Waders

[Bedlam]

My first pair of waders are leaking like a sieve. I think it might be the neoprene socks. I had taken some knee busters that put a hole that I was able to patch, but this leak is only apparent after I go fishing. I plan on doing some winter fishing this year in Arkansas, so my waders need updated. Any one have any tips on my next/last pair of waders? Also, what is the life expectancy of a good pair of waders?

Once again, thanks for the help.

Jason

[flyfshn76]

turn the waders inside out and spray rubbing alcohol on the waders. Give it a few seconds and any places where there is a small pinhole will show up as little dark spots. I will also use a black sharpie to circle the holes, as the alcohol evaporates quickly. I have used this for years and added a few more seasons to my waders. Hope this helps.

[DaveP63]

If you are looking to buy, I would have to recommend Simms. Check around and find some on clearance. I got a pair of their discontinued travel waders three years ago and they're still going strong.

[Night Angler]

You can buy all the "HIGH END" waders you want...


but this is one hell of a pair.. going on 2 years and no leeks yet!!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...0023556830475a

[bobbyg]

You can buy all the "HIGH END" waders you want...


but this is one hell of a pair.. going on 2 years and no leeks yet!!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...0023556830475a

I would agree. These are fine waders for the money!

Bob

p.s. Jason, I can assure you these will not be your last waders
if you are serious about fly fishing.

[sagefisher]

Nght Angler,

I third that

Those are the waders I use and I love them. Second year for me as well, no leaks.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[anglerdave]

I think the life expectancy depends on how many days a year you wear them and how hard you are on them. I had a pair of Cabelas Dry Plus II's that lasted me several + years. They finally got to the point where it seemed a new leak appeared everytime I wore them.

In August, I bought a new pair of Simms Headwaters. The minute I put them on, I could tell a big difference between them and the Cabelas I had been wearing. I am not knocking Cabelas. But I had pretty muched decided that when it was time to replace them I would buy Simms. The Simms fit better, are reinforced in front from just above the knee down. And there is a big difference in material between Gor Tex which the Simms are made out of and other breathable material.

Just my 2 cents

[chewydog]

Days on the river will make a difference how long they last. I get quite a few days in a year, but I am careful. Not a lot of hiking, bushwhacking, or sliding down river banks. That said, I have 9 years on a pair of Simms lights. Can't imagine buying anything else when these are finally done.

[fcch]

IMHO, .. life expectancy also depends on how you treat your boots. If you let gravel get in, the neoprene booties won't last 5 days!

Make sure no gravel gets in, ... sand doesn't really matter, but gravel will work a hole into the soles. My Liliane wears a pair of thin wool socks over her booties.

I actually wear a second neoprene sock OVER the booties and haven't had a problem in 8 years. I just changed to a new pair 'cause the stitching finally strated to leak a tad on my old Wardells.

[perch]

Gotta 4th the Cabella neoprene thing.
Have had mine for several years .
I only wear them when the weather is miserably cold ,and have not been overly gentle with them. They didnt leak the last time out and am going to give em a go again in November . You can get three of these for the same price as one high ender .
Dont get hung up on a name brand unless the name brand has somthing (other than brand recognition) you are tecnically looking for.