Caddis
wanna be fly fisher.
RE: Wader recommendations
SIMMS: They make an expensive but durable product. After a year using my waders, I experienced some small leaks. I sent them back, and they repaired all of them at not charge. They even sent a UPS truck to pick them up, and also picked up the shipping cost.
Orvis: I like Orvis because of it's customer service. I used a pair of their neoprenes for a long time and had no problems until 4 years later. I'm not 100% positive, but these things are about 8yrs old. I'm willing to bet they would accept a return on them. Orvis is a great company.
Hodgeman: Good stuff. I know a few people who use them and are quite happy. You can pick these up for less than 1/2 the price you would pay for their Orvis/ SIMMS counterparts.
Cabella's: Some swear by them. I spoke with a Cabella's store rep, and wasn't too happy with what they had to offer on their return policy. On the other hand, some have said they've never had a problem, and love the product. The same people even claim that customer service is great. I think I'd give them a shot, they appear to be fairly reliable, although I don't believe any company comes close to Orvisfor customer service.
I use the Stocking foot. I think they fit better than the boot waders. The more snug the fit, the more controllyou have over each and everystep you take. My SIMMS' outfit fits like a glove and is comfortable even after staying in the water for 8-9 straight hours.
Before purchasing, I would do a few things.
1. Call the store and ask what their return policy is on the product you intend to purchase.
2. Call the manufacturer and find out their return policy for the product.
3. What I would do is try some on and walk around in them for 20 minutes before making your purchase (Make sure they're comfortable and remain comfortable). Some may place the seems in a bad location that will get annoying after you're in the river for an extended period of time. Some boots may become uncomfortable after wearing them for too long.
Neoprene or Gortex. Go with the Gortex. They fit better, they're more comfortable, and they're cooler in the summer months. As far as keeping you warm in the winter, you just get yourself a flees undergarment, and you're all set. I've been in 40 degree water and never got a chill.
Boot or Stocking fit. As I mentioned above, I prefer the stocking fit. They're more fitted to your foot. It's almost like you're getting a custom made shoe. The stocking molds to your foot, the boot molds around the stocking. They're terrific. If you have problems which make it difficult for you to bend over to tie the boots that you're going to wear, than go with the boot waders, not the stocking fit waders.
I Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
SIMMS: They make an expensive but durable product. After a year using my waders, I experienced some small leaks. I sent them back, and they repaired all of them at not charge. They even sent a UPS truck to pick them up, and also picked up the shipping cost.
Orvis: I like Orvis because of it's customer service. I used a pair of their neoprenes for a long time and had no problems until 4 years later. I'm not 100% positive, but these things are about 8yrs old. I'm willing to bet they would accept a return on them. Orvis is a great company.
Hodgeman: Good stuff. I know a few people who use them and are quite happy. You can pick these up for less than 1/2 the price you would pay for their Orvis/ SIMMS counterparts.
Cabella's: Some swear by them. I spoke with a Cabella's store rep, and wasn't too happy with what they had to offer on their return policy. On the other hand, some have said they've never had a problem, and love the product. The same people even claim that customer service is great. I think I'd give them a shot, they appear to be fairly reliable, although I don't believe any company comes close to Orvisfor customer service.
I use the Stocking foot. I think they fit better than the boot waders. The more snug the fit, the more controllyou have over each and everystep you take. My SIMMS' outfit fits like a glove and is comfortable even after staying in the water for 8-9 straight hours.
Before purchasing, I would do a few things.
1. Call the store and ask what their return policy is on the product you intend to purchase.
2. Call the manufacturer and find out their return policy for the product.
3. What I would do is try some on and walk around in them for 20 minutes before making your purchase (Make sure they're comfortable and remain comfortable). Some may place the seems in a bad location that will get annoying after you're in the river for an extended period of time. Some boots may become uncomfortable after wearing them for too long.
Neoprene or Gortex. Go with the Gortex. They fit better, they're more comfortable, and they're cooler in the summer months. As far as keeping you warm in the winter, you just get yourself a flees undergarment, and you're all set. I've been in 40 degree water and never got a chill.
Boot or Stocking fit. As I mentioned above, I prefer the stocking fit. They're more fitted to your foot. It's almost like you're getting a custom made shoe. The stocking molds to your foot, the boot molds around the stocking. They're terrific. If you have problems which make it difficult for you to bend over to tie the boots that you're going to wear, than go with the boot waders, not the stocking fit waders.
I Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
