jackets & suits w/ veils, 100% cotton

[dandelion]

October 3, 2005: I plan to resume offering these jackets in March 2006.

Thanks to all my previous customers for their feedback!

Alejandro Berlin
Alchemy Farm, LLC
alchemyfarmllc@earthlink.net

[lostcowboy]

Hi, The price $34 sounds good. But why if I use paypal you don't want it funded by a credit card? I have never used paypal, nor do I know you. Would not using a credit card give me some protection?

[dandelion]

The account I have with Paypal is called a Personal account (it's free), as oppose to a Commercial Account.
With a Personal account I can only receive payments from other Paypal members or custumers, if they fund the payments with what they have in their Paypal acounts or bank accounts, not by a credit card. It's a limitation imposed by Paypal, and by my refusal to pay more money to them and the credit cards, if I were to get a Commercial account and accept those credit card payments.
As for whether a credit card payment would "protect" you in any way... I just don't know.
Take care,
Alejandro Berlin

Please note that I no longer accept payments via Paypal.

[This message has been edited by dandelion (edited June 09, 2004).]

[scottybee]

Lostcowboy:
I just bought one of these jackets from dandilion, and I have to say I love it . he was really fast in the shipping too!
scott

[ctackett9]

I got one of his jackets also, fast shipping, great price and well built jacket, couldn't be happier.

[wjw777]

Hi Dandelion,
Received my beejacket today . I have one question i wish you would answer. How in the world do you get the post office to ship your packages to us so fast. Do you have some secret we should know. I really love the jacket and plan to order another in a smaller size in a week or two they are great .I tried it out today and really loved it compared to my full beesuit. thanks again really loved the beejacket
\ Respectifully yours
Walt

[BULLSEYE BILL]

dandelion,
How do you pronounce your first name?
Bill

[Michael Bush]

My guess is except for the "j" that would be a bit of a slight gutteral "h" sound, it's just like it's spelled. http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif "ah lah hen drow"?

Unless he prefers some Anglocized version of it.

I know I used to work with a hispanic man named Manuel. I would have guessed it was "mon well" but he pronounced it "man yall".

[dandelion]

Bullseye Bill,
Would Alex make it any easier...? Take your pick. People call me both ways. And Ale too, but that perhaps sounds more like "Aleh", and not like "Ali".
Take care,
A...

------------------

[BULLSEYE BILL]

Yeah, I can deal with Alex, I like Ale too, mostly to drink though. Aleh (All-lee)is cool. Ali, like Babba, I don't know...

I get toung tied easily, when I saw your signature I got brain tied.

Still knotted up, Bill

[Zeke]

Alex ,
do you wear the helmet over the veil ??
i am guessing you do ??
having looked at the picture of the jacket
what would keep bees from getting under the helmet ??
maybe this is kinda a dumb ? but was curuios .
Zeke

[Michael Bush]

Most of these type have a helmet UNDER the veil. The helmets usually have some kind of hook to catch the veil from riding up.

[Zeke]

interesting ,
i have one of Mann lakes jackets (with the zippered veil ) it works pretty good except for windy days the veil is alawys blowing back against my face .
(Micheal B. check your reg.mail :)...)
Zeke

[dandelion]

Zeke,
As Michael says, the helmet goes inside. Only the top round part of it sticks out, like half a football. I use mine with a straw beekeeping helmet that has no hooks and I never had a problem of it slipping. I also have a hard canvas helmet (from Walter T Kelly) with 4 little hooks, but I did not made the switch yet. I don't have a problem with windy days either. At the bottom of the veil, there is a loop of what feels like a 14 ga or so wire (inside the fabric) which keeps it wide open. Perhaps this would be more clear on a picture. I'll try to get a close up picture and send it your way.
As for what keeps bees from getting under the helmet... The hole in the top of the veil, through which the top to the helmet pops out, has an elastic that makes the "seal".
Take care,
Alex

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[This message has been edited by dandelion (edited June 01, 2003).]

[Wendy]

Are the holes in the veil screen small enough to keep out mosquitos too? It's difficult to work the bees when you have a veil full of mosquitos.

