Neoprene question

Post by **bobfly** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:36 pm

My neoprene stocking waders for my float tube are now officially a "wet suit". This is one piece of equipment that I have tried to take good care of but they are so delicate! I've tried patching, mostly on the feet but the water keeps pouring in. Has anyone any suggestions before I toss them? Are there thin waterproof booties out there that could be glued on or something else? TIA

bobfly

Post by **Fishboy** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:15 pm

All neoprenes leak eventually. I'm not sure how far along your are, but they sound like they might be past their prime.

If you wear stocking foot waders and don't wear your boots in the float tube (with over-the-boot fins), you might want to pick-up a pair of MEC paddler's boots (under $45). I wear these over the stocking part of my breathables and they do an excellent job of protectin the neoprene feet.

Having said that, this year my 5-year old breathables are leaking at the neoprene feet. I'm patching, but I'm not sure for how much longer.

Post by **Todd B.** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:46 pm

Bob,

Depending on how bad the leaks are you can try to fix it with Aquaseal (specifically made for neoprene and breathables.) You can pick it up at MEC. Note: it's in the tent section as opposed to the wetsuit section...go figure.

Post by **ganman** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:09 pm

Bob....toss'em and go get a pair of breathables, you'll love them. Get'em big enough so you can wear a pair of those fleece pants under them in cold water.

I spent the extra money and bought Orvis. So far they have replaced 2 pairs for me but looking back I don't think it (leak) was the waders fault. Both mine felt like minor leaks at the knee but I think it was because the double material dosen't breath as easy and I get condensation there. Anyway the folks at Orvis in Vermont just tossed me a new pair each time I told them.

Post by **Todd B.** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:12 pm

I know if I'm not at least waste deep in the water I'm sweating big time in my breathables, and I agree it makes you think that you have a pinhole leak, however in cooler weather I'm perfectly dry.

Post by **ganman** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:16 pm

Maybe somebody has found different but with fleece pants I've never been cold in breathables but I've been cold in 3mm neoprene.

Post by **Fishboy** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:42 pm

I only wear breathables regardless of the weather. In summer, light long underwear wicks most persperation off your body. In winter, fleece pants make a big difference.

I agree with Ganman about spending a little extra to get good quality breathables. I bought a pair of Orvis Silver Labels five years ago and they've been great.

Aquaseal is cheaper at Crappy Tire. It's also sold as Kiwi Sport & Shoe Seal for about $1 or $2 cheaper.

Post by **bobfly** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:14 pm

Thanks for all the responses. Lots to think about. My neoprenes are only a year old. This is only my 2nd year in the tube. Being an ex-diver, I don't mind getting wet. Its just a little embarrassing dumping all the water out on shore, LOL, although most places I go to, noone is there. I have these special pants from LL Bean that dry in a jiffy and I wear them and no socks or underwear. I'll try patching with Aquaseal perhaps even putting the feet into a heavy duty plastic bag and wrapping with Tuck Tape (the carpenter's secret weapon) and see if I can stretch them out for this year and start looking for breathables. I don't care what they look like - only the fish are seeing and red attracts, right?

bobfly