Wader woes

[Jeff]

I debated whether or not to ask this here, but what the heck, I may get as many opinions as there are posts

I've gone from neopreme (relatively comfortable, warm, non-breathable, smelly, tough, not the best to walk miles in!), to a boot foot cabelas waders (liked the breathability, started to leak at the fabric to neopreme transition) to a stocking-foot cabelas waist wader (MUCH easier to layer and pee, and I haven't missed the extra depth).  My problem with the breathables, at least cabelas is they don't seem to last long.  My current waist waders I've had for around 6 months and I've repaired them twice and they wore quite a hole in them this past weekend.  They wear through on spots that bend back and forth when I walk.  I'll most likely return the waders I have, and could get the same ones, but this would probably happen again.

I haven't found too much available as far as breathable waist waders are concerned; simms guide model chest waders (which I assume are the best) run over $400!  Plus I didn't see that simms had any waist highs.  What are y'all wearing and what are your experiences with different brands/configurations of waders?

Jeff

[chumdog]

Jeff, I'm currently in Hodgeman breathables, and they seem to hold up well for me.  Many others have had bad luck with them, but mine keep on plugging along.  Also, I have Hodgeman brand studded wading boots.  Studded soles make all the difference for a clod like me

I used to wear neoprenes in 4 or 5 mil. but they seem to always be leaking somewhere or other.  I'm still toying with buying a cheap pair on neoprenes for driftboat fishing, and when it's really cold!

[Bantam200]

I have a cheap pair of breathable chest waders I bought from G.I. Joes for about $100. I don't even remember the brand because they are not a name brand. I have used them for about four seasons of mostly bankin it up and down rivers and they have held up very well. The only thing I have done is use the plasti-dip trick on the bootie seams. I guess try another brand. I will second the studded soles, I use them and they have saved me many times from slipping.

[Andrew]

I've gone through a pair of Hodgeman breathables and a pair of Hodgman neoprenes over the last year, both ending up with serious leaking problems around the seams on or just above the feet. I still haven't had time to sit down with a can of Plasti Dip and go to work, so I've just suffered with wet socks on every trip.  

I guess you'd say my experience with Hodgman hasn't been great. I'm also interested in getting a solid pair of wast-high breathables that will hold up to the horrors I'll be exposing them to this summer, but, like Jeff, I haven't really found any consistent indication of which brand/model is best. I know every once in awhile you'll buy a cheap pair of waders that was made just right, but that seems to be the exception. I'm willing to put out some money to stay dry, but, uh, for $400 I could get a new guitar and a large pizza. Looking for more like <$150.  

Andrew

[nick]

Hodgeman lite chest hi, and Korkers. Can't say that I have a lot of confidence in the waders. And, from what I've heard, the expensive waders have as many negatives as the in-expensive ones. Different negatives, but just as many. I'll stay with the cheap ones and just replace when done. The Korkers, however, are absolutely great!!  This is how man was meant to fish.

[Brian]

Hodgeman guide pants have been my choice for the last 3 - 4 years. I'm very hard on my waders and if I get a complete year out of them I am happy. They are only around $80 - $90 bucks on sale.

[Fish]

I'll second the Hodgeman Guide Pants, I stay just as warm if not warmer in them, Layered with Fleece Pants, and PolyPropylene under wear on the extreme cold days of just sitting in a boat.

The Guide Pants are much easier to get in and out of and (Pee) when you have to go?

I don't get out in water that is over waist deep, not even to cross.

In general I catch more fish right where people usualy stand in the water, so in most cases I don't need to even be in the water.

I talked to a guy on the river the other day that bought the Simms (400.00) and they leaked like a pig, so I thinks they all have the same chances of leaking?  And for 80-90 bucks I can get a new pair for the next four years in a row for the same price.

I usualy get two seasons from a pair with very little problems for as much as I use them beating through the brush and all.

As for repairing, I have had no problems using Aqua Seal that I thin down to a liquid with the accelerator

[Redhook]

My current waders are the Hodgman Wadelite I, breathable chest waders.  After not having very good luck with the Hodgman neoprenes, I was somewhat hesitant to buy from them again.  But, what I liked about the Wadelite I model, is the outer shell, made from supplex nylon (not the cheaper taslan).  The lower legs are very tough (six layers) and the bootie feet are 4.5 neoprene.  I have been pleasently suprised, have had them about 18 months.  I did do the plasti-dip trick where the booties attach, but other than that no complaints.  About $130 at sportco.  Can't believe I wrote a good review about Hodgman   

 

[chromesteel]

Where do u guys pick up Hodgman guide pants for 80-$90 on sale always seem to see them for over $130.

[Fish]

Sportco

[Fllyfishy]

SIMMS brother, I love them.  I have Simms neopremes, and guide model breathables.

My first waders were Hodgemans, and they never fit right, and were heavy.  I went to simms, and will never go back.

[chromesteel]

I have to agree with Fllyfishy guide models all the way also help that I got them for $240 and the guide jacket for $225 on sale.  I don't think i'll buy hodgman ever again went through 6 pairs in one year.  Had a brand new one for 1 day leaked as soon as I step in the water. 

[bugnuts]

No matter the manufacturer, there certainly is some luck involved in getting a good pair.  For nearly twelve years, I had nothing but Simms Guide Model breathables and I averaged getting almost three years out of a pair.  Then I decided to do some experimenting with some of the cheaper lightweight waders.  My theory was that if I could get at least a year out of a $75-$80 pair of Hodgmans, Stearns, or one of the other imitators, over a three year period I'd still be money ahead by buying a new pair every year vs. spending the $300 for new Simms and getting lucky with their longevity.  Wouldn't you know that I got almost two years out of the first pair of Hodgmans I tried, and I've beat the living crap out of a pair of Stearns and I still can't get them to leak.  Case closed.

And then our buddy Zonker shared the most important two words any wader wearer could hear:  Plasti Dip (OK so it's actually one word).    I was able to revive one of my old pairs of Simms, and the two-year pair of Hodgmans is back in business after a generous application of this rubber paint to the inseams, crotch, and footies.  Now I have waders coming out of my arsh...so to speak. 

[zonker]

I'm on my third year with a set of $199 Dan Bailey Lightweight Breathables and they're still goin' strong. I got them after glowing reports from several flyfishers I know. Haven't had a bad day in them yet as far as leaks. I went to them after two bad experiences with Hodgman breathables. Don't think I'd ever buy Hodgman breathables again, though I have had good luck with Hodgman neoprenes.

I also think it is possible to get good and bad waders out of the same batch of matching brand/model waders - sort of like lemons among cars.

If anyone ever comes up with a truly durable breathable, the world will beat a path to his/her door.

zonker

[Andrew]

You called it, Jeff... lots of different opinions are turning up. 

How about warrantees? Hodgman has a 1-year standard warrantee, but what about other brands?