[dandelion]

Wendy,
They have a regular screen, size 18x16, which is what is used for windows. That one will keep mosquitoes out. There is also a veil available in 9x9 screen, which will not.

XXXXXX 9x9 Discontinued!!! XXXXXX


Alejandro

------------------


[This message has been edited by dandelion (edited August 09, 2003).]

[dandelion]

Jackets are still available!!!
Alejandro

[wishthecuttlefish]

I just got one of these jackets. They are fantastic and the delivery was very fast. I highly recommend them. They are very well made with excellent quality material.


Kai

[John Buckner]

Just received my jacket.
It's exactly as advertised and a great bargain. I sent a personal check and it was here in five business days.

[Sungold]

I ordered and received one of these jackets this week. The jacket is everthing and "more than I expected". I paid a lot more for another jacket and this one is every bit as good or better. If you are considering buying one of these, my only advise to you would be- don't wait buy one before it's too late. ( I ordered a size large and it fits perfectly, sizing is right on). cj

[Skip Robb]

Thanks Alejandro, my beejacket was delivered quickly,the sizeing is accurate. I ordered XL and it fits just right. Nice tough material. The elastic around the helmet,wrists, and waste is sturdy & snug. I fits my standard white mesh pith helmet with hooks perfictly. If you find out they make BEE-PANTS too let us know.
Skip Robb

[BjornBee]

can anyone answer if the x-lg size would fit a person in the 6'3" and 250lb range with 56-58 normal jacket size?
Thnak-you.

[dandelion]

BjornBee,
Someone that took an XL told me the following:
My height is 5'11" and my weight is 205lbs. The XL jacket fits me with room to spare....Not to big just nice and roomy.

Now 6 3", and 250 is quite a bit more. I think the XL might be too not be big enough. If I can get some XXL I'll let you know. It will not be sooner than early January though.

Take care,
Alejandro

[dandelion]

I still have these great jackets available!


------------------

[txbeeguy]

I've bought a couple of these jackets (they require the woven 'helmet'). I would give them my own personal endorsement (for what's THAT worth). They're good for use in an AHB area. They have excellent material quality and great workmanship (sewing) and the price is certainly right! The thing I like best about them, is they don't "bind" you around the neck area - their design is such that you have plenty of space inside the jacket.

[BeeBear]

Just to add my endorsement to this thread ... I ordered one of these and received it one week after I mailed the check, which hasn't even cleared the bank yet. I am very pleased with the quality.

[Kevin123]

What would be a good size for me im 5 11 and 150 lbs im thinking a medium.

[dandelion]

On Sizing....

The jackets are very loose. And are fine for men or women.
I would say it's best to think of pounds. I'm 5' 7", 145 lb and use a M.

Based on some of my previous buyers, a person 100 to 130 lb could use S, 130 to 160 M, 160 to 190 L, and 190 to 220 XL. Now (after 4/04) I also have 2XL.

Take care,
Alejandro. Alchemy Farm, LLC


------------------

[Kevin123]

So a M would be good for me?

[Flewster]

Just got mine today and I am totaly THRILLED with it..........THANK YOU for such a great product at such a great price......

Wayne

[djuniorfan8]

Could you get tall sizes, I'm 6'6" 245lbs. I wear a 50 coat with 38" sleeves. (yes i know i'm a giant!)

[djuniorfan8]

I need a hive jacket as well. Got anything for a 6ft 6inch 245lb guy? My coat size is 50 with a 38inch sleeve. - Tim

[VenDexter]

All I can say is WOW!

I contacted Mr. Berlin on Monday (08/30/04) regarding a jacket. I mailed the payment that afternoon after work and I received my jacket today (09/02/04). Not an easy feat if you ask me since that means the turnaround from Oklahoma to New Jersey was only 3 days.

The jacket fits loosely and comfortably, is made from high quality materials, and the seams are all stitched nicely. The veil zips on and off easily. The front pocket is a nice feature which will help me keep from misplacing my hive tool repeatedly while working the bees.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the jacket and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for one.

Thanks Alejandro!

Steve
steve@vendexter.com

[dandelion]

[topbee]

Alex,

I would like one of your jackets, but I am unsure as to the size needed. Somethings I wear a XL and others 2XL. Do you have anything I could give you in order to the size needed.

