Shopping for new waders - recommendations?

I've got a few bucks (~$300) set aside for a new pair of waders. (Taking 3rd in the NSIA poker tournament was a big boost, thanks 3 Rivers, you guys rock.)

Are the Redingtons wading pants a suitable alternative to chest waders for winter fishing? I'm not worried about the waist height, but rather the lightweight insulation. Am I going to freeze?

How are the Redingtons in general? Zippered vs. non-zippered.

Are the Simms worth the money?

What dark horse brand am I overlooking?

Simms are worth every penny... their base model Freestones are quite good as well... last season i bought some River Walk waders, they were around 200 without boots, and honestly, i love them... havent had any issues whatsoever...

as far as freezing, wear sweats and or long johns...

i personally dont care for anything Reddington, but their waders are better than most people give them credit for...

could always just get 3 pairs of Hodgmans as well...

check CL and yard sales.

Lots of opinions on a subject like this because some guys sit in a boat, others hike miles on end, and some do a little of both. It also depends on one's body type as well. Some guys complain of rubbing of material but I don't seem to have that issue with a lanky frame.

Anyways, two of my buddies and I bought the base line Freestones from Simms a few years back and found them to be prone to leaking. Up from their baseline model I've heard nothing but good things.

The last two seasons I've worn Reddington CPX breathables and would give them a solid B on the grade scale. When I do buy a new pair I'll be stepping up to the Sonic Pro line as my dad has liked his so far.

As far as a dark horse brand I'm thinking Dan Baileys. Plenty of friends swear by them and their customer service.

Good luck in your search.

Dan Bailey's is my wader of choice, for what it's worth...won't likely be buying anything other than DB's for the foreseeable future.

Fish on...

Todd

Redingtons sonic-pro welded, really comfortable fit. No holes from stitching or bluk!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Simms-G3-Guide-W...=item27c3c000dc
check these. I just got a pair. G3's with G4' straps and 100$ less then MSRP. Gore Tex waders you cant go wrong with them.
Had the Redington Cpx 8 out 10 on them but lasted 2 years too baggy and thats were they leaked. I herd the Sonic pros were baggy as hell too.

Tried the redington cpx last year lasted two to three trips before getting wet in the knees. Very baggy, still need to send them back. Moved over to entry Simms for a test. Will let you know how they hold up next time this thread is made.

Interesting. Those look like and older model guide wader. Every year Simms puts out a "limited edition" guide version of their G4 wader, available to pro/guide staff only. I think this version is a year or two old. Still solid of course.

I wonder if someone is going to get in trouble...

Simms = like

+1

Reddington sonic pro non zipper for this guy. I had an issue with the zipper fronts that I'm pretty sure was from rowing, i.e. being seated for long periods of time messed the zipper up. Switched to the non zippers and love em. Not baggy at all if you buy a pair that fits.

Dan Bailey. Quality product and exceptional customer service.

Just curious, can you go into more depth on how a zipper fails from sitting? Just doesn't make sense to me. I had the zip fronts and the zipper never failed, the only way I could see it failing would be from

1. jumping up and down in the boat
2. Bending over a lot.
3. Or having an enormous torso and twisting a lot.

It separated at the lower portion of the zipper. I noticed that when I was rowing the zipper would bunch up. Pretty sure the stress from that caused the failure. Was it a fluke? Maybe. Was the convenience of the zipper enough for me to want another pair...no.

I always worried about that when I was sitting. I would unzip completely when driving. Thanks for the info, good to know in case I get another zip front.

[quote=steeliedrewm Was the convenience of the zipper enough for me to want another pair...no. [/quote]

Makes sense to me. But, once you need to pee every hour and a half it might change.

I love my Sonic Pro Redingtons. Havent fished much lately but shot a ton of ducks and geese while wearing them over the past 7 months and they have been fantastic.

Maybe Bob will chime in with how his sonic pros held up. he turned his into a low water pair.

Another recommendation for Dan Baileys. I typically cover some ground when fishing as opposed to sitting in a boat. Often find myself off trail or places where waders shouldn't be, i.e. in devils club and blackberries. Going on year three without any issues besides one hole that was my own dumb fault. My buddy's experiences have been the same.

I dont know anything about Dan baileys or simms but from what iv heard their warranties are the best. I run cabelas guide pro waders and Iv got 3 seasons on them and they have held up great. Anything from cabelas has an awesome warranty besides you have to personaly go there to get a new pair.

Drop a few pounds Delbert and I'd just give you a pair.

Stop by to get some line on your reel....and you can check out the Reddington and the SIMM's mentioned above.

I really like my Simms G3. Good fit, comfortable and tough as nails. I also have some Dan Baileys that are always in the trunk of my car ready to go. They have been a great pair of waders too. A little baggier than the Simms and not as nice, but they are lighter and they can really take a licking. Tough to beat the DB's for value.

Simms 100%....they are very expensive but are worth it, as of 1 month ago you would hear me say, "Once you buck up and buy your first pair of Simms, you will never buy another brand for the rest of your life."

I still have a love affair with Simms, and will continue to support them because not only to I enjoy the quality but I think they have the best warranty/customer service in the biz....BUT....

My buddy hopped in the ole' Drift Boat with a pair of zippered Redington's...aside from a full-out groping...I checked them out closely and was very impressed. Zipper waders are worth their weight in gold...my G4 Zips are literally falling apart at the seams after 2 full summers in AK and 4 fall/winters down here...and at $700 I opted out of a replacement pair. Love my G3's but those Redington Zippered waders are tempting

I've been sporting a pair of non zipper Redington Sonic Pro's for about a year now. Very comfortable, no leaks and not baggy in my opinion.
I got them as a replacement pair for some CPS waders that failed.
I've used Redington's customer service two times and they were excellent in resolving both issues.
Since the same holding company that owns Redington also owns Sage, I think you can expect excellent service from Redington should you ever have any issue with their products.