VENTILATED BEE SUITS: Humble Bee VS. Mann Lake

#96: A THOROUGH review and comparison of ventilated bee suits by Humble Bee and Mann Lake. In this video we compare ALL of the features of each bee suit, especially functionality, comfort, and protection from bee stings. If you are a beginning beekeeper (or have been a beekeeper for a while and just need a new bee suit), we hopefully this might be a helpful video so you can invest wisely in new equipment. Beekeeping can be expensive, so making the right choice on equipment from the start is important. +AMDG
#beekeeping
#honeybees
#beesuit

[@CarienDuPlooy1]

It is wonderful that you've taken the time to go through these suit options in such practical detail. Thank you for your attention to detail. Very, very helpful!

[@StIsidoresFarm]

CarienDuPlooy1 Very Happy to hear it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback.

[@ringwood]

Thanks for taking the time to review and post this. It was a big help.

[@shanardlangston4255]

This is very helpful I'm glad you gave us a visual and description.

[@CanadianDirt]

Hey, just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to be so detailed on this review. I’m not doing another summer without a vented suit, and am really glad to have seen your review first.

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Thanks for the feedback! God bless!

[@bebefreed]

Great, and very useful detailed comparison! Thank you.

[@andikerr3809]

Awesome everything one needs to pay attention to your description is very easy to follow as well clear and detailed Thank you

[@joebob7344]

Very good reviews,thanks for the attention to detail.

[@taytus]

This was an AWESOME review! Thank you for sharing

[@smg5052]

Thank you for the comprehensive comparison. It was extremely helpful and now I know which suit to buy!

[@ferdousalam6801]

How can collect im in dubai

[@rgriffith2006]

Great video. Thanks a bunch! As others have said, nothing can replace this kind of real, practical review where you bring up the things that are important and how the suits address them. I live in North Florida where it gets scorching hot as well. I was going to get a canvas suit (for full protection) but I see the ventilated suit has the cargo net stand-off just like the old Bug Tamer jackets. It instantly made me think of bowhunting in August, eyes closed, praying for just one more slight breeze. The canvas would have been miserable/downright dangerous in the heat if I'd gone that route. Looks like the Mann Lake ventilated suit protects just fine. Thanks for taking the time to hook us up!!

[@StIsidoresFarm]

We're glad it could help. The Mann Lake suit is great. Just wish we hadn't wasted money on the Humble Bee suits!

[@jaidenlee4128]

in in Jacksonville and have the Mann Lake vented jacket. Like mine, but I still get hot. What tips can you share to keep from getting too hot?

[@paulgodolphin2236]

Awesome video! Thanks so much. This will "bee" my first year!

[@kathygleason6913]

You did a fantastic job on this video. Thank you for your time.

[@timcaron9049]

this video came at the right time. Looking through different suppliers catalogue's does not help. I know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case it does not do justice. A video like yours was fantastic and answered a lot of questions that I had. Seeing it in action is exactly what we needed. Thanks for a great presentation. Bee safe and have a great year ahead of you. Tim

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Thanks, Tim. Yeah, we wish we had seen something like this before we bought the Humblebee suits. The cost difference isn't that great, but the difference in fit in function is pretty large. Best wishes to you as well! Brad

[@kenlucia309]

Thanks for the review very good info. here's a tip for every one. WAX your brass zipper it will work much better!

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Excellent presentation! Trying to eradicate yellow jackets on our property, got nailed by the little bastards ...stopped counting after 30 stings everywhere after cutting the grass and going over a nest that wasn't there the last time I cut. The Mann Lake looks like the ticket, additionally, when I'm getting our boat cleaned up in the spring, the wasps/hornets are always a nuisance. Had a large nest in the anchor hold and under my wife's helm chair and in the trailer tubing. Ditto to what Tim Caron mentioned, it's hard to go by just what the manufactures note on line. Thank you for a very good explanation of the differences! Tight line always! Capt. Kev

[@jjf609]

OMG if you're allergic, I'd give up beekeeping. I say this from a caring & concerned perspective.Thanks for the review. What about Oz Amour? Seeing good video reviews about this brand.

