Simms vs Folstaff, help

[Clay]

Took a dip last week in some heavy current and decided that I need a new wading staff. Did a little searching here but still looking for more info. It's down to a Simms or a Folstaff. I think both companies make grand product. If I am spending $100+ on a stick which one and why. Looks like Folstaff has ease of deployment when needed but my dealer said that Simms was nicer and he can use either one. What do you think?

Only considering the Folstaff 3/4" product vs the Simms so I am not looking at the 1/2" Folstaff product.

[Normand]

i vote folstaf

[Clay]

i vote folstaf

OK Normand, need to pick your brain as to the "why". Have you used a Simms product or seen them to compare the two, or is it that you have used your Folstaff product and am happy with it and have no need to make a change?

[Silver Creek]

I vote Folstaff. Mine is going on 25+ years and I had it rebuilt a couple of years ago. Folstaff will rebuild the staff with new parts and return by Friday if they get it on Monday.

[ohiotuber]

Both the Folstaff & Simms have their fans. I had the 1/2" Folstaff, now have the 3/4" & am MUCH more secure with it. It is easily deployed with just a flick of the wrist, very sturdy, folds up smaller, which makes it easier to carry & has a great warranty & rebuild program. If I somehow lost mine, I would buy another.
I am not familiar with the Simms.
Mike

[Royal Wulff]

Clay, RW here

Your dealer gave you a good solid reason for getting the Folstaff. He just said Simms was nicer. What does nicer mean? I've always used Folstaff. It's never let me down. Get the 3/4-inch.

rw

[Clay]

I know that the Folstaff product is a proven design and has been around a long time and therefore I expect people that wanted a serious wading staff to have one of those if they bought it more than 7 or 8 years ago. So I am convinced that it is a good reliable product.

Would love to hear from people that have used both products recently. I did read about a guy who did wear through the metal cable in the Simms, Simms did replace it at no cost to the original owner.

[Bluegill222]

I'm not too crazy about the idea of having to use both hands to lock the Simms staff in position. If I find myself in a spot where I really need it, I want it out in a hurry. Once together, though it seems to be fine, but I think I'd also have to give the nod to the folstaf. I'm a little bigger guy and would echo Mike's feelings about the 3/4" over the 1/2" as well.

[TyroneFly]

Hi Clay,

I had a Folstaff for a few years before letting my aging father use it. His short term memory is shot and I don't have the heart to take it back from him. While on a fishing trip I needed another and the shop I went to had only Simms. The Simms is nice and deploys quick enough by pulling up on the upper handle. It comes with a neoprene case that attaches to the staff by cable zip cord. I like the Simms over the Folstaff. The Simms to me has a sturdier feel when deployed.

[skes01]

Rick-
They both are very good. I have and use both when needed. Just depends which one I want to use that trip. The Folstaf, as indicated, deploys a might easier. It is shock corded and deploys with a flick of the wrist. The Simms deploys pretty easy too, but you do have to slide a section up to lock the staff in position. The key to the Simms one is that it locks and will not pull apart if it sticks between two rocks, etc. The Folstaf does not fail and pull apart often, but it can. The choice is really personal preference, but those are the 2 differences that I see between your two choices. I suppose one other difference is length when holstered- The FolStaf is shorter because it breaks into more sections. I've never had the Simms get in my way though. Good luck with your choice.