Posted: 9/30/2009 2:52:39 AM EDT
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Price isn't too much of a concern. I'm looking for something that isn't going to spring a leak in the first season of use. |
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I used a pair of breathable Bare for a number of years and they served me well enough. Had a delamination issue the first year of use. They replaced with a new pair.
I currently have a pair of Simms L2s. I expect them to serve me just as long as the Bares. ETA: If I were buying again today, I would go with Simms. Hard to beat. |
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I have a pair from Orvis I really like. Tailwater XT I think is the name of the model. They should still be on sale on their website.
Simms and Orvis seem to be the most popular at the higher end. Patagonia and LL Bean are supposed to be good as well. Every brand seems to send out leaky waders once in a while, even the best ones, so I think customer service is a big part of choosing a pair of waders. The first pair I ordered from Orvis were a size too big (I fall right in between sizes on their size chart), I called and had a new pair in 2 or 3 days. They do charge you for both until they receive your return unless you feel like waiting longer, but I think that is reasonable. I had a refund in about a week. I do want to try some from Simms for my next pair. |
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Quoted:
That's the problem I'm running into. Living in Nebraska, the waders that are available in stores are either cheap or more suited for cold weather duck hunting. There isn't much of a selection to actually try on. That's unfortunate. I think Cabela's carries Simms, and they have a few stores in your state  . And they have a good return policy. Short of that, Orvis might be your best bet for dealing online. They have a store in Denver and Englewood, Co.
I'm 5'10, 175lbs. Wear size L in the Simms waders, size 12 Simms Headwaters boots (normal shoe size is 10), and have plenty of room for heavy wool socks and fleece/synthetic layers. Simms has a good fit chart here. |
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So far in my experience as a guide I would rank Simms #1. I still have my old Patagonias and they just won't die. The Simms are more comfortable for me so they get the bulk of the time on river.
Cloudveil is a relative newcommer to the market. They are a great company that should be GTG. Orvis and Cabelas are great because of thier return policies. But a return policy really doesn't matter to me when I am standing waste deep in an icy river and leaky waders..... |
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There is a Cabela's (and a BPS) close to me that I go to quite often. The only time I've seen some of the nicer brands have been back in the bargain cave and normally in really small sizes.
Reading the replies here, I'll be looking for a new pair of Simms. Appreciate the responses. |
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Update:
I am a flyfishing guide so my waders get used hard and put away wet. I got a little wet last week while guiding so I flipped my 5 yo Simms guide waders inside out to dry. OK, I was grossed out and figured I should replace them. I went through the entire product line at our local shop. The Extream Boot foots were very nice and priced really well. The boots were just too warm for me to guide with on a daily basis. I wound up buying the G-3 Guide waders and Guide boots. A big investment but they are tougher than any other wader I have owned. FWIW, My old guide waders are working fine without leaks. I have only patched them twice after pinning them with spey flies. I put them through the wash and they are now my backup waders. |
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I buy waders with the warranty being foremost in my mind. Having said that I own a pair of Simms G4's that have been to Simms a couple times in the first year. I'm not thrilled that this is occurring with $499 waders.
I bought a pair of Patagonia's on close out from Madison River Fly Co (mrfc.com) as I needed a back up pair. They fit baggier than the Simms but work great. Patagonia's warranty is 2nd to none. If you have a problem they can't repair they replace your waders, no worries. |