Thanks
Tony

[dandelion]

Tony,
The best I can tell you is to look at my message of April 2004 on sizing, right on this string, a few lines up.
Take care,
Alex

[Knoefler]

do you take credit card?

[Chef Isaac]

Alex:

Do you have XL still available? Do you have anymore 2xls?

[Jerry J]

Alex, Outstanding Service and a outstanding Product. I can't even get mail across town in the time you sent my Jacket.
Others interested,I purchased a XL, 6'3", 230 lbs. Was worried about the sleeve length (usually wear 35") No problem with this Jacket, Also length of jacket goes down over my rear with elastic.If we hadn't got 5" of snow last night I would go check a Hive. Thanks Jerry

[riverbee]

What are folks using for pants? Alex, it seems this would be a wonderful resource to add for sale if available.

[dandelion]

Thanks for all the good feedback.
I do not take credit cards, in part to save me a headacke, and in part to offer the jackets at a cheaper price. In any case, as you see from messages above the shipping is pretty fast.
I do not carry pants but soon I might offer full suits in this site.
Take care,
Alejandro Berlin
Alchemy Farm, LLC

[Sundance]

Alejandro......... I understand you have the "English" style as well. How much are they and what sizes are avaiable?

You may consider "PayPal" to make buying easier. You can just get a personal account and there are no fees. You can't take credit cards but the transfer of $$$ is fast and secure. Just a thought....

[dandelion]

Bruce,
I might set up a different ad soon for the other model. They are $45 in regular sizes and $48 in the 2 to 4XL.
They have a front zipper and a hood-veil that does not require a helmet. Shipping is $9.
Sorry about not accepting Pay Pal. I can not get payments for my LLC on a personal (free) account.
Take care,
Alejandro

[Alexx Sa'Kewl]

Hi, Alejandro,


I want to order a few of your jackets ( 3 or 4) but I would like to see a picture of the 2 -3 x English jacket. My father is a "giant" like djuniorfan8 too, but I am nervouse that it won't fit him properly. ( & what do we do if It does not?)

Also I was wondering do you have any of the child jackets - that would be my 4th jacket to get if you have..?

Thanks for your speedly reply,
Alexx

[Alexx Sa'Kewl]

Hi, Alejandro,


I want to order a few of your jackets ( 3 or 4) but I would like to see a picture of the 2 -3 x English jacket. My father is a "giant" like djuniorfan8 too, but I am nervouse that it won't fit him properly. ( & what do we do if It does not?)

Also I was wondering do you have any of the child jackets - that would be my 4th jacket to get if you have..?

Thanks for your speedy reply,
Alexx

[SippyBees]

So... can I order the zip-up jacket now? Do you have them? I bought the pullover type before, and I will say it is WELL MADE... not flimsy...I would say heavy duty.... BUT, I sure wish it had a zip up front. I was going to try and convert it, but it will require removing the entire hood zipper to do it... I thought it was just too much trouble. Only complaint I can think of is the veil has something like "door screen" for the mesh screen... it is not stiff, and as it bends/folds while you are working is a pain to see through... but for the money is the best I have found.

[Sundance]

Yes he has the english style in...... Simular to the Mann lake Pollinator. They are $45.00 for reg sizes and $48.00 for big boys like me. Heck of a price.

I ordered one as I hate pullovers and helmets.

[dandelion]

Alexx,
I sent you a private message yesterday or the day before.
You can return any item and get a refund for the cost of such item ($34 for a regular jacket or $36.50 for the 2XL) . You would have to pay for the return shiping cost. I think this is standard policy for items bought by mail.

Children sizes: I might be able to offer Full suits soon, at $55 and $60 depending on size. More to come soon.

Alejandro
Alchemy Farm, LLC

[wjw777]

Hey Guys,
I bought the English style jacket a few weeks ago from Dandlion , I just love it, the front zipper is a dream when taking off. and the quailty is the best i seen. Thanks Dandelion for selling such a great jacket.
Yours in the Hobby
Im 6'6 240 and there is plenty of room with an xx2 size .

[isaberg]

I can't believe I spent all that money on a huge full-body bee suit; this one is comfy, well-made, actually fits females, and an amazingly good price. The other is going on e-bay; this one I keep!

