I’ve been using Orvis Guide-Pros for the last few years, but have been unsatisfied. I haven’t made it out on the water a lot in the past couple of seasons, but I find that the guide-pros have failed on me after only a season of medium use (and proper care) - fortunately with the Orvis warranty means that I’ve easily gotten replacements.
Due to some wonderful circumstances, I’ll be on the water a lot this year, with something like 60-70 full days planned. I’ll be fishing in several remote places on long trips of 2-3 weeks in duration, so leaky waders will be a real pain to deal with - the nearest Orvis shop will be 1000-1500 miles away.
I’ve been thinking about going for the Simms G3 waders, hoping that the bump in cost will mean that the waders will be of better quality and more durable. Before doing so, I’d like to get some feedback before laying out the >400 bills.
I bought a pair of G3’s earlier this year. It is a fine wader, but in all honesty no better than my previous Patagonia or Orvis waders. I wish I would have waited until this spring with alll all the new waders on the market.
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Fishyboy
I also have the Pro Guides and have had for 3 yrs with only problem is the little hook for your shoe laces on the gravel guard came off.
I am interested in how they have failed you cause they have the same features as the G3’s. G3: 3 layer breathable fabric on the top and 5 layer legs. Pro Guides: 4 layer breathable on top and 5 layer legs and seat.
Granted Simms has Goretex, but the Orvis fabric is up there according to “Fly Fish America”
she who dies with the most toy’s wins.
At least in my area there were many problems with the G3s. They suffered quality control issues and very long delays with warranty work. Several people I know had their brand new G3s leak the very first time out of the box, which a lot of people will tell you is impossible with Simms. Not so apparently. Most of the people I know that bought them ended up getting rid of them before the year was out. They either went to the Patagonias or back to the Simms classic guides.
This year Cloudveil has introduced a line of waders for the first time. I have not used them yet, but I have fondled them in the store and tried them on. They appear to be outstanding. The fit is wonderful and if you look closely at them it’s very obvious that alot of consideration has gone into the design. Also, while Cloudveil is new to the wader market I’m very familiar with the company through other pursuits. They have a reputation in the outdoor industry that is almost second to none for first quality products and outstanding warranty service. The price for their top of the line model is about the same as the G3. If you’re considering the G3 I think they’d be worth a look.
Jeremy
The problem I was having with the guide pros was that they were developing seep leaks in the lower legs. Both pairs I went through did the same thing.
As someone else mentioned the clip that fastens the gravel guards to the boots also pulled out (minor thing that doesn’t affect the waterproofness).
I had heard about the quality control issues with the G3’s so I was asking to see how widespread the problem was. Patagonia and the mentioned Cloudveils seem like alternatives (although I’d like to go with a proven product for these long trips).
[This message has been edited by Fishyboy (edited 28 March 2006).]
As far as proven products go, they’re all “proven” to leak eventually! 
If there is someone near you that’s carrying them I’d strongly encourage you to take a close look at the Cloudveils. I understand your apprehension about being the first one to buy 'em, but they’re worth a look.
J
One thing you will get with Patagonia is a fantastic warranty.
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Fishyboy,
Enjoy the extra fishing time. Waders will probably leak at some point. I have G3’s and I think they are the best wader I have ever owned. I have five pair of orvis, my favorites are the silver labels but I wear the simms all the time. Orvis does have outstanding warranty service. Have fun pickin’.
<*(((((><
Jim in CO
I’m on my third pair…not that impressed.W.R. Gore replaced my first pair.Retailer replaced the second pair.Presently,my third pair is showing dampness & I feel will be “leaking” soon.The Simms DIY repair of spraying alcohol & dabbing aqua seal is a bunch of crap !!!
I see alot of people have had problems with the Simms waders. I am going into my 3rd year with a pair of G3’s. I am a guide and I spend a large part of my time in the water. Winter, spring, summer, and fall. I am very hard on my gear and mine are still going. I have patched a few small tears I put in them.
I’ve used G3’s for 3 yrs witout problems. about 30 days a year. Whatever wader you choose I’d also consider an inexpensive backup pair if you’re that far away from a shop or service center. No matter the track record of the company, every pair of waders is a statistic of 1.
Good luck and I’m jealous you’ll get to fish so much.
[This message has been edited by kbobb (edited 29 March 2006).]
My Orvis Silver Label served me well for three seasons with only a minor easy to patch leak (abrasion due to falling on a rock) and I can still use them. Last year I bought the Pro’s and had the same problem with the gravel clip after using them three or four times. Fly Godess, the nearest Orvis dealer is hard to reach from where I live, is the gravel clip really a problem? Is there a way I can fix it?
While working at a local fly shop I got to see the new Redington wader. Very impressive.
she who dies with the most toy’s wins.
"but the Orvis fabric is up there according to “Fly Fish America”
lol. I would look for a better source. Have you ever seen a bad review in that piece of crap?
I have the G3s and like them so far. If they start to leak and the problem isn’t dealt with by Simms I’m going to buy Cloudveil waders.