Wader Repair

[bobw]

I have a question about waders and repair. I have a pair of Cabelas breathable waders that have a leak around the knee. I have some Aqua Seal to put on the seams that should stop the leak. My question is, is this a common thing with breathable waders. I know the Cabelas waders are not the top of the line. But even with top of the line waders, does any one else find they have leaks after a couple of years. I would guess I use mine 20-25 days a year. I try to take care of them, hang them to dry after use and keep them in the bag and clean.

[duckydoty]

I wear Simms waders and wear them alot. They all eventually leak. One thing I like about the Simms is that if you turn them inside out and wipe rubbing alcohol on them, dark grey spots will show up where you have leaks. All you have to do is mark them with a marker, wait till the alcohol dries then coat the spots with aqua seal. Seam leaks in warranty covered waders are usually covered by the manufacturer, but pin hole leaks in the fabric are not. Those are just something that happens with time and wear.

[bobw]

I was wondering if even the Sims waders leak after time. I guess this is the third year for my Cabels waders. How long does Sims warranty their wades? From what I have seen, most of the leaks I have are in the seams. Are the Sims worth the extra cost? I know they are top of the line.

[duckydoty]

My Simms have gone 2 and 3 years before sprining a leak. You got to remember that I put them on over 200 times per year and they very rarely get to dry out. I think they have a limited lifetime warrenty, maybe Michael can chime in on that and give a true and accurate answer on the warrenty for us. I personally think they are worth the extra money but that is just an opinion. It might be biased.... There are some Simms waders that are not that much more than the Cabellas or BPS brands. L2 use to be one of them. I have yet to have a problem with seams leaking. Pin holes in the fabric from wear, use and abuse are what gets me.

[bobw]

I may try to find a pair of Sims. If your putting that much ware on them and it still takes 2-3 years for a leak to show up, a guy wearing them 20-25 times a year would go no telling how long with them. I'm going to have to get a new pair at some point any way. Been on a diet and have lost 30 lbs so far. Trying to get to 50. My Cabelas waders will be too big if I can do that. Thanks for the info. I guess I'm on about my 4th year to fly fish, still a lot to learn about all of it.

[duckydoty]

I think you will enjoy them if that is the route you decide to go. I really like the 3 pair I have.

Good luck on your waders.

[troutchaser]

How do they fit? Are you stressing any of the seams? No more use than these have in them, they shouldn't be leaky unless the seams are being pulled.

[Micheal Kyle]

Yes Simms Have a Lifetime Manufactures warranty, Meaning for the life of the wader if they start leaking in the seams they are covered.

There are only 2 Goretex waders that are made in the USA they Simms and Cloudveil. All others are made off shore Simms has waders that start out at $149 and go all the way up to $700.

No matter what wader you buy though it still carries the lifetime warranty on them.

Michael

[Greg]

BobW - in my opinion name brand waders do make a difference. Yes they all do eventually leak. But the better brands last much longer before they leak in my experience. I like Simms. I went through a cheap $100 pair of breathables 3 years in a row. Now I have a pair of Sims Lightweights ($200 from Michael at BCO) and they are going into their 5th year with no leaks.

Greg

[brittsnbirds]

Have you tried taking the Cabela's waders back? I had a friend that took his back after a couple years, they replaced them free of charge.

Pat