Thank you!

[dandelion]

I have added two links to my first message (in page 1 of this string) with information on the new hatless Apollo Half and Full suits. Check them out!
Alejandro

[Sundance]

Just got my Apollo Bee Jacket (english style) and am adding my 2 thumbs up. Nicely made and good quality cuffs, zippers, etc. 8 oz. cottom feels nice and should breath nice.

I am a BIG man at 5' 11" and 280# and the XXL is plenty roomy and not at all binding.

[the buzz]

hi alex,
do you ship to canada?

[dandelion]

the buzz,
I never did. And I don't know what the procedure with customs and shipping rates might be for commercial stuff. Sorry.
But if you want to consider being a dealer there, I would consider finding out what it takes to send a bulk order.

Alejandro

[nhbeekeeper]

dandelion

put a link up for your vented gloves too! i got a pair for my sister and she LOVES them. very nice quality.

[vladb]

Talk about quick turnaround time! I mailed my check on Saturday, May 7th - and it was received on Tuesday, May 10th. My order of 2 Apollo Halfsuites was shipped same day via USPS Priority (2-3 days) and I received the package on Thursday, May 12th! And this is going coast to coast. Pretty amazing! Thanks for same day shipping, without even waiting for my check to clear!

Vladimir.

[Lechwe]

For those of you with the apollo jacket, how hot or cool is it to wear during the summer while working your bees. I am thinking about getting one because the feedback sounds great. Also how well are the elastic cuffs holding up after washing?

Thanks

[wjw777]

Hi Lechwe,
Just viewed your pictures , very impressive. Really enjoyed them. May I ask why you have an inner cover in between the two hive bodies on the swarm you caught ,this was the last picture you posted . Were the swarms yours? That one was a nice one , nice yellow bees .
Yours in our great hobby
Walt

[wjw777]

Lechwe,
Sorry ,the Apollo half suit is alot better than full suit easy to get into and out of. I think its cooler ,you dont feel like your wrapped in a big sheet . I love mine.
Walt

[Lechwe]

wjw777,

Thanks for the reply on the Apollo. I think I will get one after all.

The swarms you see are not mine. I was at another beekeepers and while there one of his hives absconded right in front of us. The picture you are referring to is my package hive from last year. The top box is actually empty and has my gallon feeder in it. I just put the box around it so the wind wouldn't blow it off. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I have not taken any yet this year and want to start again.

D

[Flewster]

I am sorry but can't find where the prices ro sizes are as it seems that this thread has lost quite a few entries..........I need one for my son......a large........do you take paypal?...........I ordered before from you nad LOVE my suit and want to get him one....

[dandelion]

Flewster,
Just go to the first message on the first page of this string. You will find all the info there. Now I have three models to choose from.
I do not accept Pay Pal, sorry.
Alejandro

[Flewster]

Thanks....funny but that was not there yesterday......must have been my computer....weird

[redhawknc1]

Very fast shipping from this guy! Purchased the Apollo Jacket and veil along with the ventilated gloves! The quality is great! Very well constructed! Love the fit on the jacket and the English style veil! Fully reccomend this jacket! Will be using it today! The gloves are just as great! Very long ventilated sleeves with high quality gloves! Feel like I will be well protected when needed with these 2! And the price is great! Thanks Alejandro!

[HRM]

dandelion

put a link up for your vented gloves too! i got a pair for my sister and she LOVES them. very nice quality.

--------------------
NH Beekeeper I emailed Alejandro to check availability of 2X half Apollos and inquire about the gloves and he sent me photos. He told me he only has them from time to time.

I'm sending off a check today. Thanks again. Alejandro, if you need this updated or want to add something, I will be happy to do so. I hope you don't mind. I think it will help with business. It helped me.

[Brady]

Hello Alejandro,

I need to order two full suits.

Questions...

Is a hat required with the hood?

Do you have gloves available?

I`m 165 #`s and 5'10"...what size is best?
(I will need a larger size for helper)

I`m in the pest control buisness and rarely have to deal with bees. Normally I have my customers call a bee keeper but when they nest in hollow blocks, or a person is known to be allergic to bee stings, I may have to eradicate the bees, and they sure can be aggressive when doing so...

