JestersHK Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 So my waders took a beating in the thorny bushes of AZ... I'm pondering making a jump to something beside the cheaper White River ones I have been fishing for the past few years. The BassPro warranty has seen me through a number of replacements no questions asked, but I am intrigued by the fact these have a zipper up the front. I realize no waders are impervious to rough brush, but have heard nothing but good things about Simms and heard they have a great warranty to boot. The G4's are almost double what I can get the Freestones for and I would like to know if the juice is worth the squeeze... I know ones Gortex and the other is not, but would like to hear from anyone that has tried both. Also debating if the zipper is worth it, or just another failure point, over the closeout G3's which I've found under $300. Not afraid to buy once cry once as I'll likely wear them more than most purchasers, but price is a bit hard to swallow unless they are really that amazing...
Flysmallie Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 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.
JestersHK Posted June 19, 2018 Author Posted June 19, 2018 1 minute ago, Flysmallie said: 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. That's my main attraction for a zipper LOL. I know that trying to pee in the middle of the night and forgetting to zip up the top pouch of your waders which you've now dumped car keys, phones, wallet, batteries, and God knows what else into the brush is super awesome... Much worse if they go into a urinal or into the dark abyss of a camp style bathroom. Somebody needs to make a pee port on these waders... Sell it to Simms for big bucks LOL. I may do some experimenting on my old waders once I upgrade. Were the Freestones just not up to snuff? Better or worse than the whiteriver stuff?
BilletHead Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 i second flysmallie, The zipper is made for poor bladders IMO. I may need a zipper someday but not right now. My G-3s rock! BilletHead JestersHK 1 "We have met the enemy and it is us", Pogo If you compete with your fellow anglers, you become their competitor, If you help them you become their friend" Lefty Kreh " Never display your knowledge, you only share it" Lefty Kreh "Eat more bass and there will be more room for walleye to grow!" BilletHead " One thing in life is for sure. If you are careful you can straddle the barbed wire fence but make one mistake and you will be hurting" BilletHead P.S. "May your fences be short or hope you have long legs" BilletHead
Flysmallie Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 I always wait too long before I make the das to pee. 2 minutes ago, JestersHK said: Were the Freestones just not up to snuff? Better or worse than the whiteriver stuff? They're Simms. Much better than the White River stuff. I just liked the G3's a bit better. Seemed to fit better. A lot tougher feeling. But I've had the same leaks with both. You aren't going to go wrong with Freestones. JestersHK 1
JestersHK Posted June 19, 2018 Author Posted June 19, 2018 With the G3's at closeout pricing they are just a tad more or the same as the Freestones Z new. You guys are leaning me towards the G3's... I have a vest for all the gizmos and doo-dads to hang off them vs having it on the front of the waders. As for pool bladders Mr. BH, you can only drink soo much monster to stay up at night without peeing every 10 minutes LOL. BilletHead 1
netboy Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 I've got 2 pair of the older Simms goretex waders. They are 7 years old and last year I sent one pair back to Simm's to have the neoprene booties replaced (due to Spring river snails). They replaced both booties and sealed a few pin hole leaks. I think it was around $40. Good as new. I would suggest staying away from the Freestones (made from a material named Toray in China) and stick with the Simms goretex waders made in Bozeman Mt. JestersHK 1
BilletHead Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 1 minute ago, netboy said: I've got 2 pair of the older Simms goretex waders. They are 7 years old and last year I sent one pair back to Simm's to have the neoprene booties replaced (due to Spring river snails). They replaced both booties and sealed a few pin hole leaks. I think it was around $40. Good as new. I would suggest staying away from the Freestones (made from a material named Toray in China) and stick with the Simms goretex waders made in Bozeman Mt. Yep can't beat the refurbish price from Simms. I have two pair of G-3s. A real old pair I sent in to be rebuilt and they did new booties and then a second pair I got a REAL DEAL on. The BilletHead is set for life, what I have left of it. I will have Mrs. BilletHead will you a pair if I croak soon DJ. That is if you can stand still for five minutes in them. If you fail the deal is off, BilletHead "We have met the enemy and it is us", Pogo If you compete with your fellow anglers, you become their competitor, If you help them you become their friend" Lefty Kreh " Never display your knowledge, you only share it" Lefty Kreh "Eat more bass and there will be more room for walleye to grow!" BilletHead " One thing in life is for sure. If you are careful you can straddle the barbed wire fence but make one mistake and you will be hurting" BilletHead P.S. "May your fences be short or hope you have long legs" BilletHead
JestersHK Posted June 19, 2018 Author Posted June 19, 2018 I'm pretty sure when Mrs. BH has you stuffed we are going to want you clothed in your native outfit attire and not your birthday suit. Although the latter sight might make an interesting yard ornament down there in Billetheadville. Plus we both know I can't sit still that long... BilletHead 1
BilletHead Posted June 19, 2018 Posted June 19, 2018 1 minute ago, JestersHK said: Plus we both know I can't sit still that long... If i make it back to jig fest I will bring both pairs. You can try them out but if you pee in them into the cold water you go. Deep enough the waders won't do you any good , BilletHead JestersHK 1 "We have met the enemy and it is us", Pogo If you compete with your fellow anglers, you become their competitor, If you help them you become their friend" Lefty Kreh " Never display your knowledge, you only share it" Lefty Kreh "Eat more bass and there will be more room for walleye to grow!" BilletHead " One thing in life is for sure. If you are careful you can straddle the barbed wire fence but make one mistake and you will be hurting" BilletHead P.S. "May your fences be short or hope you have long legs" BilletHead
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now