Needing new waders

[bonedog]

My older waders have been patched as much as they can handle. On a budget with Christmas coming up. Any suggestions for affordable, decent quality waders? I'm sure this has been hashed out many times here. Felt soles are a must!! Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance,
bd

[skibum]

Never hurts to keep an eye on Ebay.. I picked up a pair of never used orvis silver label's for $50.. Seller was very cool and let me try them on to check fit and ended up not charging me shipping. Item did'nt sell but i had contacted him and worked out a deal..

[dwood]

I had a pair of the thinner Hodgeman neprenes once...they lasted me about 4 years, and I only got rid of them because I wanted something a little more breathable. But they are affordable, and they keep you dry. Not sure about the booted ones though.

I've always worn boot foots with wading boots. Had a cheaper pair of Lakestreams (also Hodgeman I believe) that I wore with those neoprenes. I sold the lot on eBay for $30 to a guy in Oregon. He's still wearing them both (boots and waders) 2 years later, and says they're still working great.

[mike@jb]

I'm happy with the Redhead-brand breathables from Bass Pro. They're reasonably priced and holding up well.

I was cold this weekend, even with long johns. I guess I need to go to neoprenes.

[Josh Barnett]

I am still enjoying a pair of Hodgeman Guidelite (?) Breathables after 2 years of very "harsh" punishment-- they get used a lot.

The Simms brand is also very good. I've used them several times, and the only reason I haven't already bought a couple of pairs is because it's hard for me to be able to find a pair that fits good.

www.hodgeman.com
www.simms.com

Joshua Barnett

[rickster]

Bonedog

Not sure what the budget is. One man's budget sometimes is another man's dream.

I have had a pair of Simms lightweight's for a year and a half. They were my first, and I'm sure I'll have to replace them one day, but if it was today it would be Simms lightweight's. They were and are $199.00.

rickster

[trout_boy II]

Been thinking about new waders too. Anybody had experience with both Simms lightweights and the "classic guides"? Light weight sounds better and the price surely is, but if I'm going to have to replace them much sooner, I'd rather spring for the guides. Any suggestions would be welcome.

I wade about 50 days a year.

TB

[Khris Allen]

If you are looking for a bargain try llbean. They have some decent waders at all price levels and you cannot beat the fact that you can return any item for any reason and get a new one for the cost of shipping. I put alot of miles on my waders and have gone through 3 pairs. Each time I just give them a call and return the "defective" pair and new ones arrive in a couple of days. No questions asked. The initial cash out of pocket has saved me hundreds down the road.

Happy fishing

[Bob M]

Simms classic guides will stop small caliber bullets. I haven't tried the lightweights but they don't seem as durable comparing them on the rack.

[Jah Live!]

I have had my Simms Lightweights for 3 years now, and they have been the best pair I have ever owned (Orvis SL and LL Bean). I would love to upgrade to the Guideweights...they are nice. I had my waders "refurbished" by Simms about a year ago...new neoprene feet and fixing small pinholes I never new I had...cost me $35 + shipping. They also sent a sample of their Revivex which made the exterior material as good as new (though it wore off after 4-5 trips). I'd give them 2 thumbs-up!

[coachman]

Yup, I agree w/some other posts here about the Simms lightweights. I've had mine about a year is all, but so far the best I've had. They seem well made and extremely comfortable. As compared to others I've tried, these have provem more durable so far. They will be around $200 bucks. I do have a friend that uses the breathables from BassPro (called White River I guess) and they have held up very well for him, and they should come in well under $100.

[knot trying]

Had a couple of pair when I first started Ffishing, didn't hold up worth a ****. Not that great of a return policy either

[bpal]

I am still enjoying a pair of Hodgeman Guidelite (?) Breathables after 2 years of very "harsh" punishment-- they get used a lot.


Joshua Barnett


Save your money. Don't buy Hodgeman. I have gone through 8 pair in the last two years ... YES 8! Thank god for Sports Authority and their no questions asked return policy! I have upgraded to a pair of Bare. Hands down no questions asked the best on the market. I have beat them the only way I can beat waders, and they have not been fazed.
http://www.bare-wetsuits.com/bareshop/wadingdept.asp?dept_id=510
They are spendier than some, but with waders, you DO get what you pay for. I think the Orvis Silver Label may be your best "on a budget" buy.

~B

[zacmac2112]

ive been pretty impressed with the cabelas breathable waders
i dont know if you were looking for simms but these seem to be as durable for a little less $

[flyflicker]

I've used a pair of Hodgeman breathables ($150) for three years in really rough country and they developed their first pinhole leak this summer. I use the stocking foot with a pair of Simms featherweight felt sole boots ($120). The simms weigh almost nothing and give great support for hiking into the far reaches. The light weight was great on the Oregon and Montana rivers. In cold weather I just add a pair of longjohns and sweat pants and stayed warm on the coldest and wettest days chasing steelhead or winter trout on the Metolius. I've got a pair of neoprenes but never wear them due to the heat factor. Not very comfortable either. I would also spring for a good collapsable wading staff. Simms makes a good one for $90. Loon ultraviolet cure repair kit is great if you snag em on a briar.

[bonedog]

Just ordered the Simms Lightweight Breathables. Thanks for all the replies. I put a lot of stock in the educated opinions here.
Tight lines,
bd