Full suits and gloves required...

954-558-7477

Brady Mitchell
Absolute Environmental Exterminating

[marsue]

Just received my large pull over jacket. Fits perfect and looks and feels great. 5'11", 185#, small frame. Quick service.

Martin

[dandelion]

Please note that as posted in my first message on the first page of this thread, there will be no shipments between July 7 and July 15.
Thank you.
Alejandro Berlin
Alchemy Farm, LLC

[HRM]

One day transit for me too, thank you. THe XXL is plenty large, bigger than expected which is great for wearing over a jacket in the spring or fall. I'm very happy to retire my clown suit.

http://www.beesource.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004040;p=1#0000 24

[Brady]

Super service Alejandro!

I mailed a check out last friday and received my 2 suits today...that being over the holiday weekend is astonishing.

Thanks, Brady

[Barry Digman]

Got my full suit and a half suit yesterday. Very nice.

[Sundance]

Update on the Apollo English style jacket.

Although the body of this jacket is made well the zippers are of very poor quality!!

The hood has 2 zippers. The teeth fell off in sections on both sides. I had to sew it on. The jacket has not seen abuse and was washed only 1 time on gentle tumble cycle and line dried. The hood has not been washed.

Too bad they put such a poor quality zipper on a fairly nice coat.

I am going to check to see what it would cost to have someone sew in a quality zipper for the hood.

No problems with the front zipper yet but is looks suspect.

Hope you all have better luck..........

[Joel]

Often things that appear cheap in the begining turn out to be just that in long run!

[Sundance]

As I said Joel, it is too bad such a well made jacket (fabric, cuffs, hood) has such a poor zipper system.

If you are handy with a sewing machine. Buy the coat, remove the existing hood zippers and throw them away. Install a high quality zipper. You'll still be dollars ahead and will have a nice jacket.

I also want to add the I contacted Alejandro by email when the first side of the hood zippers failed. He was unaware of a zipper problem and could offer no suggestions.

I would gladly pay an extra $5 or $10 for a coat with a quality zipper.

Mine may be a fluke but I doubt it.

[Joel]

We are field testing our line with another migratory beekeeper as well as in our own operation. We're pretty happy with them so far but I still will not sell the 1st one until it has survived a season with me. I'm hard on equipment because I'm in it all the time. If I don't break it I know it's good. I'm curious as to the make of the zippers. We've had good luck with the YKK make. I don't know when you purchased yours but if we sold one that was having problems I would have a suggestion when you called "may we replace it or refund your money". Good luck with the repairs, a leaky veil is a pressing problem.

[Sundance]

The zippers on the hood/veil is marked LYN and the coat front zipper is marked lynsa. Did a Google search and found nothing on this brand

The zipper lost a couple more teeth last night!!! Now zippers that were originally 19" long each are sewn down to 6" and 8". I have to treat it like a pull on (which I hate).

I contacted a local seamstress and she is booked out 2 weeks!! And she would not give me even a rough idea on the cost.

I fear the cost of repair is more than the coat is worth?

Maybe I could duct tape it on??? :mad:

I am going to the "big" city this weekend and will bring the coat and get zippers and perhaps try sewing them on myself.

Peraps Velcro.............

[Sundance]

Update...........

I found a local lady that will sew in YKK metal zippers for $10.00 each side. That's only $20.00 for zippers and labor!!

Add $20.00 cost to the $56.00 price I paid and it still ain't a bad coat.

Mind you I would rather have not had to replace the zippers after a half dozen wearings........ And would gladly pay an extra $15.00 on the front end for quality zippers.

[Dan Williamson]

I've got the jacket with veil. I've worn it every trip to work the bees this year and have washed it a few times. I've had no problems and would buy another. I think it's a great jacket.

Maybe you just got the one bad zipper out of 100.

Just my personal experience and I have no affiliation with those selling these jackets.

