I just got back from the South Holstom on Tennesse where I had used my waders for the first time in three years. They leaked big time!!! As soon as I stepped in the river, my legs and feet were wet. Within a minute I had a gallon or more in each leg. When I got back to the car and removed the waders I found the yellowish inside coating was coming off in the form of a greenish/yellow dust and was caked all over my pants and socks.
I don’t remember exactly how long ago I bought them but I know they haven’t had more then ten hours of total use and they have been stored in a cool, dry place.
Anyone know about their warrenty?
Anyone else have this problem?
Alan
alangarbers:
Are these breathables?
I have a pair of Hodgman breathable hippers and they are going strong and are at LEAST 4 years old and get used more than anything except my wet wading rig. I’d buy them again in a heartbeat; IF they ever wear out.
It sounds like heat or dampness when last put away may be the culprit even though you feel they were stored properly. I doubt they are still under warranty but since they are garbage; I’d call Hodgman and ask if they would evaluate them for you. I have called them before with a question on my hippers and found their customer service folks very helpful.
Worst case it costs you a few bucks to ship them but they MAY be willing to offer you some compensation if they feel it’s a defect.
Good luck!
sorry to hear of your woes. I agree with Bamboozle that your problem may be storage caused. I like the Wadelites so well that I bought a second pair last year when on sale and they are still in the orginal box without signs of degradation. Even though they may be breathables, I still turn them inside out after each use for complete drying. Let us know what Hodgman says even tough they are now known as Stearns.
I have had the same Hodgman breathable waders for the last five years and they are still going strong. I have a lot of fishing hours on them and I do tend to abuse them just through use. I do wash and dry them and store them inside when not in use, so I know they are a dependable product. I had a pair of Hodgman wading boots that after two years use the stitching was coming out around the side of the sole. I sent them back (as I always have extras) only to see if they could or would restitch them and they sent me a new pair, no cost involved. I am a strong advocate of Hodgman products. Let us know how it turns out.
Jeff
I tried contacting Stearns via the website with no results in two days.
Today I called their toll-free number and talked to their service department. After explaing my problem I was informed that their warrenty is two years, but that they stood behind their products. (they should try standing in their porducts in the icy cold water I was in…) They gave me a return authorization number so they could look at the waders and determine if they should be replaced.
I will let you know the outcome.
Thanks,
Alan
For anyone watching this thread, I got a reply from my initial contact via their website. It took 6 days for their reply and it was basicly what the nice woman in their customer service number said:
"Hello,
We are sorry to hear your waders have not performed as expected. It
sounds like they may be delaminating. This will happen with
time/storage, even though they are not used extensively.
If you feel this may be a manufacturing defect, you may send them to us
for evaluation. (they do have a two year warranty, however we do
stand behind our products) Please call for a return authorization number
prior to sending them back: 1-800-333-1179, ext 1, m-f, 7am-5pm, cst.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Customer Service"
As I stated before, I mailed my waders to them last Saturday. I shall keep you posted on my progress, if any.
Alan
When you get an authorization # can you also get a UPS authorization pickup?..Something to ask for…
I received a new set of waders today via Fed Ex. I am very happy and will remember this in the future.
Alan
It’s good when a company owns up to its defects and makes the consumer whole.
Kewl, two year warranty and replace FREE after four years. Hard to make a profit doing that.