The Bottom Line
Pros
- Economical price
- Full coverage - very comforting for the beginning beekeeper
- Flexible sizing thanks to elastic cuffs
- Durable fabric
Cons
- May be hot if you live in a warm climate
- Coveralls - one-piece - can't just wear a jacket with different pants
- Veil zips on so you may not be able to use it separately (bees could climb into it)
Description
- Built-in hood and veil zippers onto main suit
- Elastic at wrists and ankles with adjustable Velcro tab
- Cotton polyester blend
- Handy pockets
Guide Review - Mann Lake LTD Economy Bee Suit Review
This cotton-poly blend bee suit from Mann Lake LTD provides one-piece protection for the backyard beekeeper. It's a set of coveralls with pockets aplenty, elastic around the wrists and ankles, and a zip-on one-piece veil and hood combo (no hat).
Sizing: My husband is 5'11" with a 41" chest and I'm 5'5" with a 36" chest. We both plan to work with the bees. After talking with Mann Lake LTD customer service, we went with a medium. Yes, I'm swimming in it - but because of the Velcro-adjustable elastic wrist and ankle cuffs, I will still be safe from bee stings. And it's still manageable for walking in and moving around. I think I might take a light-colored piece of rope or cloth and tie it around the waist to hike up the pants so I don't have droopy drawers, but otherwise it's totally manageable. It fits my husband perfectly.
Material: Cotton-poly blend isn't my first choice in clothing material, but this is a nice combo of softness and durability for a bee suit. I give it a thumbs-up.
Veil and hood: I think the veil/hood combo works well. I am a novice beekeeper, so I haven't tried the other style of veil and helmet, where you have a hat with a separate veil. But visibility was good and the veil and hood zip onto the bee suit with an extra flap where the zipper ends for extra-good protection.
All in all, this is a durable, comfortable bee suit at a great price - especially for a beginner who wants a full-coverage suit with veil and hood.
