The people I have worked with, from my days on a Coast Guard buoy tender to the marine coonstruction division at my current employer have always been split between Grunden & HH & Stearns. I prefer Stearns, and I am of Norwegian descent. If I have to be on an open barge all day in 15 degree weather, I do not want to be wewt & cold, and Stearns gear does that best, I think.
Not familiar with Stearns. Worked a little in commercial fishing and many seasons on open (party) boats in the NY bight. Found a pretty even split between HH and Grundens followers in both industries. The arguements about the quality were like those between Chevy and Ford owners. Didn't even think somone would throw Chrysler into the mix. }:^)