Wader Question

[Desil]

I've had my eye on these breathables-

Clearwater Endura Breathable Stocking Foot Waders by Orvis

Two reasons, the price $129 and they claim to be very durable. Do any of y'all have any experience or know somthing better I could pick up for the same price at Bass Pro? Just thought I'd ask before I bought. Thanks for any advice.

Desil

[DAWGFISH]

Desil,

I have had several pairs of Clearwaters in the past. They are decent waders and super comfortable. They don't hold up well in brush though. If you are going to be using these mostly on the hooch or other rivers with easy access, they will be fine. If you plan on hitting some mountain streams in the winter (I like to wet wade on mountain streams in the summer), then you might want to look at something else. I have had several pairs of Clearwaters and even Pro Guides, and every one of them has leaked. This is o.k., most waders will leak eventually, but ALL of the Orvis waders leaked in very short periods of time after purchase and/or exchange. My advice would be to spring an extra $70 and buy the Simms Lightweight. I know $70 is not pocket change, but the Simms are superior in every facet and they are super durable. I have had a pair for over 2.5 years now that have just now started to spring some leaks after lots of bushwacking. I have repaired them and they are like new again. I guarantee you if you fish hard and often, you will go through about 3-4 pairs of the Clearwaters in the same period of time fishing and scrambling in the same conditions. Just my dos pesos.

[Desil]

I tend to believe the advertisments on stuff - if somthing says it's tough I figure it is, a bad habit of mine. Thank you for the experience - I'll throw the extra $70 for a pair of Simms.

Desil

[Desil]

Is there a reason you suggested the Lightweight Simms as opposed to the Freestone Simms? I am pretty active and would put some wear on them. Is there a good fair priced dealer of Simms that you know of?

Desil

[duane]

Desil,
Any where you buy Simms, they are the same price. Price is set by Simms.
Unicoi, Bass Pro, Fish Hawk all carry them.

Duane

[DAWGFISH]

Desil,

The only reason I suggested the Lightweights and not the Freestones is because I am fimiliar with the Lightweights. From personal experience, I have had great luck with the Lightweights. I do know that the Freestones are made in the same Bozeman MT plant as the rest of their waders, so build quality is probably top notch. I would take a look at them and see if they at least had a reinforced thigh. I like to have a reinforced seat area too, since I tend to get a lot of punctures on my waders either sitting, or sliding down banks, but that's just my personal thing.

Another good pair of waders to look at in that price range is the Cabela's Goldmedal waders. I have a pair of these also and they are the best pair of waders I've tried this side of the Simms Guide models. They go for about $169.00 and have double reinforced knees, shins, lower leg (360 degrees around) and seat. They have been holding up well and are super comfortable. They don't breath quite as well as Gortex waders though, and that can make a big difference in comfort in the dead of summer. I was just throwing out another option that I have had good luck with.

Steve

[trout_boy II]

I started with the Orvis Clearwaters. Excellent value for the money. Two years of comfortable service fishing 2-3 times a month in small streams and large. Retired them this year with a few patches and one slow leak I couldn't seem to find and bought Simms Lightweights. Love them so far. My bet is they are tougher than the Orvis and the Goretex is superior breathability I think. Note: The Large Long in Orvis is/was a longer cut than in the Simms. If I had to do it over again, I would get the Simms in a XLL for a little more wiggle room. I'm a skinny 6'4" if that helps. If you have somebody close by that carries them, also take a look at the Dan Bailey's Lightweight. Price about same as the Simms LW, but has attached gravel gards so you can save $30 if you'll need to buy them. Also check the fit on these as well, since I thought they were cut tighter than Orvis as well. I went with Simms because I could get them locally.

My $.02.

TB

[mjolnir]

trout boy, its funny that you should mention that the simms are tighter than the orvis. I chose the simms because I felt they were looser. Then again I can blame my foot size for that one. It was a toss up between the orvis silver labels and the simms lightweight. Since both have a semi anatomical foot, I really had to match my size 8 1/2 - 9 foot to a 6' person's length. Orvis would have taken a medium tall (which was still kind of tight), Simms medium regular fit like a glove. I love the simms waders since I got them last spring but can't really give any comparisons except to the bass pro white river dogwood canyons. Not much of a comparison. simms trampled them. just make sure to try on a few different pairs before buying. Wrong sizing on waders can be just about miserable, especially if they are too short or tight.

[cannibalfly]

Don't screw around. spend the extra $ and be happy -er -est! The true Goretex has served me so well, I won't even think about anything else. Nothing is bomb-proof. I have been really careful with the care of my lightweight Simms and have had them for over three years! If I suspect a small pinhole leak, I rub rubbing alcohol over the area and the pinhole turns blue. Then you dot the spot with aqua seal. Fixed. -Roger