Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Geff_t on December 20, 2011, 12:57:12 PM
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So I am in the market for some new breathable waders and my budget is under $500.
So I am looking for a good no hassle warranty, breathable, at least 3 layers thick, stocking foot, zipper up the front, and something that in the end will not be a waste of money.
I look forward to seeing what people have to say. Thank you in advance.
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If you can live without the front zipper the Simms G3 are great
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Skip a few fishing trips until you can buy the G4 Pros. The Simms Guide wader is coming back for 2012, but I havent owned a pair.
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I love my Simms G3, but I do wish I had the front zipper. I have tried the Simms freestones but after getting leaks in two pairs in the same spot both within a month of getting them I upgraded to the G3. Simms was great about replacing them and allowing me to upgrade only paying the difference when I was unhappy with the freestones. Although if Simms as rumored moves the seams on the freestone from the inner leg the front of the leg like the g3 construction I bet they would last much longer and make a great entry level breathable, but until then stay away from the freestones.
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I love my Simms G3, but I do wish I had the front zipper. I have tried the Simms freestones but after getting leaks in two pairs in the same spot both within a month of getting them I upgraded to the G3. Simms was great about replacing them and allowing me to upgrade only paying the difference when I was unhappy with the freestones. Although if Simms as rumored moves the seams on the freestone from the inner leg the front of the leg like the g3 construction I bet they would last much longer and make a great entry level breathable, but until then stay away from the freestones.
Done! http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/freestone_stockingfoot_12.html
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I love my Simms G3, but I do wish I had the front zipper. I have tried the Simms freestones but after getting leaks in two pairs in the same spot both within a month of getting them I upgraded to the G3. Simms was great about replacing them and allowing me to upgrade only paying the difference when I was unhappy with the freestones. Although if Simms as rumored moves the seams on the freestone from the inner leg the front of the leg like the g3 construction I bet they would last much longer and make a great entry level breathable, but until then stay away from the freestones.
I just checked out the web site from Simms and the freestone waders are imported meaning made in China and the fabric is not goretex. The pair of simms that I have right now is goretex and not imported and they have been awesome.
I know that all of the Bare waders are imported but they test ever pair that come in. That is why they have had alot of trouble supplying the shops. I wanted the Bare Gold which has the zipper but so far I do not know of anyone that has them in stock.
I really like the G3 convertible waders and I like how they are constructed with 5 layers of goretex and the seams in the front and the back.
Does anyone own a pair of the new Reddington waders with the zipper and the welded seams?
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I will be watching this thread with great interest as im ready to upgrade to breathables from neoprenes.How much for the Sims G3s?
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I will be watching this thread with great interest as im ready to upgrade to breathables from neoprenes.How much for the Sims G3s?
Simms said suggested retail is $399
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I've gone through two pairs of the bare golds with the zipper in 6 months. First pair zipper and crotch seam leaks and shoulder strap pull out of the threads. second pair, several boot leaks and seam up the back of the leg and all the way around the boot are leaking. They didn't have any more of my size left to exchange so I've been fixing them myself. They now have more aquaseal on them then I'd like to admit. I'm interested in trying the reddington sonic pro zipper fronts as I'm now used to the zipper and can't see myself going back but can't really afford 700+ for the simms.
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I wanted the Bare Gold which has the zipper but so far I do not know of anyone that has them in stock.
Fred's does (or for sure did 2 weeks ago). If not, they'll order a pair in for you to try on.
Great looking and feeling waders, but I went with the Adams model. Not a big fan of the zipper myself, as it is highly advised against rolling or bending the waders in the zipper area. That means I am not supposed to roll the waders down to my waist when fishing in the summer heat. Zipper-schmipper.
Love Bare products though.
As for the original poster's query, buy the best you can afford. Your comfort depends on it.
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I've gone through two pairs of the bare golds with the zipper in 6 months. First pair zipper and crotch seam leaks and shoulder strap pull out of the threads. second pair, several boot leaks and seam up the back of the leg and all the way around the boot are leaking. They didn't have any more of my size left to exchange so I've been fixing them myself. They now have more aquaseal on them then I'd like to admit. I'm interested in trying the reddington sonic pro zipper fronts as I'm now used to the zipper and can't see myself going back but can't really afford 700+ for the simms.
I have herd that the reddington's are not much better, but then I guess it all depends on who you ask. Some guys have been lucky enough to get a good pair and some have gotten the worse of the bunch. I am finding that the waders that are made over sea's have been really hard to keep quality control on, but the ones that are made in North America have been really good. Almost all of the Sims waders are made at their plant in Montana. Bare on the other handd used to be made right here in Langley BC and they used to be really good, but now all their waders are made over seas and the quality has gone way down. Now as for Reddington I have no idea where they make them.
I guess I will be taking a closer look at the Simms waders.
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I have herd that the reddington's are not much better, but then I guess it all depends on who you ask. Some guys have been lucky enough to get a good pair and some have gotten the worse of the bunch. I am finding that the waders that are made over sea's have been really hard to keep quality control on, but the ones that are made in North America have been really good. Almost all of the Sims waders are made at their plant in Montana. Bare on the other handd used to be made right here in Langley BC and they used to be really good, but now all their waders are made over seas and the quality has gone way down. Now as for Reddington I have no idea where they make them.
