Thought that everyone here should know about this. I didn’t find anything about it on this site by doing a search under “Simms”:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/wadingstaffrecall.html
Rick
Thought that everyone here should know about this. I didn’t find anything about it on this site by doing a search under “Simms”:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/wadingstaffrecall.html
Rick
Important! Thank You!
Mostly everything about the Simms product appeals to me except those detent buttons. It’s why I never purchased one. I always considered it the weak link in an otherwise well thought out product.
Hopefully nobody’s staff collapses on them.
I’ve got a knock-off wading staff that I expect to come apart on a fairly regular basis. It keeps things interesting when the fishing is a little on the slow side. The staff seems to have a particular dislike of muddy banks and mucky bottoms. 8T
While I personally use a collapsible wadng staff, a Folstaff knock off, the only wading staff that sounds bomb proof to me is this one: http://www.redshedflyshop.com/SHARPES.html I know that the Simms wading staffs are popular from past discussion on staffs I would say it’s 45% Simms, 45% Folstaff and 10% others including things like collapsible hiking sticks.
My main thought in posting this here is so that everyone who owns one, on this site, would know about the recall and act approapriately. No need for anyone getting hurt. I also applaude Simms for taking swift action instead of sitting on their hands. They have always been an impressive customer service oriented company in my mind.
Hi Clay,
I just wanted to assure you that I intended absolutely no criticism of your post at all and your obvious concern for others is highly commendable as is Simms’ recall. Certainly this information needs to be as widely distributed as possible I was just observing that a lot of wading staffs come apart on their own. Mine more than most. In fact, my wadding staff seems to be ingeniously evil in its choice of situations to disassemble itself. Tight loops and tight lines, my friend. 8T
I had NO issues with your comments 8. All is cool! I have a Folstaff knock off that if it get stuck in the mud comes apart at the Wrong moment, so I could completely relate to your comments. That is also why I said that if I really had to bet my rear on a wading staff it would be one of the one piece units like the Sharps. It is a heavy duty, reliable life saver, but I don’t own one - YET.
I have one of Simms wading staffs. It’s older than the ones listed. Aprox. 2-3 years old. It failed on me several times. Couldn’t use it as it was designed and couldn’t repair it. I removed the spring loaded pin and replaced it with a nut and bolt. It’s harder to put together on the water but I can trust it now.
Coincidentally, a friend and I stopped at Simms in Bozeman yesterday on our return to the Yellowstone after fishing the Missouri below Holter Dam for several days. The tip on his Simms wading staff had come off, and he wanted them to look at it to see if it could be repaired. (I think his was a slightly older version than the wading staffs being recalled.)
The girl at the front desk glanced quickly at his staff, said something about it not having the problem curently being experienced with other wading staffs (I assume she was referring to those now being recalled) and said (without even pausing for a breath!) “I’ll go down the hall and get you a new one.”
My friend had to fill out a merchandise return card, but the whole process took about 5 minutes flat before we were on our way with a brand new Simms wading staff, and he was feeling quite pleased with the experience.
Now, if only I could get Simms to admit that my 2 year old Simms wading sandals (with just several days use, mostly getting into and out of my driftboat) were made with a defect in design and material - they have cheap velcro on several of the straps that doesn’t (can’t) keep the straps fastened - the straps should have been made with buckles instead of velcro - I’d also be much happier with Simms customer service.
In addition, as an aside for anyone considering Simms new wading shoes, I’ve now had a chance to use my new G4 Simms guide boots (the ones having Vibram soles, with optional metal cleats) in a variety of streams and conditions. DO NOT try to wade in rivers like the Yellowstone (those rivers having plenty of rocks covering the bottom) with just the rubber soles sans cleats, because to to so is to take your life in your hands. Contrary to what Simms may tell you, these boots are more slippery and hazardous than trying to wade bare foot! However, when I put a few metal cleats in them (which are removable) they work just fine, and these are really workhorse boots otherwise. But, no one is getting in my driftboat with cleats on the bottom of their boots! So, as far as I’m concerned, I don’t think there is a single satisfactory alternative to felts that has yet been found.
John
p.s. The fishing was great on the Missouri this week and we caught lots of Browns and Rainbows in the 17" - 24" range.