New Waders

[baldea]

The old ones have finally worn out after 3 1/2 years and I need a new pair. I know I want another pair of breathables. I'm fairly tough on my waders, so I'm trying to decide if I should get a really good pair which will force me to take better care of them or go cheaper and replace more frequently. I've got about $300 to invest right now in a new pair.

Simms, Orvis, Cabela's or any others worth mentioning? Looking for opinions and recommendations.

[stiritup56]

I have a pair of hodgman breathables that i bought for around $120. They are excellent waders, I think they will last a number of years. I have had them for 3.

[TheEndlessEnigma]

i would consider the ll bean waders in the same line as the simms ..... you just cant go wrong with them

[NickelCigar]

Spend the money and don't look back! I'm on year 6 with heavy use on mine, only leaks were the ones I poked in them, barbed wire etc. They are tougher than they look and have the best fit of any I've ever owned. Gortex is second to none, breathe great. Compare the seams, neopreme feet, fit and finish with the competiion, then judge for yourself.

[Grady]

I bought mid-priced Dan Bailey breathables six or seven years ago and am still wearing them without the first leak or problem of any kind. Maybe the most bang for my buck of all my fishing expenditures.

[fishmonger]

I have a pair of Orvis ProGuide2 that I got on sale (of coarse). I love 'em, they are a year old and have been great. I would highly recommend that whatever pair that you get has attached/integral gravel guards. All of the waders that I have worn out did not have this feature, and the feet eventually leaked. Feet are hard to repair, as opposed to the wader material. Cold feet suck.

FM

[baldea]

The pair that I looking at replacing are FlyTech. They are now owned by Stearns. They still sell the same wader for $189 and I've been happy with them, outside of the issues I'm having.

Part of the reason they are failing, I'm convinced, is because they are a XXL and I'm more of a L/XL tall size. The one boot is coming unstiched/leaking, which I can probally repair. And somehow water is getting trapped in between the layers of material above the knee. Obviously there is a hole or two, but it is making it difficult to repair since there is no leak inside and I can't find the hole(s). After a day of fishing I can squeeze them and water drips from everywhere. Maybe the material isn't waterproof anymore and failing?

I'm leaning towards the Simms G3 and Orvis ProGuide or Silver Label. If I can make mine hold out for another month, maybe I'll get lucky at the Orvis tent sale.

Any other recommendations or why you like yours or don't like them is greatly appreciated. Until I pony up the $$$ or try to fix mine again it looks like I'll be sloshing and wringing out my left sock.

[fishmonger]

My last pair were the Silver Labels. They have much thinner material which seemed to allow water to seep in, and the feet ended up leaking like a sieve. I could only use them in the summer because it was basically like wet wading with some protection. I have been wearing my ProGuides all winter, they are a 1000 times better. For what it's worth, I got the Silver Labels at the Warehouse Sale for $57.00, which seemed like a bargain at the time. It turns out that being dry is worth the additional money.

FM

[GUTHOOKED]

Stay away from the silver labels if durability is a concern. I'm on my third pair in three years. They do have a good warranty, otherwise I'd be on my first pair of Simms. ;)

I must differ with Fishmonger on one thing. I HATE the integrated gravel guards. They fit way too loose around the bottom and allow sand and fine gravel to wash up into your boots. If I'm fishing a sandy river like the Chattooga DH, I'll have to stop and empty my boots two or three times a day.

My next pair will be from Simms, no doubt. Even their low-end are better quality than 90% of others I've seen.

[fishmonger]

Mine still fit tight around the bottom. I guess I'll see how long that lasts.

FM

[flyfishrob]

Nickle Cigar hit it on the nose. Invest the money and dont look back. Go with SIMMS. 200 days a year, 5 years 5 states, 2 countries, barbed wire, clients hooks and I have only had them sent back one time. Fixed my pin holes and replaced my stocking 40 bucks. Im ready for another 5 years

[quigley1965]

I second the LL Bean. Wicked Tough Waders are right there with Simms for less cash. First rate customer service. This will be the fifth year in mine.

[dudleydog73]

Simms are the way to go. I've been down the cheap road several times. I finally bought some simms waders and have been very happy with the money I spent. I believe I bought the silver labels. Double seam sealed gortex no leaks yet going on 2 years.

If you go cheap I think the hodgeman lightweights are the best bet, but will only get you through a season maybe two depending on how much you fish.

[docfarmer]

Well baldea, what did you decide on?

[baldea]

I actually was able to temporarly repair mine, I think. Well repair them enough to keep my feet dry for a few more weeks hopefully. It kept me dry for the hour and a half I was on the water earlier this week. So I'll keep my fingers crossed.

But when the time comes, I'm definetly getting the Simms Classic Guide waders when my latest creative repair tactic fails. We'll see how long the super glue/aqua seal/ panty hose/ bubble gum and a prayer trick works on the stocking foot seam which has came completly unstitched. I've repaired the same foot 3 times, and they are still coming unlaminated and trapping water around mid thigh. So the time is coming quickly I feel.