[@helenfay9465]

Great review, I am buying a cheaper suit but really appreciate your opinions about the veil type and many other features. Very helpful. Thanks.🙏✨

[@ShiningSakura]

Thanks for reviewing these, I am making my own bee suit/Jacket combo and this was very valuable information so that I know what features I want on my beekeeping wear and what to leave out. Sorry you had so many issues.... You might try with the first suit sewing new pockets on and if you can unpick the veil zipper part and move it down so you can take in the collar area of the suit and make it like your mann lake suit. you might also think about getting a different zipper at the same time since bringing it down might need more zipper length to bridge the gap. I am a seamstress so making things like this from scratch are REAL easy to do... modifying already made clothing is a bit harder, but still fairly easy most of the time... just takes extra time. It seems harder than it really is to people who don't sew, so you might look into these DIY modifications or try and find someone who could do it for you for money or in exchange for some honey/wax. Its a shame to feel regret over 2 suits, but if these were fixed it would be an asset instead of a burden.

[@covin-xp6063]

Thank you! Great video. It really helps me as plan install beehives on my property.

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Our pleasure - God bless and good luck with the bees!

[@Rastegarmma]

Thanks for the great video! I might have missed it but would you mind sharing your height and weight and what size you went with for the Mann Lake suit? I’m having a hard time determining what size I should get

[@lmacia77]

Very helpfull, thanks for the video!

[@MuffDoc69]

Good video! Thank you for doing this.

[@RaySarasin]

Nice to point out the differences thank you

[@neshak1244]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@daisyromagnoli6217]

Very helpful! Thank you

[@Trd2020]

Great review thank you Sr

[@warkennj65]

Great video. Thank you!!

[@lewisjeffreys9175]

Great review and comparison, thanks for sharing!

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Just ordered one.

[@user-eo9qj1lt9b]

Very helpful video Thank you

[@ryratsephable]

im getting into the hobby/side job of yellow jacket and wasp removal and all ive seen is people praise these mann lake suits. great video man and ill definately be ordering a suit very soon

[@FV-uu7iz]

Thanks. Very helpful!

[@StIsidoresFarm]

You're welcome!

[@TerryRossi]

Very Helpful - thank you

[@nmhvactech5474]

I have been wondering about the suits as I too am allergic to bees. But it looks like I’m going to go with mann lake for sure

[@bluemtb1]

good review. thanks. at this time I only wear a veil at this time but I do worry about getting stung. not as much of a hazard for me but I still don't like it. I have a cheap bee jacket but don't use it because it is too hot. so t- shorts and veil. I was looking at getting a vented jacket but did not want to spend the money and just leave it in the basement. So thanks again, good review. i will be checking out the mann lake.

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Glad it could be of help. Unfortunate for me, I MUST wear the suit due to bee sting allergy. Wish I didn't, but these Mann Lake suits are as comfortable as you'll be in one.

[@davidbradford2897]

Thanks for the great videos. Very informative. How often do you harvest the honey and wax?

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

my bee suit is thick. it protects very well but is warm. My gloves have a ventilated wrist portion that gives me the heebee jeebees when covered with bees because you naturally think any place with fresh air blowing on it can let the bees in. My bees are normally very well mannered. Sometimes though certain things happen that get them upset and I have to work with them when they are not doing well. Most of the time the smoke sedates them to the point where nothing is going on. But in an emergency you have to react, and a hundred stings is no fun.

[@roycarroll1856]

Awesome video sir!!

[@natserog]

great video!

[@jillmondt5398]

I would use the arm pocket as a small nozzle holder for the 5 gallons of soapy water on my back. Just a thought, because of killer bees.

[@pj2584]

Thank you for this video!!

[@pj2584]

What size is your Mann Lake suit? Thanks

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Large

[@ceciliakret6350]

Thank you for this video. I was wondering how your wife finds the sizing on the Mann Lake. I'm wondering if I wear a medium in street clothes, is the medium Provent big enough. I don't want to swim in it, but want to be able to move around well. Thanks in advance for your response.

[@pegp8590]

Do you prefer the fencing style or round hat style veils and why?

[@bradgoliphant]

Hello, bout your bee suit, do you recommend when ordering a suit to order one or two sizes up from your regular size? Would you do two or one sizes up?

[@davidhair3595]

Thank you !!

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Andy stokes bang bang chicken on the car bonnet 😭

[@charrison2005]

thank you!

[@cecildean3648]

Have you done a comparison between Mann Lake & Ultra Breeze ?

[@eddiemarek6306]

Great review. I have the humble bee vented suit as well, I have no problem with the suit, I did have to size it up, I'm 6ft with an XL. The round veil is awful, way to much skin contact with the cheap mesh, I even bought the square veil and while it is much better, a hat is still needed to keep it away from my face. I would not recommend it

[@stephen26448]

I just received my mann lake full vented suit and I am impressed with it the only thing I see is that the elastic is not so good but a little bit of tape will work I first ordered natural apiary zephyros suit and it was quality suit I found the hood a little bit too close to my face and head and it's pricey I sent it back for refund the mann lake suit is made from thicker and as good material as natural apiary zephyros suit I like the plastic zippers on mann lake better than the metal ones on the other suit and more space in the hood for comfort and mann lake suit is half the price of natural apiary zephyros suit

[@heatherneill3358]

I wish I had seen this before ordering a bee suit earlier today. Have you tried the ultra Breeze suit?

