Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: bigblue on January 19, 2011, 10:16:25 PM

Title: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: bigblue on January 19, 2011, 10:16:25 PM

I am looking to add more traction to my new SIMMS vibram soled boots.
Have anyone tried SIMMS star cleats or studs on vibram soles?
Are they effective and what is a good layout pattern for the cleats or studs?

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: DionJL on January 19, 2011, 10:21:04 PM

I use the star cleats on my Rivershed boots. They work wonders on everything from logs, to boulders, to ice. Use the pattern suggested (http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/streamtread.html) on Simms website.

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: bigblue on January 20, 2011, 09:32:09 PM

Thanks for the comments guys.

I tested my boots without the cleats today and it could definitely use some to improve it's grip.
The new G4s are awesome with all around insulation.
First it kind of looked ridiculous like a ski boot, but it sure is warm in cold weather.
I was wading in ice cold water and felt no discomfort at all.

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: oni_kage on January 08, 2012, 06:01:41 PM

Digging up this old post, but has anyone any new info?

I am trying to decide to go with simms studs or cleats with rubber sole wader boots.

The studs stick out a bit further i read, does this feel uncomfortable when walking on flat rocks?

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: Matt on January 08, 2012, 07:00:39 PM

Quote from: oni_kage on January 08, 2012, 06:01:41 PM

Digging up this old post, but has anyone any new info?

I am trying to decide to go with simms studs or cleats with rubber sole wader boots.

The studs stick out a bit further i read, does this feel uncomfortable when walking on flat rocks?

Studs make more noise than star cleats.  Star cleats are nice, offer lots of traction but do tend to back out of the sole and cost a fair bit.  Vibram alone isn't enough for many rivers.

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: awurban@msn.com on January 08, 2012, 07:45:47 PM

hey lots of guys that I know use the Hardbite star studs and the Hardbite boot studs they seem to work really well together

Title: Re: Cleats or studs for Simms boots
Post by: bigblue on January 09, 2012, 08:20:39 AM

I have used the star cleats, studs and alumibite on my G4 for the past year and each one of them has it's pros and cons.
From my experience, star cleats works best but is the most expensive of the three options and it's grip declines as it wears out.
Stud is the cheapest of the three in terms of cost and more durable, but it isn't as effective as star cleats in all around situation.
Alumabite continues to maintain good traction as it wears and cost is average of the three options but may put pressure on your back when new.
If money is not an issue, buy both star cleats and studs and attach as per Simms recommendation.
For someone who fish often, like myself, 2 to 3 packs would be needed per year for continual replacements.