I started with some of the White River waders and they were okay. Went to G3's and had them for a long time and put them through some rough stuff. Sliding down banks, lost in thorn patches at three in the morning. They took a beating but kept on. Couple of years ago I wanted to change boots and sold my old G3's and current boots for new Freestones and boots. That was a mistake.
I have no use for a zipper. It would help when I'm racing to get my waders down before I fill them with urine but It would seem to be another failure point.