Quote Originally Posted by 3fhobbyist View Post
I am having a hard time making a decision on purchasing a new set of waders. I am looking for a pair of waders that keep you dry and comfortable throughout the calendar year-spring, summer, fall and winter. I really have no desire to spend $400-$800 and up on a pair of waders. I know that layering of clothing will be involved during the the coldest of days. One gentlemen who I communicate with uses the Simm's Freestone Wader during the winter combined with layering.

What are your experience or thoughts?
If the Freestones weren't so prone to leakage, you could probably wear them for most any conditions with proper laayering, although if you're fishing western tailwaters in winter/early spring, you might go looking for a pair of neoprenes. I bought a pair of Freestones in 2006 and got 4 years out of them, with relatively light use (I wet-wade a lot in the summer); when they developed minor (I'm talking pin hole) leaks in one of the boot-feet, I contacted Simms and they said ship them back to see how bad the damage was. Surprisingly, I was told that they couldn't be repaired (?????) but they'd send me a new pair for the cost of shipping; okay, I thought. When I got the new pair I saw that there were a number of design changes (found out later they were being made overseas); fit seemed to be good, although I wasn't thrilled with the suspender clips. They worked fine for a fall trip to Idaho/Wyoming in 2010, but then in spring 2011, they developed leaks in both feet, real bad news since I was fishing some of those western tailwaters I mentioned before. I called Simms again and the customer service rep said he'd be glad to replace the pair (no charge except shipping) but that quality control in the outsourced lines was problematic at best and I'd likely be calling him again within the year with the same complaint (talk about standing behind your product!), but if I were willing to pay an extra $200 I could get a pair of their Goretex waders, made in America, and I'd stay dry as a bone. Since I didn't have an extra $200 on me, or believe anything a sales rep says, I opted for the straight replacement, and saved on shipping since this entire phone conversation had taken place with me sitting at a fishing access about 20 minutes from the factory in Bozeman (kinda surprised the receptionist when I dropped a pair of wet waders on his desk). The Simms rep was right about one thing - the new waders started leaking within the year, but this time I just Aqua-sealed the heck out of the feet.
If you're going to buy a pair of the Freestones, I suggest you get a couple tubes of Aqua-seal, too; you'll probably need it.

Regards,
Scott