I guess I will be taking a closer look at the Simms waders.
IIRC the only Simms products made in the states are the gortex waders (headwaters, g3, g4.) Not even the G3 and G4 gortex jackets are made in the states.
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I will also be looking at simms for my next pair. After going through 5 pairs of waders in the last year I could have easily bought the g4's and probably still be wearing them for another couple seasons.
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My Redingtons just last me a whole 3 months of use! Im going for the g3s this time, why would anyone want a zipper in the front, doesnt that mean theres no full pockets....
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One name I do't see mentioned on here or see mentioned much at all ever really is Orvis.....I have had my breathables made by them for going on 4yrs now and not a single leak! Also I have REALLY put them through the gears hiking to spots and as well I even wore them for a week straight TWICE!... from time I woke up until the time I went to bed...1was walking/fishing the Vedder just this past season and the other time was out camping/fishing/drinking at a lake for a week....pretty much lived in them! They have really been great to me. I think I paid somewhere between 150 and 200 for them, not gortex, no zipper and just the inside zippered pocket. 1 Clip on one ofe the straps did however break but that was due to slamming it in a car door. I am still very impressed with them none the less though!
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Simms G3 guide waders are the only way to go for me! Super tough and have never had a problem and believe me I put them through the ringer hard. Fell on the river last fall ... HARD! Thought for sure would have punctured them bot no! Got home and saw my leg was bleeding from a cut! But the waders held. I have hooked them, bush wacked them, fell on them, slid on dirt and have never got a leak ..... Ever! I have never had to go and try anything else! They rock. You get what you pay for! Go Simms for sure!
hotrod
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Well said Hotrod! I have 2 pairs of Simms G3 stocking foot waders. My first pair, used for 2 seasons. I use it every other day or so, go thru bushes , thorny brush and the works, been hooked on many times, so far not a leak really tough and strong. However, the gravel flap is torn and I am going to send it to Simms for repair. Bought my second pair from Freds paid $594.00. Save yourself undue stress and get a pair of Simms and live happily ever after.
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I got my G4 pro for under $600 taxes included, just go to a shop thats willing to work with you and move a bit on there sticker price :-)
Most of the time I dont even know Im wearing them there so comfy, secondly if your into hiking and crashing through the bush.... Which I am..... you will want the G3 or G4!!
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Sorry, the G3 waders from Fred's was $548.00 with HST. Just checked the receipt. Good price.
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Sorry, the G3 waders from Fred's was $548.00 with HST. Just checked the receipt. Good price.
That sounds like a decent price.
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Snowbee seems to make quality stuff, any info on these waders?
http://www.snowbee.co.uk/fly-fishing/wading/
they are on sale for 50% off till Christmas
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I got my g4's outta the states for 500 with free shipping
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I heard that prices may go up next year for gortex products, might be good idea to grab a pair now.....
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I got my g4's outta the states for 500 with free shipping
Where did you order these from? Thats a good deal, actual a really good deal.
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Snowbee seems to make quality stuff, any info on these waders?
http://www.snowbee.co.uk/fly-fishing/wading/
they are on sale for 50% off till Christmas
They are nice looking waders but being from the UK it might be a hassle for warranty if they start to leak.
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I just use crappy bushline neoprenes, they leak in both feet so I have to tape plastic bags
Around my feet so they don't freeze :) I'd like to upgrade to bare waders though.
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I just use crappy bushline neoprenes, they leak in both feet so I have to tape plastic bags
Around my feet so they don't freeze :) I'd like to upgrade to bare waders though.
Hey cohoaaron, Once I get my new waders I will give you my old ones. From the knees down they are fine but above the knees the have a slow leak in both legs. The leak is very slow and by slow I mean your pants are only slightly wet same as your socks. They are the Simms L2 breathables made with Gore-Tex. So if you want them let me know and I will drop them off at Andy's once I get my new ones.
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WOW! Thank you SOOO much Geff!!! :) :) that would be awesome!
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WOW! Thank you SOOO much Geff!!! :) :) that would be awesome!
I will bring them over to Andy's sometime today. You may need to find a wading belt for them if I can not find the belt that came with them. I will try though. I hope you enjoy them.
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Thanks again Geff, I really appreciate it. I can't get over how light they are!
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Thanks again Geff, I really appreciate it. I can't get over how light they are!
Hey no problem, I am glad you can use them. I also have a fly tying vise for you to look at. Hopefully you will be able to use it as well. I figured that I do not need 3 vises anymore, 2 is all I need.
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Wow thank you so much, I don't know what to say!!
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Wow thank you so much, I don't know what to say!!
All you need to do is one day when you have the opportunity to help someone out then please do what I did and pay-it-forward.
And I would ask that everyone that reads this to do the same thing when the opportunity arises. I know alot of people do already but I wish more would.
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good words.
