Best waders?

Its time for some new waders again because I burn through a pair a year. I've owned fly techs and bare for the past couple seasons. I like the 5mm bare waders but if they crap out in year how great is that 2 1/2 bills I spill for them? Money really isn't a issue but if there are better, warmer, more comfortable, durable, cheaper waders out there I like some input. Light weights are an option too. But I bust brush regularly.

BK as one who also "bust brush" I would suggest that you eliminate the word neoprene from your vocabulary re. wader selection. The breatheables are perfected and the last two years have been the most enjoyable wading summer and winter of my life. I was skeptical to say the least that some thing so frail in appearence could hold up to daily use in the trails of rainforest brush and eastern thickets but they do and if by chance you rip up on something really ugly they patch up easier than the alternative.
As far as warm goes the fact that you are moisture free makes you a lot warmer in the winter also. Trust me I do not own stock in Gore Tex there a private company (I checked into that one). But I am into my third year with breatheables the first were expensive, 350 or more, 2 years ago I bought a pair of Dan Baileys they still after hundreds of days of hiking up and down and across the rivers and lakes of the northwest Read my lips NO LEAKS.

I have had a pair of simms gore-tex breathables for a year. They are awsome. In the summer they are cool ( shorts underneath ), and in the winter they are warm ( thick fleece pants underneath). Your clothes don't "bunch up"underneath and in addition to not sweating this makes things alot more comfortable. I have been pretty careful with mine, but still have hit some blackberries and such. A few scrapes, that's it.

BK,

I just got myself a pair of the Hodgman breathables and used them for the first time on the Cowlitz the other day. I really like them and was surprised how comfy they were. I haad a set of neo's and they always made my back hurt after just a few hrs. these are so nice I can walk after a long day of fishing. and as for busting brush I can't help you but I would get some type of breathable's. the Hodgmans are fine for me not really expensive but they do the job. I got mine from Sportco for 89$

hope that helps.

dcrzfitter

I also have hodgman breathers. Before the new pair I used their neo's. The new wadelite waders are real comfortable, and easy to get on. I've had them for almost a year, with no problems! The old pairs of neo's are just crap. They ware out fast. I've went through two pairs over the last 8-10 years I've been fishing the rivers. But hodgmen seems to have a better track record that your brand I guess. What ever brand you go with don't toss the old pair out. The neo's are nice insulation if worn inside your gore-tex waders. You'll love the extra warmth in the cold days to come. ; Don't hate participate all trash has a home. P.S Freddy's has them and at around half the price you pay for the pair you own now, or less than that.

[This message has been edited by J.C.B (edited 08-16-2000).]

BK,
I dug deep and bought a pair of $imms waders 4 years ago. Spent the first two years treating them with kid gloves. Enough of that so a dozen or so bushwacking trips later (half the time glissading down on my bum) I realized how really tough they were. The only rip I've ever gotten was with a tangle in some barbed wire. EASIEST mend I ever made!

They keep me cool in the heat and warm and dry in the winter and get this---I just jump in and out of them and am on my way while some of my fishing buds are still wrestling with their neos in the bushes! Just don't forget the all-important wading belt!

I believe they were the first Goretex/microfibre waders on the market at the time and I've since noticed several companies that carry them at better prices, as well as models designed specifically for women and children.

Happy hunting and fishing!

Flygirl

I've got the Hodgeman Wadelite IIs ($160). Ditto, the above about how light and comfortable they are compared to neos. I originally bought um after a rare sweltering day in June last year to replace my neos for summer fishing. Fall came along, pulled the neos out again and I discovered a crotch leak that I was too lazy to fix, so I wore the breathables through the winter. As long as I had 3 pairs of socks (1 crew, 2 wool) I had no problems at all.

I'm going on my second summer in them. At the beginning of the summer, I noticed a few leaks and now I've got quite a bit of aquaseal on them, but I think they'll last through another winter (maybe).

