Looking for opinion on waders

Well, after 10 years of fishing, my non-breathable boot foot waders are leaking like a sieve, which is going to make spring salmon fishing a little bone chilling. I have decided that the new ones are going to be breathable, stocking foot with boots. The reason for this is I am looking for some more support for my feet and legs and something that is not like a sauna all the time, most uncomfortable really but a great way to sweat off weight. :wink:

Anyway, the local shops have Simms and Orvis, and I know there are a pile of brands out there but since this is my first foray into this part of fishing, I thought I would look there first, then go from there if necessary.

Couple questions:

  1. Is there any advantage of Gortex versus Quadralam and vice-versa?
  2. For boots, to provide more support, something up over the ankle would be better? or worse?
  3. Felts or spikes or a combination?

Way to many options, thanks in advance for the opinions,

Dwight

Coincidentally enough, I had to recently buy a new pair of boots because I lost a sole off my old pair last fall on the Miramichi.

I went with the simms freestone with the studded felt soles. They come up over the ankle and provide really good support. They’re easy to get on and off, and the studded felt provides great traction.

Just my .02.

gutbomb, thanks, where were you fishing on the Miramichi? I do all my Atlantic Salmon fishing on the Miramichi, landed 2 nice Grilse last July the same week.

Dwight

DBenner,

Got no opinion on waders really. It’s not a question of will they leak, but when will they leak.

Boots are another story entirely. I’ve been wearing Chotas for a couple three years now. They offer great ankle support, polypro felt soles with removable studs, and they are the most comfortable, lightest boots I’ve ever owned. When I manage to wear these out, I will replace them with another pair of Chotas.

REE

DBenner;
I’ll also go with the Chota boots. Get them one size too big to have room for extra socks.

Whatever waders you decide on make sure the fit is ok. You should be able to lift your leg high enough to put your foot on the seat of a kitchen chair.

We were near Blackville. I was there not long after the hurricane and the river was high. Didn’t catch anything, but got alot of work in on my casting.

Bear in mind that felt soles will soon be band to limit the spread of didymous. Consider what’s out in the market now pertaining to shoes

Simms has already started phasing out felt. I am pretty sure that 2009 is the last year anything out of simms will have it. Simms and patagonia at least have boots that they say can equal the traction of felt with a rubber sole. I can vouch for the simms boots, but patagonias have been outside my reach. I am pretty sure chota has some too. Definitely check around for a pair of GOOD rubber soled boots, if you can find a guide or a trusted fly shop worker to ask that would be best.

Gore-Tex has some advantages over the competition in that it is a bit more time tested, slightly more rugged, and in general is the “gold standard” against which all other gore-tex like fabrics are judged. That being said, there isnt a huge difference. But I know that I have a pair of reddington breathables that failed me after about two-three months (about 15-116 outings). My simms gore-tex havent failed me yet after two years.

The fit though is VERY important. if you cant lift your leg/squat comfortably, then size up, no matter what your pride says. I started with a large pair and when I finally stopped being so proud of my physique (dont judge me) I sized up.

Geoff

Can’t speak to Orvis because I started with Simms and am still with them.

The first pair of breathable waders I bought was the low end model of Simms at the time, around $200 as I recall. That was about five years ago. I still have them and use them, in warmer weather. That pair has well over 300 days on them and they are still serviceable. Any leakage is minor.

The second pair of Simms was a step up. Believe they retailed for about $325 when I bought them not quite two years ago, although I got a better price on a close out. The new version of that pair had built in gravel guards, and that was the reason for the close out. The newer pair probably has somewhere around 175 to 200 days on them.

Both pairs have developed minor leaks, mostly from the beating around I do in brush and other foliage. The newer pair did develop a leak on a seam, which Simms repaired at no cost and quite quickly.

I don’t recall the exact cost, but I did send the waders back to Simms to be “refreshed.” Any little leaks were repaired, the waders were thoroughly cleaned, and the waterproofing was renewed. Didn’t look like new, but surely worked like new.

Simms might seem a bit pricey on the go in. But you get what you pay for. It will be a while before I need to buy waders again, but there is no question what brand I will be buying.

John

The guys may well be right about the banning of felt soles. Chota has a new sticky rubber sole that will also accept studs.

DBenner, Whatever your choice of waders/wading shoes turns out to be, you’ll be stuck with them for a few years. I have a pair of 3.5 MM neoprene from Cabelas I paid about $50 for. I out grew them before I wore them out. If I knew I was gonna get this fat I would have bought bigger. Now, once you get your new stuff, donate your used up waders to Recycledwaders.com and they will turn them into something else. My penny’s worth. Jimsnarocks

As far as waders go, I’d opt for the Simms over Orvis. I love my Simms and they have the greatest selection of sizes out of anyone in the business. As far as boots go, thats a personal thing. As others have said make sure there is room for movement and extra clothes. Try the boots on with the waders on.