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You're a good guy Geff. This thread has made me want to give stuff away. Who needs stuff?? Anybody? :)
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You're a good guy Geff. This thread has made me want to give stuff away. Who needs stuff?? Anybody? :)
I'll take A couple sage rods, any islander reels. :) :) :) ;D just kiddin
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You're a good guy Geff. This thread has made me want to give stuff away. Who needs stuff?? Anybody? :)
If (and I mean only IF) you have any extra stuff to give away, i try to keep a couple spares of stuff on hand to take Cubs and Scouts fishing. Some of the youth that can't afford fishing stuff (or Scouting sometimes, but we cover their costs as part of our 'no one left behind' program) I will let them keep it after a couple of trips and see that they're into it. Out of 18 sets of different types of gear, I know of 12 youth that are still fishing regularily (not just with me) and a few of them have hooked their parents/guardians into it now!
Soooooo, I'm by no means begging, but if anyone is clearing out any of their stuff and would like to further the cause and help create some future fishermen/women, drop me an email! Doesn't matter what it is, waders/boots/gear there is a youth for every type of fishing (although, I don't have a boat so salt gear doesn't get used so much unless it's light stuff from canoes or kayaks the odd trip we make to sheltered areas in the salt).
Merry Christmas!
ScouterJames
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I might have a few older trout rods, reels and some terminal tackle you could have. where are you located? I'm in cloverdale/langley area.
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i have at least a dozen pairs in the shed, and by far for the money buy dan bailies "the light weights" fo 200$ they are the best and will out do any high end waders.
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I might have a few older trout rods, reels and some terminal tackle you could have. where are you located? I'm in cloverdale/langley area.
I'm in Langley..... that would be awesome, thanks!!!
email me scouterjames@shaw.ca
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i have at least a dozen pairs in the shed, and by far for the money buy dan bailies "the light weights" fo 200$ they are the best and will out do any high end waders.
If you have not tried these waders you are missing a great value-I have a $550.00 pair of loop waders and I would not trade them for my Bailes-But its your money. By all means go with Simms and pay for the name with your dollars-They are are a great product but not worth the dollar value. Just and only my humble thoughts. Also as most others, take a wild guess where they are made. I own a G4 rain jacket that Fred`s sells for $550.00 plus tax and guess what it is made, in Taiwan.
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Please try sierra trading post they have great deals on waders. cheers. ;)
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Worn probably 10 different brands of waders over many years and Simms by far is the most durable and have the best fit. With saying this, the amount an individual wears them plays a huge part in the time they will last.
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My theory is buy cheap as they will last just as long as the $500.00 ones.
I had a pair of North River or White River? that a paid very little for and they wore no different than the expensive ones.
Shoe Goo will fix them all. ;)
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X2
Simms products are way too overpriced. There are many other products in the market which do the same job, have close to the same quality, and are available for even less then the half of the Simms prices.
I wont support them until they make their prices rational.
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X2
Simms products are way too overpriced. There are many other products in the market which do the same job, have close to the same quality, and are available for even less then the half of the Simms prices.
I wont support them until they make their prices rational.
I used to say the same thing about Sage rods...until I actually got myself one. I have since bought two more. The same applies to Simms waders. If you can afford them, buy them. I can't afford to spend 700 dollars on a pair of waders, but if I could, I would. So it's the second best for me: BARE
All those cheap waders are just that: cheap waders.
You don't know the difference until you try the good stuff on on a hot summer day.
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too much bush waking to spend that kind of money.
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too much bush waking to spend that kind of money.
Funny how things go.
Some people will say "too much bush-whacking NOT to spend that kind of money. ;D
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My theory is buy cheap as they will last just as long as the $500.00 ones.
I had a pair of North River or White River? that a paid very little for and they wore no different than the expensive ones.
Shoe Goo will fix them all. ;)
Take a look at Simms waders G3 convertible and above. Not only do they use more layers of Goretex (**real goretex) but the seams are on the front and back. Most cheap waders fail at the seams, especially with all the walking required in Steelhead season.
I used to think the same way - that I could get 3 pairs of waders for the price of one good set. After destroying 3 pair in 3 years I got G3 waders 2 years ago and would never go back. The winter days spent with wet feet just isn't worth it.
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Skip a few fishing trips until you can buy the G4 Pros. The Simms Guide wader is coming back for 2012, but I havent owned a pair.
For anyone interested in the "new" Guide Waders from Simms here are the anticipated shipping dates from Simms website.
Sterling | L (9-11) 01/31/2012
Sterling | LK 02/29/2012
Sterling | LL (12-13) 01/20/2012
Sterling | LL (9-11) 01/31/2012
Sterling | LS 02/17/2012
Sterling | MK 01/16/2012
Sterling | ML 01/20/2012
Sterling | MS 01/16/2012
Sterling | XL 02/29/2012
Sterling | XLK 02/17/2012
Sterling | XLS 02/17/2012
Sterling | XXL 02/17/2012
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i have at least a dozen pairs in the shed, and by far for the money buy dan bailies "the light weights" fo 200$ they are the best and will out do any high end waders.
x2 on Dan Baileys. I wear them heavily for a third year without a single leak and they went through hard time on stamp many other rivers. They are affordable as well.