[@StIsidoresFarm]

We have not, but hopefully the one you ordered is even better than these!

[@carolannehughes2384]

Big help on selecting a suit. What's your recommendation on gloves?

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Carol Anne Hughes not really, but in my case it now seems I need something thicker to protect from stings.

[@jossenbella]

@@StIsidoresFarm I have always had good luck with the goatskin gloves from Mannlake (avoid the vented ones). I have noticed that I am vulnerable to stings on top when the sweat turns the glove gray. I change out for another pair. I have gotten stung through dry parts of the skin but it's never a full sting, a poke really with a light red spot. www.mannlakeltd.com/shop-all-categories/protective-gear/gloves/pro-grade-goatskin-gloves

[@diannaboykin7628]

I think pricing for something like this will fluctuate with season, with discounts in winter, today 3/3, HumbleBee are back to 129.95

[@pablolopezflores2040]

Can you please post the link to the Mann lake suit. I could not find the same design with the same fabric on Mann lake’s website or Amazon. It will be very helpful. I would like to by the same suit. Thank you!

[@jameskringlee8974]

the needed step up is - " + tick proof tick protection features and attachments"

[@zackdelarocha8]

Price is now $150 on their website for the Mann Lake.

[@natserog]

cant go that circle veil with Humble Bee suit ..i have 3 ultra breeze with Fencing veil.....quality and worth every penny

[@stephen26448]

Have you tried or heard of the natural apiary zephyros 3 layer vented suit I have bought one it's my first time and I have not seen a really good review of it its $250 I wish I had seen this review first my suit is nice though I have got to send it back for a better size for me but if anyone can give me there opinion on this suit It would be appreciated

[@mjhabitat6437]

nice job

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Thanks!

[@marvelous1492]

After reading the comments I see that unfortunately you aren't able to tend to your bees any longer. I do have a question though and that is which gloves did you use or recommend? I'm gearing up to become a new beekeeper this next spring so want to have everything ready before spring gets here. Thanks, Marvin

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Gloves are the one place of vulnerability for me in beekeeping. The bees can't sting me through the suit, but they can and have stung through the thin leather of the glove a few times. Now I wear double gloves - which is pretty annoying. Honestly, I'd prefer to work the hives without cloves at all - but obviously can't anymore. Truth is most hives, most of the time, are calm and won't sting if you know what you're doing. But every now and then you have to work a hive that is already mean hive and gets really pissed you're messing with them. Tough, because working the frames, you don't want bulky gloves. So I have yet to see a glove advertised as sting proof. Maybe it exists and I just haven't seen it - but I have looked. I've considered some of the rubber beekeeping gloves - wondering if those might be better. Best wishes on beekeeping. You're prudent to do research and prepare well in advance vs. just jumping into it as many do. We love working our bees - favorite thing on the farm, but it can be challenging. Rewarding, but challenging given how much there is to learn about these amazing creatures.

[@marvelous1492]

Thanks so much for this. That's kinda what I have learned so far is there are no sure ways to prevent all stings. Also like you I have researched the gloves and none claim to be sting-proof. I have been stung by honeybees but it has honestly been 30+ years so I don't know how I will react. We have a small farm in Texas with cattle and a few other odds and ends and my daughters knew I was interested in beekeeping and bought me a hive for father's day. Luckily it was too late to purchase bees so I can spend this time doing more research. If you don't mind me asking where are you located? Nice looking place there. Thanks again, Marvin

[@jagdeepsingngagan7511]

Good

[@metalkingtohorses]

I just got a canvas suit , so you're saying they can sting through the canvas, why do they make em out of canvas then, should I just wear pants and long sleeves ( its 90 outside)

[@rb3425]

What about hornet encounters?

[@Mikatagui]

Nice review. Did you try beepro suit from BJ Sherriff ? it's pretty expensive suit but looks nice, very good quality and SAFE suit wich it is very important for you. Full suit Not ventilated. thanks

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Haven' tried one, but we've seen them. They do look nice. The big issue now (for the one with severe bee sting allergy, is GLOVES that are sting proof.