I’m sold on Chota boots. Quick lace system is super fast and support is good. I choose non boot foot waders because it gives me more options, I can have two different boots and maybe two different waders and interchange them as I see fit for conditions. Studs in one pair, maybe one pair of waders for brush busting and another for use in a tube, etc. I think gortex passes water vapor a little faster than other materials, but it may not be noticeable. I have been absolutely pleased with my Simms waders. Others are very good also and can be much cheaper. Breathable waders have come a long way. $150-$600. Stimulate the economy!

At the request of Trout Unlimited and other conservation organizations, fly fishing manufacturers have agreed to discontinue all felt-soled boots by 2010.

I have both Simms and Orvis breathables and have been pleased with both. Breathable waders don’t stretch, so be sure you have plenty of room inside for you and your layers of clothing. Gore-tex is preferable to other types of breathables. Patagonia is another brand to check, and their waders tend to go on sale at least once a year.

Again with boots, get them one or even two sizes large to accommodate the neoprene booties of the waders, plus the thick socks you may need for warmth. I have Simms boots I’ve been pleased with, but would probably recommend LL Bean Riverkeeper boots for the best ankle support, especially if you’ll also be walking some distance to and from your fishing. I’m also a big fan of studded boots, unless you’ll be in a boat or raft.

Plus they will go a HUGE distance to custom make waders should you choose. I have seen some crazy custom waders come through the factory. Full custom bodies, bootfoots, size 7 neoprene feet on XXXL’s, size 14 feet on larges, or Mediums, seriously anything you want.

Plus, I hear they make the fish bite better. something about the magnetic resonance of the Simms patch on the waders transmits through the fly line and actually DRAWS fish onto your hook!!! I heard this from my buddy. He once caught a 47lb bluegill!!! Hes my hero…

But seriously, I love simms waders…

Geoff

I can fish all day with a rod I don’t like, but I won’t last an hour in uncomfortable boots or leaking waders.

If you can afford them, you can’t go wrong with a properly fitted pair of Simms. I have never used Orvis waders, so I can’t say. I use the Simms G4 Pro’s now and am pleased as punch.

Boots, … I use the Chota STL’s (cleated), but I don’t change rivers, so Dymo isn’t a problem (next pair will probably be rubber compo).

The CHota’s fit me well and give good support. You reallt have to try the boots to see if they are for you. Bring your waders or at least neoprene socks. DON’T wear big bulky socks! I wear thin dress socks in mine with an “oversock” of 2mm neoprene OUTSIDE the stocking foot. Helps the booties last for years and years.

Take your time if you can, … boots and waders are a big investement and will give you YEARS of good use and comfort or HOURS of pain and regret!!

my personal favorites are Hodgmans. their ladies sizes fit ladies very nicely, and all of them have the same sort of pockets, etc., that the more expensive ones do. they’re durable, too. never seen a thorny bush that didn’t just want to hug me, and so far, so good. you’ll have to mail order, but the stores and Hodgman seem to stand behind them. and don’t forget LLBean. call and ask to talk to a Fishing Specialist so that they can send you something that is close to what you’re after.

I use LL Bean waders. They are a nice fit for my body and are a good value. The more expensive ones are rugged andcomfortable, the less expensive ones are lighter and great for those really hot summer days. Best of all if they fil before their time they are unconditionally guaranteed. Bean’s has been very good for me with the returns.

As for boots, buy them like shoes. Are they comfortable for a whole day’s outing? Do they give you the support you need. Don’t skimp on your boots. I bought a pair with interchangable soles. I use felts only locally and aquastelth when going out of town or hiking.

jed

That’s jumping the gun a little
TU has called on manufactures to faze out felt by 2011
That doesn’t necessary mean that it will happen.

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Hodgman, one of the biggest makers of waders, probably won?t discontinue its felt-soled products ? but it is working on alternative materials that are easy to clean and provide the necessary traction, said Parrish Lewis, the product manager for waders and accessories of Hodgman?s parent company, Coleman.

Simms over Orvis for sure. My buddy is on his third pair of Orvis in just a little over a year. I fished with Simms for many years, but have now went to Cloudveil because the fit is much better and they’re just as durable as the Simms.

I didn’t hear that about the boots being changed over to felt by 2010. Really?

B.