New Waider Recommendations

[brittsnbirds]

In the market to replace my old Simms (Freestones?). Any suggestions on a comparable pair? I spend alot of time during the year in my waiders. Need something that fits well, comfortable, breathable, boot foot, ability to roll down for shallow water wading.

Money is an option however I don't mind spending a few extra $$ for quality. I have really liked my Simms but I know there are other company's out there that are competing with them.

[NoLuck]

In the market to replace my old Simms (Freestones?). Any suggestions on a comparable pair? I spend alot of time during the year in my waiders. Need something that fits well, comfortable, breathable, boot foot, ability to roll down for shallow water wading.

Money is an option however I don't mind spending a few extra $$ for quality. I have really liked my Simms but I know there are other company's out there that are competing with them.

Pat,

If you can find them still the L2 Simms waders like I have are pretty decent at $200.00 roughly. They are light and fairly durable. Some places were clearing them out for the new models and I saw them going pretty cheap. The headwaters are the newer model but theuy went up in price like usual.If you don't know they still make the freestones too.

Rich

[Danoinark]

I've had great luck with the Orvis Silver Labels. Customer service is A-1 if you have a problem with them.

Dano

[brittsnbirds]

Pat,

If you can find them still the L2 Simms waders like I have are pretty decent at $200.00 roughly. They are light and fairly durable. Some places were clearing them out for the new models and I saw them going pretty cheap. The headwaters are the newer model but theuy went up in price like usual.If you don't know they still make the freestones too.

Rich

Thanks for the reply will try to locate some L2's. I have to get busy and make a decision otherwise I will be wading commando like FFM's brother.

[dpenrod]

these two sites usually have discounted waders. check the clearance pages on each one and see what they have. www.mrfc.com and redtruckflyfishing.com. also, you can still find the freestones for around $200 at several online shops and most will ship for free. just got a pair myself and have been very pleased so far.

[Gavin]

I'd probably go with Orvis or Simms in a boot foot...I used to swear by Simms, but my last set of G3's didnt hold up very well so tried a set of Patagonia's . I've been using them for a couple years w/o any problems. I'm not sure if Patagonia makes a boot foot model though. Cheers.

[flyfishmaster]

Brittsnbird,

I know most people reading have no clue what you are talking, but for me when reading this I just had water shooting out of my nose (from my drink of course).

You have left me with a visual that I cannot erase from my mind. If I remember right "blue" was the color, correct?

As for the actual wader question, I have a few different pairs and I don't have a prefernce to any one manufacture. I just know I have purchased 2 differnt brands from Cabela and they have replaced both of them for "free" after 5 years of use (or non-use in my case).

Later,

FFM

[Coldspring]

What about Chota, Cloudveil, Frogg Togg, or Rivendell waders?

[Ill Trout Bum]

I have owned a pair of Wright-McGill essentials for the past 4 years. They are extremely comfortable! Each pair is warranted for 2 years by Wright-McGill.

After a recent trip, I discovered a leak in the upper left leg in the seam. Upon closer inspection, I was unable to see any kind of tear or puncture. I contacted the company and told them of my situation. I told the I realized the warranty period had expired on my waders but would appreciate any help they could offer me in getting them repaired. I received a quick reply from their customer service dept. advising me to return them to the warranty dept. in Denver.

A couple of weeks later a Fed-Ex package arrived containing a brand new pair of waders. I was very surprised and extremely grateful. I would have been quite satisfied had they chosen to just repair my waders. Instead, I got a brand new pair! I can highly recommend their customer service based upon my experience. When it comes time to purchase another set or recommend to a friend, I will have no reservations about steering them to Wright-McGill products!

[jdmidwest]

+1 on the Orvis Silver Labels, I have a pair that is still in use 10 seasons running now. Heather wore them this weekend and snagged them 3 times with a fly and are still watertite, I checked her socks. I have been in and out of boats, canoes, and kayaks. Busted ice and crawled around duck blinds. I used them to build a blind several times, brush, wires, sharp sticks. They really have held up and are supple enough to wear like a nice pair of kaki's. I have blown out a pair of Lacrosse Horcotex in 2 seasons just duck hunting. I have one duck season on a pair of Drake Eqwaders and like them for hunting, we will see how the fabric holds up.

I have a pair of Orvis Pro Guides that are nice too, but are heavier and stiffer than the Silver Labels, I have been using them in cold weather and Alaska since 2006 and are in great shape.

The Entry Level Orvis breatheable waders are not a bad choice either. I have seen several AFG using them on the job and have not heard of any bad reports about them.