Best Waders?

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chromeking13
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2008/09/03 21:52:16 (permalink)

Best Waders?

I'm looking to buy a new pair of waders for the upcoming steelie season...any thoughts would be appreciated.  Looking for comfort and good warmth in a boot style.

My wife said I golfed too much...so I started fishing.
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    Random Hero
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/03 22:10:04 (permalink)
    If money isn't an issue, IMO I would go with the Simms G4 breathables!  I've had the same pair of Simms for 4 years now and no leaks!  Wicked expensive but worth every penny!! 
    #2
    Bughawk
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 07:55:55 (permalink)
    I have Simms G3's and love them. 

    pax vobiscum +
    #3
    tommybanzai
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 08:44:04 (permalink)
    ...ok...what if you dont have 400+ to buy a set of breathables....then what?
    #4
    Random Hero
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 09:48:02 (permalink)
    I had a pair of Hodgeman breathlights that didn't leak for about 3 or 4 years.  Then they started leaking around the seams.  But they were very comfortable and I think they go for around a 100 bones?? 
    #5
    Loomis
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 09:49:52 (permalink)
    Dont buy william josephs I can tell you that.  Get simms or LL beans.
    #6
    KJH807
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 09:56:54 (permalink)
    i have a cloudveil wading ... super tough
    i don't know your size, but there are some good deals to be on the interwebs... seirra trading post
    #7
    catchinfish
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 10:47:19 (permalink)
    I have had the same pair of Hodgeman's for 4 years now and still haven't had a leak.  Knock on wood.  They're very warm and well insulated and you can get a good pair for around 100-150 bucks.

    "I know not what with weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
    -Albert Einstein
    #8
    rapala11
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 10:52:46 (permalink)
    i have a pair of cabelas' non insulated that are almost 12 years old.  not a leak.  in cold water, i wear a pair of bibs for warmth.  would like a newer, breathable pair, but these waders will not die.

    Joined: 10/8/2003


    #9
    CRAPPIE_SLAYER
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 11:44:49 (permalink)
    Bought a pair of guide series neoprenes from gander mountain last year for around $100.  Used them wading in the early winter and in the spring, and they kept me warm.   This was my first set of waders, and so far i'm very happy with them for the price.
    #10
    Over the Hill
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 12:54:44 (permalink)
    I got a pair of Redball lightweights about 12 yrs. ago. Not a drop of water inside yet, knock wood!Very light, great for walking long distances to honeyholes. They're extra tall too so I don't blow out the ****es like the other waders I had in the past. Factory felt soles are really good, great grip. In the winter, I put on extra wool/acrylic socks and a pair of sweat pants over my jeans. Cost me about $89.00 back then. If they still make them, I would recommend checking them out. Heard that LaCrosse bought them out.

    My dad and brother are Hodgen's fans. Tough boots that have lasted them many years. I'm pretty sure my dad had a pair that were Hodges and lasted him something like 35 years. That includes a 12-15 yr. stretch that he wasn't hitting the rivers much, more time in boats on lakes.

    Storing your waders properly will get you more years out of them. Moist cool area preffered. No direct sunlight. Don't keep them in the trunk of your car! 
    Uh... they dry rot faster!   Trust me!
     
     
    I keep a tube of GOOP sealant in my vehicle with good duct tape. In the field years ago I had seam and dry spot leaks. Cleaned off the wader with starting fluid (kept it in the truck because of damp day starting) put on the GOOP in a glob, then covered it with duct tape. Held for a 3/4 day salmon fishing, no more leak. Pealed it off that night in the motel and cleaned it, resealed it with a light coat, then a final coat. would last a pretty good time before I would have to reaseal it. GOOP is pretty good stuff, goes on "thick" so to speak and then it flattens itself out and spreads as it dries. I think it lasts longer than standard 100% silicone. I use it on my Sorel pack boots also. They're about 23-25 yrs. old? The rubber bottoms cracked on the boots and the GOOP bonds VERY well to the rubber and has yet to crack, flexes great and keeps the water out.
    post edited by Over the Hill - 2008/09/04 13:26:44

    OVER THE HILL

    Some people are like slinky's; not really good for anything, but, they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs...
    #11
    fishbreath
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 13:09:47 (permalink)
    All around best waders are going to be made by Simms. They aren't cheap, but they're worth it. Go breathable, not neopreme. You can layer up in subfreezing weather and stay warm, and with breathables you stay sweatfree on warm fall days. My last pair went 4 years at 80 to 100 days per year before starting to maybe leak... if it was a leak, but i don't think my feet sweat that much. I took zero care of them; they'd lay in a wet or freezing ball in the backseat until the next outing. They also have a bulletproof lifetime warranty. I used to buy a set of waders each year, and got to expect leaks beginning 9 or 10 months along until I plunked down bucks for quality. LL bean and Orvis are supposed to make high quality waders too, but I've never owned any. There are no bargains on new Simms that aren't discontinued models. Simms make retailers sell at the same price, if you find them cheaper on the net they're used or discontinued, and not much cheaper than your local guy where you can try them on to see how they fit.
    #12
    Roy D. Mercer
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 16:05:47 (permalink)
    Redball.  Goin' on 13 years w/no leaks. Store em in cool dry place, wash em once a year and spray w/ tent waterproofing.  
    #13
    fishmonger
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 18:07:26 (permalink)
    I just recently got a pair of Frog Togs breathables. I don't know how they will be, but if anyone has some info, I would appreciate it.

