Posts: 2,518
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation:
1
The time is nearing for me to make my annual "big ticket" angling purchase and I need some advice from the esteemed panel. I need some breathable waders this year. They will be used about 80% for float tubing and 20% for stream fishing. They will be used fairly hard and will be exposed to brush on occasion in my favorite lake to fish. (Jordanelle) I typically prefer to buy better quality stuff (if I can afford it) and not have to worry about replacements for a long time as opposed to saving on the front end and having to head back to the store after 1 season. With that in mind, I have read several reviews that state that Simms is by far the way to go. However, the price is stiff to say the least. I have also read reviews about Hodgman products that stated that their breathables were quite poor and invariably and quickly leak with regular use. (I have Hodgman neoprenes and like them a lot) I haven't heard much about Cabelas "house brand" either but they "look" sound in the ads. I also know there are other brands. What do you think?
Thanks in advance.
[signature]
Posts: 9,397
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2003
Reputation:
0
[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Hi there doggonefishin - just so happens that I bit the bullet a while back and purchased a pair of Simms G3 waders. Oh yes they are pricey at $425. They are very comfortable and if you wear polyester clothing, sweat is something that you won't have to worry about. At that price I am careful not to walk through any briar patches. Simms also makes a number of less expensive waders so your choices are many. I moved up from a pair of Red Ball hip waders and haven't been disapointed so far.[/size][/green][/font]
[signature]
Posts: 8
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
Reputation:
0
I have a pair of Simms "Classic Guide Stockingfoots" that I bought in the spring of 2000. I was tired of rasslin' my way in and out of the neoprenes and the clamminess that developes with extended wear.
A 2000 trip to Alaska was the prod for timing of that purchase. We float some rivers up there for 10 day stretches. You put your waders on first thing in the morning and take them off last thing at night.
I was - and still am - very satisfied with these waders. I haven't had any trouble being too chilled with them on, even sitting in my float tube for extended periods in the cold water of spring fishing here in Oregon. I just put on more Capeline, Filson wool and/or fleece.
They have worn well with hard use each year...no leaks or any other malfunctions yet (knock on wood). They are extremely comfortable with easy on/off and flexible when moving around.
They are light and easy to pack into backcountry lakes, also making a pretty petite package when rolled up.
They didn't come with gravel guards and still don't as far as I know. However, the lack of them has never seemed to be a problem for me.
That's the only breathable that I've owned so my review is pretty limited.
...Randy
[signature]
Posts: 36,141
Threads: 273
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]I too have trouble swallowing the lump in my throat when I see the price tag on the Simms waders. But, I have never known of anyone who bought them who did not think they more than got their money's worth. They are the quality standard of the industry.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Virtually 100% of my wader time is in the tube. I do not stream fish any more. And, because of my size, I need to buy 2XL, which has narrowed my choices over the years. I have found a wide range of variation in the sizing and the "cut" on the 2XL from different manufacturers. I learned a long time ago that I need to "try before buy".[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I could have easily afforded Simms long ago, but I keep trying new lines of waders as they come out, not just to save money but to field test them too. Some, like the Hodgman, I give up on returning for replacement. I just paint them on the inside with plastic paint (which destroys the breathable function) and wear them for a year or so before turning them into rain pants.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am just finishing a two year test on Stearns lightweights. I got them at Costco for $69 the summer I moved back up to Utah from Arizona. The 2XL was actually TOO BIG and I settled for an XL. That has been plenty large and comfortable, allowing me to layer as needed for colder water. I do use neoprenes (Hodgman) during the coldest months.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]More importantly, I have not had a single leak either in the seams or in the main fabric in that time. I can't recall ever going a full year without having to repair waders.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I had told myself that I would probably go through the Stearns quickly and that I would finally bite the bullet and go for the Simms. But, based on the continuing good results with the Stearns cheapies, I might rethink that.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 19,235
Threads: 1
Joined: Nov 2005
Reputation:
1
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#ff40ff][size 3]Simms are an ultimate wader. I use the Orvis Pro Guide with most of the quality features (no matter what anyone say's cause I sold both, Simm's and Orvis).[/size][/#ff40ff][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#ff40ff][size 3]They are about $100. less that the G3. I do know of friends that bought the Cabela's top of the line and love them also, Patagonia and L.L.Bean. Can't speak on them but Pro Guides work.[/size][/#ff40ff][/font]
[signature]
Posts: 194
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2005
Reputation:
0
Get the best you can afford. Rumor has it that LL Bean's top of the line waders are made by Patagonia.
[signature]
Posts: 36,141
Threads: 273
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]Good advice. Love your avatar pic. What kind of waders are you wearing in your Saturday Night Fever promo pic? Those bright whites might not be very good when fishing for shallow water spooky fish.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 2,518
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation:
1
Thanks all for the good input. I now know what I need to do once the tax refund comes back. Now, if we can get some less wintry weather so we can get our tubes and toons out on the water.
[signature]
Posts: 509
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation:
0
[#505000]Seems I'm in the minority here, but I have Hodgeman breathables which were problem free last year. Hopefully 2006 will show me another good year with the Hodgemans I bought last year.[/#505000]
[signature]
Posts: 36,141
Threads: 273
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]Yeah, but you only went fishing twice and only caught one fish...and that was a carp.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 194
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2005
Reputation:
0
Carpuni- good luck on the Hodg's. If you can get by 1 year w/o problems, you might last another. Hope so.
EA/MOjo
[signature]
][/#505000]