Thanks for the input. Castwell, $400 for waders would leave me very little money to spend on fishing for the rest of the year. As much as I enjoy fishing, as a budget item it's way below a lot of other things.
I've gotten about three year's use out of my old Hodgman's that I paid $90 for. I am just curious to hear about other people's experience with low to mid priced waders before I buy.
Cabelas Bluestream ($79.99) have served me well for the past 3 years roughly 20 to 30 outings. Up here in Wisconsin I use my neoprene early and late season, so they both serve a seperate purpose.
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"Illegitimus nil Carborundum"
Don't go cheap, you will regret it. Waders are one item, where you better be sure of the quality! Take a look at the Simms L2. They are Gore-Tex, with built in gravel guards. So far thay have been the most popular wader I sell. $229 for a good quality wader, I have yet to have any come back, and so far everyone who has purchased them has been happy with them.
Josh White [url=http://www.rogueflyshop.com:5bf39]http://www.rogueflyshop.com[/url:5bf39]
[This message has been edited by caster (edited 12 May 2006).]
I went with the LL Bean Emerger's. Cost about $100. I've had them 3+ years, using about 75 times or more per year including in the salt. No runs, no drips, no errors. And they come with a guarantee you can't beat. Whats not to like.
jed
I just took the same plunge. I bought a set of Orvis Clearwaters ($129)which fit me perfect, (Large/short), and last years model of the Orvis Henry's Fork wading shoe. The shoes are on sale now for $70, that's 40% off, as they have a new model this year. So for 2 beans, I am all set. I love them. I liked the opposable buckles on the suspender straps, so i can use them as a waist high set also, with the straps as a belt...I know that they will be backed if there is any problem, my local shop, (Hudson Valley Angler) has a great owner who stands by his product. I am happy!
Mike
[This message has been edited by Mike Bee (edited 12 May 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Mike Bee (edited 12 May 2006).]
I am on my fourth set of breathables. I had three different Cabela's Dry-plus waders and before the end of every season they started to leak. I just Bought a pair of Columbia Henry's fork waders ($159). Wow, they are look and feel bomb proof. I do a lot of bushwaking when fishing. I think these will hold up to that. They look and feel like the Gore-tex waders at half the cost.
I tried Cabelas and they lasted all of 4 outtings before the seems started to wear out. I sent them back, got another pair and they did the same thing. That's when I bought the Simm's.
I've used a number of Hodgeman's waders and they all seemed to last about one season before the coating they used, wore off and then they leaked like crazy.
I would seriously pay a little more and save yourself a whole lot of aggrevation. Simm's does make less expensive waders. They use to make a Freestone pair that ran around $150.
The further up the price scale you can go without breaking into the kid's college fund the better off you will usually be. Waders near the top of the line from Cabelas, Hodman, Cabela's, Orvis, or whomever will usually outlast their entry level offerings. The more expensive models usually fit better, have extra materials at the knees and butt and more perks such as belt loops, inside pockets, etc.
Eventually, all waders will spring leaks. My first pair of waders more nearly fifty years ago, those hold Hodgman Wadewells, had so may bicycle tube patches on them by the time I pitched them that they were more patch than waders.
My first Simms waders lasted about 8 years under heavy duty fishing more than 100 days per year before they gave up the ghost.
I now have a pair of Orivs Pro Guides which have proven to be very tough and comfortable. I also have a pair of Hodgman breathables with the insulated bootfoot which have gone through three winters of steelheading in Washington and Canada without a problem.
Fit is critical in breathable waders. You need a lot of slack in the legs as they do not stretch. Bending, or stepping over logs will overstress crotch seams if the leg isn't long enough. So, don't buy them to fit like a nice pair of chinos. Most early leaks are caused by stressing the seams. Leaks that occur after years of loyal use are just signs that you've worn the waders hard and probably have gotten your money's worth.
Good Fishing,
Les Johnson
I have heard several people express satisfaction with the Orvis Clearwaters, so I just ordered some. Thanks for all the advise.
George
Plaidad, make sure you try to get the "deal" on last year's Henry's fork boots, too! 40% off, a really nice shoe, and more comfortable then I ever thought possible!!!
Mike
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