Waders

[leaky]

Ok, people, I know it's been a while but I'm back with a question. I'm still struggling with buying waders. For the past umpteen years (I'm old folks), I've lived with buying neoprene waders every couple of years because of punctures and leaks. Just read an article in Field and Stream on waders. They talk about "the test", a #10 lazer-sharpened hook, knotted to a piece of mono, hung the full weight of waders from the hook at knee, then giving mono a hard tug. All the ones they recommended passed.
Here's my question - Anyone have any "real" experience with the L.L. Bean West Branch wader/$170? The write up states - "lower third is tough enough to withstand hiking on the thorniest trail. These are breathables.
I'm hard on waders and do a lot of hiking, float tubing, duck hunting, etc. Any first hand experience that can help?[unsure]
Leaky[]

[DKSRenegade]

Leaky, I have had the same problem for years. I bought several pair of neoprene waders from Cabela's and sent them all back because they would leak after several trips fishing in them. They were great to replace them but after the third pair, they gave me my money back and said that they could no longer help me with my wader needs.
I will fish at the Green River for 2 weeks solid every summer and the walk to and from the river takes it's toll on the waders. I now pack my breathable waders to where I want to fish and then put them on. This has added years to the life of my waders. I also use aqua seal on them if I do get a leak, and it works great.
As far as the Bean brand goes, they may be made for them by some other maker so who knows how well they are made. If they are backed like the ones that I got from Cabela's, you won't go wrong getting them. Dale
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[Gibson]

I can't tell you anything on the LL Bean waders, but if you are going to buy a new pair in that price range, I recommend Dan Bailey's. I got mine for $199.99 at "hooked" they come with a life-time warranty and I love em.
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