questions about waders

[am4mu]

I was supposed to go from Indepence, Mo. to Springfield this morning and look at waders at BCO, however the baseball tournament I was going to has been cancelled. So I am sitting here doing my due dillegence in catalogs and the internet on waders and boots. I would be interested in any comments you all have on Simms L2 waders and boots compared to Orvis Battenkill waders and Battenkill brouge boots. Also what are your opinions on studded and non studded for Taney and the white River? I'm a rookie and need all the help I can get, don't want to go crazy on money but I don't want junk either.

Michael from BCO just returned my call, Thank you, you are the best.

Thanks,

Doug Kiefer

[Micheal Kyle]

I always wear spikes there is no rhyme or reason why I do, I just do.

I am not an Orivis dealer but the waders that you are referring to ARe not Goretex they are a Quaderlam material yes it is breathable yet it is not as durable or a breathable as the Goretex. the Simms L2 waders are gortex 2 layer upper and 3 layer lower. Both have a lifetime warranty on them.

Yes I do sell Simms and yes I do recommend them However with that said I was wearing Simms goretex waders long be for I bought the shop. They last are extremely durable and you will have the best luck staying dry in them because of the better breathable they have.

I have a good Friend that works for goretex and he says to find out the quality of a wader is get something wet put your waders on and you will actually dry off in the wader because it is pulling the moisture out.

I not for sure what the boots a like but I do sell both Simms and Chota the Chota boot is my number one selling boot. It has the widest toe box on the market it also has the quick lace system. It is the most comfortable boot out on the market and that is coming from my customers that I have switched over to the chota.

Michael

[Terry Beeson]

Doug,

I won't comment too much on the difference in waders other than you will probably get a LOT of votes for Simms over Orvis...

However... As for boots.... chunk Orvis and Simms BOTH in the trash (not that they are THAT bad, but...) and go for some Choatas... Ask about anyone who owns a pair. I bought a pair from Michael who kept telling me how much I would like them and he sure was right. I wear studs in Taney, but not sure they are that important in most cases. I do feel a lot more stable with them on, though...

Hmmm... seems Michael commented while I was typing... Whud I tell ya?!

[Don]

I bought a pair of Simms Guide waders 2 months ago after wearing a substandard brand for several years. Where have I been? I like them so much I might just sleep in them tonight before I hit Taney in the morning. I also bought a $55.00 pair of Chota boots two years ago in an emergency situation. My cheap brand boots fell apart on me in the middle of the Norfork. At the time I couldn't afford the nicer $100 pair of Chota's that I really wanted. They are a great boot. The downside is that I may never get the better pair until these wear out.

Don

[Greg]

Here's another vote for Simms. I've never really tried Orvis products much so can't comment there. I have Simms lightweight waders and they are great. For years I bought cheaper waders and they would only last about a year. Michael at BCO talked me into Simms and I've never looked back. Mine are going on 2 years now with no leaks.

I also used to cheap out on wading boots. I went through about a pair a year for 3 years in a row. A year ago I bought Simms rivertek wading boots in Michaels shop. They are very comfortable. And seem like they will last a long time. My wife has the Chota boots and they have worked well for her.

I've slowly switched most of my gear over to Simms. Everything they make seems to be top quality. It pays for itself in the long run over the cheaper stuff.

Greg

[John Berry]

SIMMS are the choice of most guides. We live in them and we love them. I like the Simms wader boots. They run big and I just wear an extra pair of socks. Don't get studs if you fish from a boat much. You will slip and bust your butt. I have studded (for wading) and unstudded boots(for the boat). Chota makes a boot with a convertible sole that looks interesting. Also check out Patagonia boots.They are the most comfortable ones I have ever worn. I also have a pair of Orvis Henry's Fork boots they run narrow and I have been through three pairs of laces in the last year.

[Brian Wise]

I have to put another vote in for Simms, best waders you can buy....

Their breatheability is insane, I wore the G3's (which are fairly heavy) to a little spring creek last week and was dry as a bone after fishing.

Brian