    Fishmonger
    #14
    steelydaze
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 18:56:35 (permalink)
    Gotta agree wit ya Roy. There's just something bout fartin in old waders, with simms a close second

    She had bad body odor but boy could she sure skin a salmon!
    "Trust but verify" R.R.
    #15
    flyfishermanPA
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 19:00:01 (permalink)
    Also I'd look into FishUsa waders. Just goofing around I found some really nice waders, steelhead to be exact and I'm thinking about maybe getting them. Look nice and affordable.
    post edited by flyfishermanPA - 2008/09/10 16:39:17
    #16
    dano
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 19:01:14 (permalink)
    My vote goes to:
    Simms for durability
    LL Bean for customer service

    Gone Fishing
    #17
    pin_drifter
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 19:05:29 (permalink)
    I bought a pair of Chota breathables seem to be very please with them thus far. My friends have had their's for 4 years now and still going strong.

    Quit ****ing and take a kid fishing !!
    #18
    Texcobb99
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 20:07:25 (permalink)
    Cabelas neoprene Guide series.  I have used 3 seasons and not a problem.  Very comfortable and warm.  Fished on Elk in 5 degree temp, thin pair of long johns only under the waders.  Doesn't keep the water out if you go horizontal though...
    #19
    tippy-toe
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 20:18:26 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: rapala11

    i have a pair of cabelas' non insulated that are almost 12 years old.  not a leak.  in cold water, i wear a pair of bibs for warmth.  would like a newer, breathable pair, but these waders will not die.

     
    I agree, Cabelas premium breathables, $159.00 for the boot foot if thats what you want, a couple of pair of sweats and a good pair of socks...
     
    http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/vertical-pod3.jsp?id=0011367&navCount=1&parentId=cat350005&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20431-cat350005_TGP&parentType=index&indexId=cat350005&rid=

    I have the right to remain silent.....I just don't have the ability
    #20
    oncorhynchus
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 20:58:09 (permalink)
    I have a pair of Cotas breathable boot waders, quick lace with thermo underwear, and fleece liners very comfortable, especially the boots, however the fabric is very flimsy, after a walk through the brush discovered many leaks although I was able to patch them with aquaseal, also traderhorn has a glue stick which is heated with a match and applied to the scratch also works, I’m sold on insulated boot waders, after fishing with neoprene stocking waders no comparison.
    I’d recommend carrying the glue stick with you because it can be applied and used immediately after applying.

    better to be silent & thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
    #21
    chromeking13
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 21:11:29 (permalink)
    Decided to go with the Chota Steelheaders on sale on FishUsa.  My buddy bought a pair last year and loved them at the end of the season.

    My wife said I golfed too much...so I started fishing.
    #22
    FiveMilePete
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/04 23:05:35 (permalink)
    Fishusa.com--------------------->  Hodgman breathables,
    or Toggs breathable guide pants. I have the Toggs pants.
    3 seasons, maybe 2, 300 wearings, no problems.  I highly recommend them.  Under 100 bucks!  I've worn them below freezing, no problems.  Just layer with fleece and poly.  I guess if you are going in water above your waist, you want the chest high, but I have never seen anyone do this, in the Lake Erie tribs.
     
     
    #23
    Bibby
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/09 14:28:36 (permalink)
    If your asking for waders for fishing Steel and mostly in the winter than bootfoot neoprene is the answer. 
     
    Bootfoot will keep your feet much warmer- which is the key to trying to keep warm.  In addition, if these waders are mainly for steel you may want to think about some sortof rubber or plastic bottoms to avoid the snow build up on your felts- (I refer to this as the Herman Munster syndrome).   That said I have fished 350 plus days in the last 2 years and own Simms G3's.  I feel if I owned anything else they would been shredded by now.
    #24
    Chromer78
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/09 15:22:42 (permalink)
    I have the cabelas breatheables and have not had a problem with them for a 109.00 not too bad for the price and i do a lot of fishing with walking through brush no tears
    #25
    genieman77
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/09 21:17:02 (permalink)
    Gander Mountain Guide Series if you want quality waders that won't break the bank

    They have different grades of GS.
    Buy the top the grade boot ft if you can afford it

    as far as warmth, learn to layer your pant wear  and breathables will be every bit as warm as neos

    My fav is shear thin poly thermal first, then arctic weight fleece thermal, then fleece lined sports pants.
    (or what ever they call those pants that are kind of like jogging pants but have a satin type fabric on the outside)



    ..L.T.A.


    #26
    Uncle Kevin
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/10 11:11:54 (permalink)
    I have to agree...the Cabela's waders don't die and even when they do you can return them for a new pair.
    ORIGINAL: rapala11

    i have a pair of cabelas' non insulated that are almost 12 years old.  not a leak.  in cold water, i wear a pair of bibs for warmth.  would like a newer, breathable pair, but these waders will not die.

    ...just watch for the twitch and then bring on the thunder!
    #27
    smallhook
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    RE: Best Waders? 2008/09/10 21:19:31 (permalink)
    My Cabelas waders started leaking after about 10 months.  They replaced them with no hassle what so ever.  I make sure I hang them every night after I use the.  I hang them up and put my wading boots right under them and put a fan on them to speed the drying.  I can't complain though because I used them more in those ten months than most guys would have used them in 10 years. 
    #28
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