Opinions on Hodgman Waders!! Good / Bad / Whatever....

[gloucestermen]

Hello Folks, I am looking for some opinions on Hodgman Waders. I have included a link to the sale page on their website which seems to have some excellent prices. My goal is to get my daughter and her boyfriend some waders. They are both young and working a lot so it's not likely they will get a lot of use and they live in Asheville NC so extreme cold is not a factor. I have an older pair of 5mm neoprene that I used for steelhead that lasted extremely well for the $$.
http://www.hodgman.com/Sale-Fishing-C69.aspx

Anyway I'd like any thoughts good or bad!!!!
Thnx,
Dan

[lastchance]

Nice. I get up to 4 years of trouble free service out of the chest high wadelights.
Bruce

[DarrinG]

I have heard some bad comments on Hodgman breathables in the past from a few folks, but I have a pair of Wadelites that are going on their 7th or 8th year, not sure which, and they are still going strong. I am not easy on them either, and they just keep going and going! I had to patch a pin hole in them once, right in the crotch, with aqua-seal, but other than that, they are still bone-dry. I believe the pinhole came from all the miles I've hiked into mountain streams while wearing them (point where they rubbed together from all the walking). I would not hesitate to buy another pair of Wadelites.

[Bamboozle]

I can't speak to the new Hodgman breathables but I have a pair of Hodgman Wadelite stocking-foot hippers that are at least 10 years old and still going strong. I wear hippers more than anything and I couldn't be happier with Wadelite product. About the only issues I've had is with the gravel cuffs and some of the stitching on the elastic. Fortunately I have a sewing machine and did my own repairs with no problem. It isn't a problem that is unique to stitching on elastic so I don't really count it as a negative.

FWIW - The Wadelite line was discontinued just last year. If you do some hunting on-line you may be able to find some out there at steep discounts. I bought a back-up pair myself for at least 30% off last summer.

[gloucestermen]

Hi DarrinG, I see you are in NC, are you out in the mountains? My wife and I own a home in Chapel Hill that we are retiring to eventually. If you are out in the west I'd love some suggestions on any books regarding fly patterns for the western part of the state. I have already built my girl and her Bf a pair of 3 wt tiger eye rods 6'6" 4 piece and now need to tie them some nymphs/midge patterns. I may tie up a few dry's as well.
Dan

[DarrinG]

Dan,
Yes. I live in the mountains of WNC. I can look at the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River from my backyard.

Here at a couple links to a few fantastic books that are local in nature:
http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...cat=995&page=1

http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...cat=995&page=1

Hope this helps some, and when you get up this way, give me a shout.

Darrin

[Fatman]

I can only talk about the rubber hip waders, Except for the steel shank in the shin area I loved mine!!! In the early spring you'd have to use heavy duty socks and long johns but hey that's Vermont. Even after 5 years of use I sold them at my yard sale for $20.

[gloucestermen]

Dan,
Yes. I live in the mountains of WNC. I can look at the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River from my backyard.

Here at a couple links to a few fantastic books that are local in nature:
http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...cat=995&page=1

http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...cat=995&page=1

Hope this helps some, and when you get up this way, give me a shout.

Darrin

Hey Darrin, THANKS for the replies / links, perhaps we can 'hook' up the next time I am down. I'll probably order the second book, since it's still available. I do hope to make a trip this spring, after surviving the winter storm we just had here all else seems a breeze! It was the first time I have encountered thunder & lightning in the middle of a howling blizzard. I was actually outside and the wind was about 50mph when I saw a flash of lightning that was followed by thunder. I just had to go out and experience the storm at its height, I love stormy weather..A truly remarkable experience!!!
Dan

[Ron Eagle Elk]

After my old Simms waders suffered a blowout allowing my nether regions to become waterlogged while float tubing I wound up with a pair of Hodgeman Wadelights. The only reason I bought them was they would fit me correctly (rather hefty girth and smaller feet) and they were inexpensive. I'm on my third or fourth year with them and I'm very pleased. Don't know how long they'll keep going, but I've already got my money's worth out of them.

REE

[DarrinG]

You're welcome, Dan.
You might be able to do a search around on the net and find a copy of Roger Lowe's book. It is actually geared more towards fly patterns than Casada's book. Lowe's book covers the local patterns in more detail and is a gem of a book.