All in all, I'd say 2 full years (fishing about 100 days a year) is about all you'll get, and thats probably pretty good for the price.

Luv my cheapo Fly Tech breathables. No more crotch rot.

Thanks for all the input! Bruce are yours the new 4 season fly techs with the 4 different liners. They look good as well as simms. I also like the simms that wear like pants except for when you need to chase that fish of a lifetime around a deeper then waistdeep corner.

Has any one tried Cabela's goretex or the dry plus waders they sell? Prices look ok. I need a pair also.

Skyrise,
I've tried both Cabela's GoreTex and Dry Plus II waders and was impressed with both. The DPII's are a little lighter, but still pretty tough, no tears or punctures yet. They are both cut full enough to allow plenty of leg movement and both have double knees with openings at top and bottom for drainage. The first pair of DPII's had a slight leak at the joint of the neoprene foot/leg, but Cabela's replaced it in just a couple of days. It's easy enough to overcome the vapor transfer capability of either one if you're hiking on a hot day or doing much hill climbing, but this is also true of every breathable wader I've tried. But even if you get sweated up a little, you'll eventually dry out. I think my choice would hinge on what you were going to be doing with them. For real brush-busting, I think the slightly heavier outer fabric of the GoreTex version would have the edge, but the DPII's are light and comfortable. Quite honestly, I couldn't tell any appreciable difference in the breathability. Both represent very good value for the money.

Try Dan Bailey's, 200 plus sold this year and NO returns. Yes, no returns! I doubt Hodgeman can say that.

Hey Skyrise:

I bought the premium top of the line cabelas breathable goretex waders, and love them. No more making gravy in neo's. They do a nice job of standing behind their products. I know they don't have a "wader factory", so I'm curious who makes them for Cabelas. They work great in freezing cold weather (mid teens) with long johns, and a pair of fleece pants. You'll be happy you bought them.

I have a pair of Cabelos breathable waders and I really like them, but salmontackler,
how much are those Dan Bailey`s you sell?
I may have to visit you today before I take for a trip to the river this weekend.

hi, how much are the dan baileys, i really need a pair of waders, and where do they sell at? thanks ***schitzo***

I bought a pair of Dan Bailey's at Ted's about a year and a half ago. Wear them about 3 days a week. No problems. Way better than neo. the Best part is they have a built in belt and gravel guards. I think they were about $200.

I bought a pair of Dan Bailey's at Ted's about a year and a half ago. Wear them about 3 days a week. No problems. Way better than neo. the Best part is they have a built in belt and gravel guards. I think they were about $200.

About my Fly Techs, no they're not the new model with the zip in/out liners. In fact, I'm leery of all the zippers. seems like another place to leak but then again, I haven't seen them.

I bought mine back in the spring when Outdoor Emp was having their big parking lot sale. I'm planning on wearing them through the winter with lonjohns and heavy fleece (ski) pants inside. Picked them up for $89, I think.

[This message has been edited by B. Gray (edited 08-18-2000).]

I've heard some of you in the past bash the Bare Sharkskin breathables. I'm just here to tell you that I'm going on my third year with them and they've been through hell. Many hours on the rope oarsman's seat, hours beating through cattails, rainforest, and blackberries. I lived in them for a week on a recent trip to Alaska too. Never a leak!. When I do decide to replace them, they'll get the booties cut off and become very fine rain gear.
...guess I got lucky
good luck

BK - I use both the Bare 5mm neoprenes and the SIMMS (non guide model). They both have their uses, although I tend to use the SIMMS more when busting trails. The Bares are fine in the drift boat.

I was told one should only expect a couple of years out of the SIMMS, and that it didn't matter if you had the regular or guide models. Don't know if it's worth it to purchase the guide model. I'm only on my first season on the SIMMS. They seem to be holding out fine.

I wasn't that impressed by the Bailey's, although they were very comparable to the SIMMS. I guess I just felt more confident going with SIMMS.

Hope that helps.

Parker