[@Mikatagui]

Thanks for your answer. which gloves do u recomend with severe bee sting?

[@chipfriday8166]

As an e.r.doc practicing since 1980, strongly suggest you rethink your advocation. True anaphylactic shock comes on fast and is lethal. Never go into bee yard alone. Make sure everyone with you can preform CPR. If 911 is called, do not hang up phone unless instructed. Make sure your EMS has copy of where exactly your bee yard is located. Tell Dispatch early in conversation you are short of breath and you have a history of anaphylactic shock. Strongly advise a purchase of small oxygen tank, mask, and regulator and always take it with you.

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Thank you for caring enough to take the time to write this comment. In truth, I don't work the bees any more, the rest of the family does, especially my wife (who is a nurse). My situation is more complicated now, in that I have been diagnosed (as a result of the reaction to bee stings) with Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis - which has thankfully answered a number of other mysterious health questions. You make some great points. We need to put up a post with signs guiding folks (especially EMS) to various parts of the farm as things are very spread out and not obvious. Again, thanks.

[@williamsouthwad]

Just got a humble bee suite, I should have watched your video first.

[@sacredwondersmaine3310]

Do you carry an epipen? Blessings~JMJ~

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Oh yes - all the time. Not just on the farm, I pretty much have them on me or near me everywhere I go. God bless!

[@platypus944]

Sorry to hear about your allergy to bee stings. Call my office and we can fix that allergy.

[@adriansavin7264]

Links for Amazon?

[@adriansavin7264]

Yes please because on Amazon there are meny options and i dont't know wich one...sorry for english🙄

[@Goodnews4man]

Thank goodness for beards :)

[@scionofliberty2967]

Put some bees wax on those brass zippers and they'll work better

[@Trd2020]

No gloves come with them?

[@margaretpickholtz8772]

Rub a bar of soap along your brass zippers every now and then, should help the zipper zip.

[@LavieduMiel]

i've owned a humble bee suite and the net is completly destroyed. i have only used 10 times... useless... it is a pitty cause the reste of the fabric is realy good quality.

[@beek57ks49]

Uuuuhhggg me too! I have 2 humble bee suits and the netting in the veils where destroyed the first year! And they both choked my throat. Maddening

[@geckoproductions4128]

Im a Texas beekeeper. My Dadant bee jacket I bought in June of 23 started falling apart by August. Contacted them about an adjustment and sent pictures. They refused to make it good and even implied I was scamming them. Don't buy Dadants coyote colored bee jacket, it's a loser. All their other stuff Ive bought from them over the years was ok. But because of their non-existent return policy, I won't be doing any more business with them. I'm too small an operation to buy expensive non-returnable goods when they turn out to be defective.

[@mapache_del_sur]

Damn. That’s a shame. I know mannlake has pretty good customer service from what I remember. I have a Dadant ventilated suit that I never wore, and has been in storage for a while. It feels pretty good, I am just waiting to wear out my other completely before using it, since it’s so clean.

[@Rdenham1976]

Having mesh all the way around your head is stupid it should have been fabric for the rear half..

[@umeryousaf325]

Both suits are not good..the best suit is oz armour 3 layer mesh suit..ventilated and sting proof..buy OZ ARMOUR

[@marysueellen4037]

Great video very detailed. Mann lake has several vented suits anyway you could share which suit with a link or a bit more of a description than what is showing on the computer screen?

[@reneefarber7806]

this suit doesn't hold long ..

[@mapache_del_sur]

Which of the two? He is doing a comparison. I have had good luck with Mannlake suits. I have some that are almost 10 years old and still function. I prefer their regular ventilated suits over the “pro-vent”. The pro-vent are lighter but the material isn’t as strong.

[@whatwhyandwhos68]

We just bought 2 Humble Bee beekeeping suits advertised to offer a high level of protection…. it failed so dismally that my son was stung 15 times and had to run to the creek in order to submerge himself. When I contacted the company ….because we had bought the suits more than 30 days ago (being about 45 days ago) they refused to refund or to upgrade the suits …so I’ve had to involve my lawyer as it clearly is a case of false advertising So attention everyone “bee” careful as bee stings are accumulative and can result in death.

[@terrynitro5330]

Nice video. You might want to grow some facial hair to protect your chin.

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Ha! Best comment on a video in a while. Amusing thing is that I used to have a fairly large beard. Never thought about how it would help in this specific regard.

[@christopherwinner4]

Whole bunch of commercials

[@StIsidoresFarm]

Sorry. KZbin seems to be pushing WAY more commercials into videos.