In planning for the upcoming summer run season, I can't help thinking that my hodgeman waders might get a little warm. I've decided to look into a pair of breathable waders. What type of waders do you guys recommend?

Bare Shark Skins.......

Simm's Guide Model ... do right the first time. Thanks ReiterRat for the sage advice!

I recently replaced my Fly Tech breathables with Dan Bailey's from Salmon Bay Tackle and love them.

Bruce

Where can you get these at?

Also, I'm 6'6", do you know if they make them that big?

hey Bob, I have a pair of simms wading shoes and broke one of the hooks for the laces off, any idea of how or where to get these fixed. These are the high end shoes simms made, dont remeber the name of them but htey were over a $100 from a buddies fly shop. I would kind of like to get them fixed since there is nothing else wrong with them.

SIMM's all the way! Wasn't impressed by the Bailey's.

FireDog - take your boots in to a cobbler. Just about every city has someone who does shoe repairs. It will cost your about $5 for the repair.

In the Seattle area, I use Dave Page. By far, The Best in the area.

Parker

I grew up in New England, so when it came time to buy breathable waders, I bought L.L.Bean... I figured eventually, any wader, even the best, will leak, and L.L.Bean has a lifetime warantee on everything they sell... they'll fix it or replace it.
I'm 6'0, 285lbs, and I found a pair that fit me well. Call them up and get them to send you a fishing catalog (they've got lots of different catalogs) they tell you how to take measurements and get the right fit. Make sure you go a little big on the boots, though, especially if you're going to be wearing neoprene booties over your waders... my boots are the one thing I wish I had bought a little bigger. I bought their model that has the rubber soles with the little round raised areas on them, and they work well.

-N.

Simms guide weight The best that I have ever owned worth every cent.

Owned the Simms Gore Tex Guide Model, Wasn't impressed for the $$. In my opinion spend half the $350-400 and buy the Dan Baily's midrange model, you'll get the same mileage out of them with a better replacement policy.

After a good number of products from Simms and a long history of good customer service from them, I have recently been quite disappointed by their new return policy. My main problem with the waders is that after some use, the water repellent coating wears off and it's impossible to replace. At their suggestion I tried Revivex (twice) and used a blow dryer to get the heat needed for it to bond to the material. Didn't work. The main problem here is that you really need the heat of a tumble dryer to get it to work, and because of the neoprene feet, you can't throw them in the dryer. When I asked about what you're supposed to do, they claimed that the water repellency does not affect the breathablility of the waders, which is (according to both my experience and the experts at W.L. Gore) patently false. Anyway, I sent the waders back to be retreated at the factory and to have a minor leak fixed. They charged me $100! On the same day I sent the waders back, I also returned my Patagonia wading boots to that company to have them re-soled, as one of the felts had worn away and delaminated. I offered to pay for this service. In five days, I had a brand new pair of the improved, new model Patagonia boots on my porch, at no charge to me, while I was still hassling with the folks at Simms. Quite a contrast. So my answer is simple: Buy the excellent Patagonia waders and feel confident that they will repair or replace them with no hassle or questions. Patagonia seems to be one of the last few companies (Sage is another) that actually practices the old concept of the customer being right. Good luck on your decision making. Hope this helps.

JacobF-
They make them in a XLT which is extra-large tall and those might actually fit you.

Teds Sports Center in Lynnwood has them and they are $199. Best waders for the price!! And outstanding customer service, well when you need to use it.

Out of 1400 pairs sold in '00, only 15 were sent back.

JacobF, you can also get the Baileys at Salmon Bay Tackle in Ballard on 15th. Good folks keeping that small shop afloat.

Bruce

I agree Bruce,
just don`t walk past the guard cat with a string hanging out of your jacket..*heh-heh*
Just ask my daughter..

The L.L.Bean "Gore-Tex Bomber Waders" come in sizes XXL, XXL-Tall, and XXL-King, which is made for up to a 59" chest, 31"-34" inseam, and size 12-14 shoes... I've seen you, (you're in the Renton PSA, right?) I think these would probably fit you.

Here's L.L.Bean's guarantee:
"Our products are guaranteed to give 100% satisfaction in every way. Return anything purchased from us at any time if it proves otherwise. We will replace it, refund your purchase price or credit your credit card. We do not want you to have anything from L.L.Bean that is not completely satisfactory."

I you feel the need to buy local, I'd support Salmon Bay Tackle, too... they are nice guys there.

-N.

Not only do they have good quality stuff but they will help and get you what you need .
Great tackle shop. salmonbay Tackle

Hey Firedog ... I think any shoe repair locale could probably fix that one in a heartbeat. I've been wearing my guideweights day in and day out for about 10 months now and not a leak one - first pair of waders I've owned since I began guiding (neoprene or lightweight) that have made it that long. Plenty said

I have had my Dan Bailey's for 3 years now, I haven't had any problems, they are impressive waders. Their return policy is as good as anyone else's. I have owned 2 pairs of Simms, and the Bailey's have held up better.

The simms seems to wear great. I personally have the flytech and wear them once or twice a week year round and they are starting to show some wear at the seams but are not leaking yet. My guide buddy loved his simms but got a pair of the cabela's and has had them for a year now and they have held up just as long as the simms. For the money my next pair with be a set a cabelas.

Tight Lines

Kevin

I tried on a pair of XXL Stout sized Hodgeman waders today. Just a tad small. Going to try Simms next because they make them larger. Thanks for the info and continue to inform