Wader recomendations?

[Keiththom]

I've always been frustrated by waders. No matter what I buy, they all last only a year or two. I'm looking for a good set of waders for the money. Because my experience has been that none last long, I could never bring myself to spend $600 or $700 dollars that might not last any longer than a $99 pair. But I'm open to suggestions......

[Ham]

Simms. Buy good ones. Great customer service. I’ve got a set of G3’s from when then were switching to the next bid generation of their waders.

They are comfortable. I’ve mailed them back a couple of times for repairs. I’m currently getting a damp lower left leg and should mail them in again eventually 

[fshndoug]

BUY CHEEP GET CHEAP. Listen to Ham.

 

[tjm]

$100 per year or $600 for 6 years averages about the same, but a good part of the price of premium waders goes to the warranty cost.  I haven't owned a set of waders in decades, wade wet or in hip boots, but if I were buying waders, I'd want insulated boot foots. Insulated because winter is the only time I'd use them and boot foot to make it easy on and off. And I'd rather buy new waders every year or two  than to mess with patching or shipping, for me the best option might be  duck hunting waders. But, the average waders are made for tall skinny guys, so  try the things on before you buy regardless of brand. Legs that fold and pucker from being too long will wear at every pucker. Tops should be roomy enough to fit over the heavy coat, because if you aren't wading deep enough to get the coat wet, hippers are all you need. In the reality of today's money the $100 set is priced to be disposable, like the $50 restaurant meal that will get flushed within hours or the $$ gasoline that we turn into pollution.

 Caddis Wading Systems has some sales on some models.

[fishinwrench]

4 hours ago, Keiththom said:

Because my experience has been that none last long,

My experience reflects that too.  

From what I can tell, the key is SIZING.   Better (more expensive) waders usually offer more sizing options, and if you get the right size FOR YOU.....then they will typically last a few years longer.   Either way, throughout your life, you'll have spent the same amount on waders.   

I'm torn on the "Turning inside out to dry" thing.   On 2 occasions, the waders that I never bothered washing or turning inside out to dry have lasted noticably longer.  Even though they were only mid-priced Hodgeman's.   Yeah they were gross and looked like hell.....but bygod they kept me dry for way longer than all the other HIGH DOLLAR ones that I pampered and toiled over.

[tjm]

2 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Hodgeman's

Which model?

[fishinwrench]

12 minutes ago, tjm said:

Which model?

The OD green breathable's with the large breast pocket, gravel guards, and double layered from the knees down.   Been through 3 pairs, and I still have one pair, that I still use for Spring white bass fishing, that are on their 5th or 6th year.   Each pair has lasted longer than their accompanying BOOTS, that's for sure.

My Simms Freestones (or whatever they are called) will be lucky to last 3 years....just like the previous ones of the same pedigree.

[netboy]

I use Simms Goretex stockingfoot waders and have been very satisfied with their durability. If you go with Simms, be sure to get the ones made in the USA and made with Goretex. They offer a couple low end options made in China with a different material that won't last as long as the Goretex. Another advantage to the Goretex is that if you do get a leak, it is very easy to fix yourself (see video). Also, you can find some great deals on used Simms on Ebay. I bought a pair of G3's for $125 last year that were hardly used.

 

 

[tjm]

I just looked again at Simms site and their AI recommendation for my measurements  is a 35-36" inseam, even though pants with a 30" inseam drag the ground. Even their version of "short inseam" is ~3" longer than is comfortable over clothes. Perfect

Wrench those H5s seem to be out of stock most places, maybe discontinued?

[fishinwrench]

3 minutes ago, tjm said:

Wrench those H5s seem to be out of stock most places, maybe discontinued?

Typical.   Everything fishing related that I fall in love with is soon to be unavailable.  This is why I have boxes upon boxes of surplus tackle and gear. 

 I've learned to grossly overstock anytime I can afford it. 🙄