Dan Bailey Waders????

[Petey]

I have had a pair of Orvis Clearwater Waders that I am just about over.

I have been eyeing some Dan Bailey waders. Wonder if anybody else our there wears them and what their thoughts are?

Thanks guys,

Petey :)

[Starfish]

I have had a pair of Orvis Clearwater Waders that I am just about over.

I have been eyeing some Dan Bailey waders. Wonder if anybody else our there wears them and what their thoughts are?

Thanks guys,

Petey :)
Yup. I own a pair. Now, FWIW, this is the only pair of waders that I have ever owned..

I bought the DB Breathables, and I love them.

Pros:
They're well made, and I like the built in webbing at the top of the pocket.
They have built in gravel guards, and wading belt.
The large size unline many other brands, will fit a size 12 foot (most go up to size 10 unless you buy the king or XL sizes, which are like a tent on me). I think that the choice of sizing is well thought out and versatile.

Cons:

The suspenders are great, but they tend to be on the short side. I have mine adjusted all the way out, and they're fine for me, but my local shop was at one point ordering longer replacement straps for customers that needed them.

The built in gravel guards are great, but mine tend to ride up if I don't cinch them down pretty tight.

Other than those two little peeves, for the money, I think they're a better deal than the Simms freestones. And don't fall into the Gore-tex trap. There's guys out there that will tell you that there's simply no other material that stands up to Gore-tex, and they'll push you to pay more for their product because of it. I strongly disagree. Gore-tex is great and all, but I think that there are plenty of quality competitors out there, including the material that the DB waders are made from.

I would definitely buy these again (and plan to, if these wear out). The only waders that I like better (I think) are the Patagonia SST, but those suckers are super expensive, and in a whole other league, I think.

Regards,
Starfish

[slightly grayling]

Try Sierra Trading Post if you want the SSTs...they are currently on sale for $215....
-SG
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.ASP?base_no=82762&dept_id=L2~2248

[Sal Fontinalis]

I've got a pair of the Lightweight Breathable waders and have really enjoyed them. They were a big improvement over my old ultralight non-breathables. They've been very durable and comfortable for about three years now. I was fortunate to get a pro deal on them from a shop that I was working at, so that was the ultimate deciding factor for me. But I would recommend them, but haven't spent as much time in the other brands.

[Hopper]

Starfish , how long have you had the Patagonias? Just wondering if they will stand the test of time..

[Petey]

Thanks guys... I appreciate all of the input.

I have heard good things about them all over the place but had never known anybody personally that wore them or used them. A local fly shop has started carrying them and I thought I would give him a little business.

Thanks again

Petey :)

[Grady]

I have a pair of Dan Bailey breathables, have worn them for about 5-6 years, and have had no problems at all. I would definitely by Dan Bailey's again.

[Starfish]

Starfish , how long have you had the Patagonias? Just wondering if they will stand the test of time..


I don't have the Patagonias. A buddy of mine does though, and they're pretty darn nice. They too have lots of nice built-in features. The best feature IMO, is that you can roll them down to the waist withough unbuckling anything for when nature calls...

I've had the DB waders for 7 months, which isn't long, but considering that I fish almost daily, that's a pretty good accellerated life test. No issues so far.

Starfish

[Drifter]

I bought a pair of Pattygoners three years ago. No problemas at all and I love them. I got them on clearance for $200 from Worldwaters.com