Durable breathable waders choice

[chinookhead]

I was just wondering what breathable stockingfoot waders would be best (most imp. that'll last)? I have neoprene bootfoot for the winter, but i want something for when it's warmer and more packable. I'm debating mainly between the Simms Freestone (149), ll bean breathable emergers http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=20802&parentCategory=3589&cat4=1025&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=ssdpa1025($89), and the Dan Baileys barebones ($129). Any other suggestions? Also, the warrantees on these brands seem to be best. I was looking at the hodgeman wadlites, but I've been told bad things about those hodegemans and their breathable waders in general. I can't afford gore tex--G3's, patagonia, etc.

[chinookhead]

I just found that the ***** waders also now have a 100% satisfaction warranty, but I still don't wnat to be taking advantage of that instantly. Looking at the ***** clearwaterendras ($129)

[HammerGR]

I'd say go with the Simms. They make great waders, no matter which model. I bought a pair 2 years back and haven't had any problems whatsoever. Some buddies have bought ***** waders and were disappointed, they leaked in the knees and were generally damp after a long day in the water. Their satisfaction guarantee can also be a hassle if you have problems.

[flyrod4steelhead]

To start off with, I had a gone through 5 pairs of Hodgman Wadelites. All within a year of each other. I finally broke down and bought Simms breathable waders. All though, I have only had them for a year or so, I have yet to have problems with them. The only thing that is wrong with them, is I put a small hole on my right knee. A little patch and glue, and they are as good as new. My dad has a pair of Simms waders now for about 4yrs, and no problem. My brother bought ***** brand waders (not sure which ones) but has not been real happy with the waders or the the company.

IMO Spend the money and get a pair of Simms, you wont be disapointed

Just my $.02 worth

[Troutbum64]

I have a pair of ***** Clearwater stocking foot waders and am not real impressed with the warranty, mine leaked in the crotch, very small leak, I took them to ***** and they gave me some stop leak goop, I stated that isn't what I wanted so they said they would send them in to be repaired at the factory, after two months of not hearing anything I stopped in to see them and was told to hang out for a bit as they repaired them there. Now I have goop on the outside of my wadders and it looks cheap. Not what I expected when I bought them.

I would say try the Simms or Dan Baileys, as I have tried both of these on a recent trip to Montana and liked how both preformed.

KOZ

[Herb@BBT]

I have had the Simms Gore-tex bootfoots for over 2 years now and the only problem I have encountered has been holes from fish hooks. I also, have a pair of the Dan Bailey boot foots and use them a lot when I need felt soles.

The Baileys I have had for over 4 years and no problems. The Simms Gore-tex are a bit more expensive but I feel they are worth the cost.

[mattmates]

DO NOT BUY HODGMAN!! I went through 4 pairs only because I got a new pair whenever they leaked. I bought the Simms Gore-Tex and have only fished them once, but have heard great things about them.

[BOB@BBT]

Mind you, I'm bias because we're a dealer, but Simms makes the best breathable wader. IMHO. Not the cheapest, but the best. And ultimately, the best for the money. Saving $50-100 on waders that end up leaking in 45 degree water is no bargain.

[SteelTyer]

I have no experience with breathables. They seem versatile, lightweight and another item to spend money on. My concern isn't the money, it's the practicality. Are breathers as warm as neo? I see the pictures of your trips and most are in neo this time of the year.

[chinookhead]

Hey Herb,
what kind of soles do u have on your simms boot? You said that u opt for the bailey's for their felt soles. I was also debating whether to go with felt sole boots or buy korkers with the unstudded aquastealth, but just wondering if these aquastealth really work well when compared to felt. obvious advantage is that they'll b eeasier walking in.

[flyrod4steelhead]

I have both neopreme and breathable waders. For me, it depends on how I feel. Sometimes I will wear my breathables during the colder month's, sometimes I will throw on the neopreme's (sp), dress properly and you should not have a problem. Some days I can get away with just a pair of sweatpants on, somedays, I need a little more than that.

I have the Korkers and love em. I like the fact that I can change the soles whenever and whereever I want. I think I paid around $70 - $80 for mine.

[Herb@BBT]

I went with the tread bottom on the Simms due to the fact that on the PM we are on sand and small gravel most of the time. I kept the Baileys for some of my private fishing when I go to the Au Sable, Alaska and some of the Rivers and streams out West.

If I had one pair of waders, I would probably go with boot foots and then buy some kind of wading shoe to go over them when I was somewhere else. You have to understand that some of the rivers I fish out West, are best fished with Felt Soles and a Wading Staff. Some of them require the use of "aluminum cleats". Only because of the slickness of the rocks.

Its tough, in some places, trying to stand up and then make a good presentation. If you can, it pays off......

[Gaffle]

My first breathable wader was a Dan Bailey lightweight breathable wader. I've never used them during the colder months but they were perfect for summer-fall. A bit more flimsy then the newer waders with 5 layers around knees and 3 up top. Only probem I've had with them was I punctured one of the neoprene booties and had a foot full of water during salmon season. That next day I went to BBT and purchased the Dan Baily Barebone waders. Again they aren't the kind of waders you climb over barbwire with. I still have to get my first pair of baileys fixed so for spring of last year I tried a set of Cabelas breathable bootfoots. I've found using a bootfoot, as opposed to a stocking foot with wading boot over it, my feet were much warmer. My Simms wading boots are too tight though, so with no movement my feed were getting cold in the fall. With the Cabelas they weren't as expensive as the Simms, and the bootfoot model wasn't as comfortable, but they got the job done with little complaining from me. Just layering up enough clothing makes the difference. So far out of all 3 of my breathables I've never had a leak via seams, only the puncture that I must have done. Can't complain and I'll never go back to neoprene again. 2 more weeks and I be spankin some steely butt at the PM. Bring It.