Dan

[Joel]

I've had trouble with plastic zippers in the past on a much more expensive suit than this. I've ruined metal zippers too due to the constant use and stress of our operation. I don't think that reflects on the seller, I'm a menace to a beesuit zipper. Still IMO there is more to customer service than Sundance got considering he bought it this year and used it 6 times. I expect a little more for my hard earned money. When a seller sets a price he/she should figure in a cost for replacements or refunds which always happen when you sell in quantity. I would rather pay a little more with someone who stands behind their goods past a quick shipping than go cheap and be the one in a hundred frustrated because I got the bad one and the seller doesn't back up his product. At any rate let's see if Sundance breaks those YKK's.

[Sundance]

Dan......... Did you get the Apollo or the pull over?? If you got the Apollo then feel blessed.

2 out of 2 zippers failing in short order is more than a fluke. As I said this was washed only once (coat only not the veil) and line dried. Don't know how I could have been more careful with it.

[Dan Williamson]

>>Still IMO there is more to customer service than Sundance got considering he bought it this year and used it 6 times.

No argument from me.

>>I would rather pay a little more with someone who stands behind their goods....

I couldn't agree more!

>>Did you get the Apollo or the pull over??

I didn't realize there were two kinds. Mine is a pull over jacket/veil. The only zipper goes around the veil. (Maybe that is why I didn't have a problem... not much stress there!)

>>2 out of 2 zippers failing in short order...

I should have read more closely... I thought it was just 1.

>>is more than a fluke.

I'm not defending anyone or any product but I would like to know if others are having the same problem.... If so then I agree.

My pullover has worked for me....I know the frustration of getting a product that is far below expectation! I hope your new zipper works out much better! Happy Beekeeping!

Dan

[Sundance]

The quality of every other component of the caot seems very nice. I am disappointed, but not devestated.

I too would have appreciated more customer service from the supplier. He was fantastic up to that point.

As I said, I will have $76.00 into the coat when done. Not too bad, just a hassle.

I am also having a couple of elastic tool loops sewn in and velcro closures on the pockets to keep the hive tool from constantly falling out.

[Marta]

On Monday, I sent a request for one of these bee jackets via snail mail(from UT to NJ). I received my jacket on Saturday OF THE SAME WEEK!! I do not know how it is possible for Alejandro to provide such incredibly fast service. My sister ordered two a day after me and received hers on Saturday also.

Regarding the suit itself, it IS roomy, comfortable and it breathes beautifully. I certainly prefer it to my all-in-one suit. Construction is excellent. Price can't "bee" beat.

Thanks Alenjandro!

[Sundance]

Now if he handled customer service as well as he handles shipping.........

[Bee-wildered]

Dandelion,
I sent a check for 2 jackets last Monday and received them Saturday of the same week-awesome turnaround time.
My spouse got into my hives on Saturday (one of the jackets was for him). He said it was so much cooler than the polyester suit that he has been using.
Thanks for great pricing and great product!
Vickie

[Bee-wildered]

Awesome product-received my order on Saturday (sent check on Monday)amazing shipping!
Thanks!

[power napper]

Zippers--the biggest and the best zipper making company in the world "used" to be in Meadville Pennsylvania. Talon is the name of the company. Fifteen years ago all good jackets and things with zippers had the Talon name on the pull. Imports and "cheapies" put them out of the market. Talon zippers outlasted the product.

[dandelion]

As posted on the first page of this string I will stop offering these suits at the end of September.
I plan to resume at some point during next Spring.
Alejandro

[sweetpea]

Alexandro, my bee jacket was perfect. The fit, the promptness, the padding on the shoulders and across the back was impressive. I would certainly purchase from you again. :D

[GaSteve]

>I found a local lady that will sew in YKK metal zippers for $10.00 each side. That's only $20.00 for zippers and labor!!

YKK makes the best zippers anywhere. OK, I'm a little biased as they are made right here in Macon, GA. Not sure how much longer they will be around though. Chinese imports are hitting them hard.

Can you say "Don't shop at Wal-Mart!"

[Sundance]

Lets hope that YKK can survive the import onslaught!!

[squarehead]

Dandelion are you taking orders for this year?

[Todd Zeiner]

I just received a pullover jacket I ordered. As of two weeks ago he is still selling them. His prices have increased slightly from the original post. Just send him an email for current prices, that's what I did. This is my second jacket from him. Great products as far as I'm concerned.