After comparing side by side in an Orvis store, the Simms have a slightly better inside pocket, and slightly better design on the gravel guards, as compared to the Orvis model, and they are also made of Gore Tex, as opposed to Orvis’ version of that material. The Simms are also $130 more than the Orvis waders making them $425.
Still, they look to be nearly identical in terms of performance. Can anyone tell me why I whould spend the extra $130 to get the Simms? If I buy at an Orvis store, the warranty will be the same, i.e., 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
I can’t speak for the Simms, but I can for the Orvis Pro Guides. I purchased my first pair 6 years ago and they leaked right out of the box. Orvis replaced them on the spot. The second pair lasted a little over a year before they leaked. I must point out that I put over 120 days a year in them. Anyway, Orvis replaced them on the spot again, no questions asked. The third pair is of the newer design and they have yet to leak. Thats 4 years now and they’re still going strong. The neoprene booties are starting to show some wear, but that is to be expected. The are very breathable, and in the winter (up here in WI) when I’m dressed properly, they keep me pretty warm while steelheading. Bottom line is: that they have taken a lot of my abuse.
I?d recommend them in a heartbeat, and Orvis’s customer service is pretty darn good too.
I can’t speak for the Orvis. I have the Simms G3; great waders, well made and very tough. They have extra layers in places of the most abuse. Lot’s of features and well thought out design, even neoprene stockings that are shaped like feet instead of just coming to a point.
The only thing I was disapointed in was the wader belt. It was thin elastic. I just used a heavy Simms web belt that I already had instead. I suppose some may find the elastic one more comfortable but I like the heavy web belt.