Waders...

[JeanDorais]

Afternoon all,

The good news: my repair job on my Orvis Silver Label 2's held up just fine on Sunday morning.

The bad news: I somehow managed to rip them just above the gravel guard on my right-inner leg. Must have gotten caught up on something without noticing I'll be able to repair them with the "kit" that came with the waders, but it's gotten me concerned about how they're holding up (or not, as the case may be)

Looking at options for next season and I'm simply numb from all the options out there.

Orvis: Tailwater XT's or ProGuide 3's
Cabelas: Guidewear
LLBean: Wicked Tough's...

To name just a few that have my size...

Bringing me to the "Jean's question of the day":

What waders are you using and do you like them?

Many thanks in advance,

Jean

[Todd B.]

Jean,

I'm currently using the ProGuide3. They're nice and not leaking yet. My first waders were a pair of Clearwater, with the only drawback being that they didn't have integrated gravel guards.

Personally I'd try then on to see which fit the best then weight the prices afterwards. Unless I had previously owned a particular model, I'd be hesitant to purchase a pair without being able to try them on first.

With respect to wading in general, I find that you have to be particularly careful on the rideau, given the numerous sharp edged rocks and zebra muscles. A simple stumble can shred a pair of waders.

[JeanDorais]

Todd,

Thanks for the information- given my 'stoutness', I'm not about to buy something off the internet without trying them on first. Willing to do a road trip to go and try some waders, the only way I'll be sure!

The Drake has both the XT Tailwaters and Pro Guide 3's in stock in my size...I'm trying really hard not to rush out and buy a pair this week. Not sure how long that's going to last

Now if Cabelas could get off their duffs and open their strore in Laval, I'd be there trying some on right now!

Jean

[Todd B.]

I believe that LeBaron is carrying William Joseph gear now as well.

[Fishboy]

Orvis Silver Label - excellent value.

[JeanDorais]

Brian,

That's what I currently have: the Silver Label 2's. They aren't bad by a long shot, but they aren't what I want in my next waders. I really want higher end waders, re-enforced seat and knees...better fit and comfort.

I tried the William Joseph waders in Toronto last year...they don't fit my frame well at all.

I appreciate everyone's comments, keep them coming!

Thanks,

Jean

[Rybren]

Jean,

I'm at the low end of the $$ scale with a pair of RedBall Neoprenes. They're 14 years old and have taken a lot of abuse. The rubber in the built in boot finally started to rot and leak this year. I smothered the boot with aqua seal, but I haven't had a chance to test it out yet. I'll be in the market for new waders as well, but still at the low end.

Neoprenes are very hot for summer wading, but they're great for the Salmon River in the fall and winter.

Just my budget-minded $0.02 worth.

Jerry

[JeanDorais]

Waders, waders...everywhere waders

Talking with various friends and neighbours who fly-fish a LOT (as in 200+ days/year!) and looking over the available choices, my choice has been narrowed down to 2, both from Orvis: Tailwater XT's and ProGuide 3's.

Simms have a really good reputation, but the ones I'd like (G4 Pro/Guide) are in the 699$ USD range. OUCH!

I'll have to make a run to Green Drake and try both on to make a decision on which pair fits better. Woohoo, more money!


Jean

[wongrs]

i like my simms lightweights. they run about 200-250 now. i'm on my 3rd season (although i wet-wade in the summers).

they are breathables and have been warm enough for me in the winters also wearing long johns.

i am going to try patagonias next just because i like how they support conservation/environmental initiatives.

[Todd B.]

Well I think I might have to take back what I said about the GuidePro's. Seems I have a seam leak the same as what Salar experienced...and after only 3 months of use. I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a warranty exchange rather than having to ship them off for factory repair.

I'm starting to wonder whether the quality of gear that Orvis is having made overseas is starting to suffer. At least their rods are still manufactured in the US.

[Hookup]

Now I'm worried about my proguides... nothing to report, but if there are already two of you with leaks in the same spot i'm wondering if i'm next.
'
Where is this leak? I'll look for any stress signs next time I have them out...

[Todd B.]

As far as I can tell my leak is in the crotch seam. (Same location as Salar's)

[JeanDorais]

Yikes,

Sorry to hear that Todd.
My current plan is to wait until next season to replace my Silver Label 2's as my primary waders.I repaired and tested them last night and they seem to be ok for now. Have spousal stamp of approval, but not for a new pair every 2 years!!
I'm just not in a position to pay 700$USD for a pair of Simms G4 Pro,with absolutely no garantees they wouldn't do the same thing.


Jean

[Manfred]

By the end of Season 2, my Pro Guides were leaking at the inseams of both lower legs, at one or more places from the knees downward. I walked in them a lot. The legs seemed to rub together. I could see the wearing on the outer seams and, eventually, some on the inside.

Near the start of this season (My third season of flyfishing and wearing waders), I bought Simms. I do not remember the model. They do not seem as substantial as the Pro Guides, but the legs do not rub together. Thus far, they do not seem to be leaking.

I was disappointed that the Pro Guides did not last longer -- not disappointed enough to seek a refund, but disappointed enough to mention it here.

Now I let my friends get damp in the Pro Guides.

I am dying to go back to the Adirondaks, but perhaps more on that later.

[Rybren]

Leaks, leaks, and more leaks!

I'm starting to think that maybe I should just go with another set of cheapie (relatively speaking) neoprenes.