My first pair of waders are leaking like a sieve. I think it might be the neoprene socks. I had taken some knee busters that put a hole that I was able to patch, but this leak is only apparent after I go fishing. I plan on doing some winter fishing this year in Arkansas, so my waders need updated. Any one have any tips on my next/last pair of waders? Also, what is the life expectancy of a good pair of waders?
Once again, thanks for the help.
Jason
turn the waders inside out and spray rubbing alcohol on the waders. Give it a few seconds and any places where there is a small pinhole will show up as little dark spots. I will also use a black sharpie to circle the holes, as the alcohol evaporates quickly. I have used this for years and added a few more seasons to my waders. Hope this helps.
If you are looking to buy, I would have to recommend Simms. Check around and find some on clearance. I got a pair of their discontinued travel waders three years ago and they’re still going strong.
You can buy all the “HIGH END” waders you want…
but this is one hell of a pair… going on 2 years and no leeks yet!!
I would agree. These are fine waders for the money!
Bob
p.s. Jason, I can assure you these will not be your last waders
if you are serious about fly fishing.
Nght Angler,
I third that;)
Those are the waders I use and I love them. Second year for me as well, no leaks.
Larry —sagefisher—
I think the life expectancy depends on how many days a year you wear them and how hard you are on them. I had a pair of Cabelas Dry Plus II’s that lasted me several + years. They finally got to the point where it seemed a new leak appeared everytime I wore them.
In August, I bought a new pair of Simms Headwaters. The minute I put them on, I could tell a big difference between them and the Cabelas I had been wearing. I am not knocking Cabelas. But I had pretty muched decided that when it was time to replace them I would buy Simms. The Simms fit better, are reinforced in front from just above the knee down. And there is a big difference in material between Gor Tex which the Simms are made out of and other breathable material.
Just my 2 cents
Days on the river will make a difference how long they last. I get quite a few days in a year, but I am careful. Not a lot of hiking, bushwhacking, or sliding down river banks. That said, I have 9 years on a pair of Simms lights. Can’t imagine buying anything else when these are finally done.
IMHO, … life expectancy also depends on how you treat your boots. If you let gravel get in, the neoprene booties won’t last 5 days!
Make sure no gravel gets in, … sand doesn’t really matter, but gravel will work a hole into the soles. My Liliane wears a pair of thin wool socks over her booties.
I actually wear a second neoprene sock OVER the booties and haven’t had a problem in 8 years. I just changed to a new pair 'cause the stitching finally strated to leak a tad on my old Wardells.
Gotta 4th the Cabella neoprene thing.
Have had mine for several years .
I only wear them when the weather is miserably cold ,and have not been overly gentle with them. They didnt leak the last time out and am going to give em a go again in November . You can get three of these for the same price as one high ender .
Dont get hung up on a name brand unless the name brand has somthing (other than brand recognition) you are tecnically looking for.
I have a Hodgman waders that I bought at Disck’s on sale for 40 bucks for 7 years now. use them every spring and fall quite often. Been thrugh Hell and High water - ice and snow too. No leaks - ever. They do show they years though…
My experience with waders is that they last about 6 months of hard use, regardless of type or who makes them. And almost all mine die of compression leaks in the neoprene feet. Then again, I use mine HARD, ten hours a day and then some.
If you use them less, they will last longer. And some people just seem to get waders that last forever, but not me.
Breathables are more comfortable and versatile, IMO, than neoprene, so I recommend going that route. Get the best you can afford to get, ones with a good warranty, and take care of them.
I fish some long days both in the salt & freshwater year round & I had a pair of LL bean Wicked tough waders for 5 or so years. I had started getting some small leaks around the knees so on a trip to ME. I stopped in the store & was going to buy a new pair & keep these as a spare pair. I told the salesman what my plan was & he insisted ( I mean really insisted) that I turn them in for a new pair. & I did. They didn’t have my size so I got a different wader that was slightly cheaper & they refunded me the difference. I love the new waders & I love LL Beans no questions asked return policy. Wherever you decide to buy yur waders take into account the stores return policy.