I started beekeeping I too suffered bad localised reactions to beestings. Nothing life threatening fortunately.
Over that first season I managed to get stung a few times, and each time the reaction was less than before.
If my Dr had advised me to stop beekeeping I would have.
But like yourself the advise I was given was to be careful.
To this end I would always wear my beesuit, resisting the urge to just take a quick look under the roof.
I also made sure I had someone with me when I went to visit the bees, just in case.

 

[BugsInABox]

Nasty local reaction uncomfortable but rarely life threatening, unless you swallow one I suppose. What you want to know is what are the chances of a local reaction developing into systemic life threatening allergy. Your GP won’t know, so will sensibly give cautious advice.
Ask for a referral to an allergy specialist.
BIAB

 

[Newbeeneil]

I have several of these sting proof suits.
The cheapest that I purchased from eb@y has been as good as my more expensive one.

One observation I have made is that the bees do appear to prefer them.
They are able to walk/crawl on them without getting caught up in fibres and thus panicking.

I can thoroughly recommend this style of beesuit

I have a full Ozarnour suit and a cheap jacket bought at the National Honey Show direct from the Pakistani manufacturer. Both are brilliant as I'm sure the Sentinel is. Working in hot weather is no sweat with these.
I have however been stung once through the Ozarmour when dressed in my shorts and bending. This obviously stretched the weave and one lady managed to take advantage to sting the top of my leg.

 

[The Poot]

I have a full Ozarnour suit and a cheap jacket bought at the National Honey Show direct from the Pakistani manufacturer. Both are brilliant as I'm sure the Sentinel is. Working in hot weather is no sweat with these.
I have however been stung once through the Ozarmour when dressed in my shorts and bending. This obviously stretched the weave and one lady managed to take advantage to sting the top of my leg.

The temptation was just too great...

 

[GuyNir]

I have a full Ozarnour suit and a cheap jacket bought at the National Honey Show direct from the Pakistani manufacturer. Both are brilliant as I'm sure the Sentinel is. Working in hot weather is no sweat with these.
I have however been stung once through the Ozarmour when dressed in my shorts and bending. This obviously stretched the weave and one lady managed to take advantage to sting the top of my leg.

I also think all the stings (4-5 within couple of week) I got wearing my Swienty Breeze was when the weave was stretched.

 

[Pansypots]

Many on here have them, good feedback overall on the suits. Ian is very approachable and the customer service is good. Sorry to disappoint though - it would be nice if they were Welsh made - they're not, they're made in Eastern Europe. Same plae as he sources his wax foundation (Slovenia I think Ian told me)

Well that’s disappointing.