Wader help

[shagee14]

I have been using Hodgman neoprene waders for 5 years now. They have been pretty good up until this year. I guess because I have used them a lot more this season since starting out fly fishing. I have had some small slow leaks but nothing to be concerned about until recently. On my last trip I came out drenched. There is a pretty decent hole in the crotch area now.

So my questions are:

Are there any good neoprene patch kits out there and if so is it really worth it for a pair of waders that I paid $80 for? I actually want to get away from neoprene since its pretty uncomfortable especially now in the summer.

If not worth fixing does anyone have any suggestions on a new pair to buy? From some postings on this site I have read that Simms is a great brand to buy. Davethetrout's posting convinced me to stay away from Orvis.

Problem is I have spent a lot of money on equipment this year already. Is there a certain time of year that shops will begin to mark down their prices? Or does anyone know of any good online sites? Maybe I should just wet wade now since temps are relatively high or fix the unconfortable neoprenes if possible.

 

[AKSkim]

Shagee:

You could purchase a pair of Hodgman breathable for about $100.00, or a pair of L.L. Bean's ( with their famous 100% satisfaction garantee) for a few coppers more.

In the winter time you just need to put on a pair of fleece pants and be just as warm as ever.

Good luck.

 

[theartoflee]

I have been using Hodgman neoprene waders for 5 years now. They have been pretty good up until this year. I guess because I have used them a lot more this season since starting out fly fishing. I have had some small slow leaks but nothing to be concerned about until recently. On my last trip I came out drenched. There is a pretty decent hole in the crotch area now.

So my questions are:

Are there any good neoprene patch kits out there and if so is it really worth it for a pair of waders that I paid $80 for? I actually want to get away from neoprene since its pretty uncomfortable especially now in the summer.

If not worth fixing does anyone have any suggestions on a new pair to buy? From some postings on this site I have read that Simms is a great brand to buy. Davethetrout's posting convinced me to stay away from Orvis.

Problem is I have spent a lot of money on equipment this year already. Is there a certain time of year that shops will begin to mark down their prices? Or does anyone know of any good online sites? Maybe I should just wet wade now since temps are relatively high or fix the unconfortable neoprenes if possible.

Stay away from Orvis!

L.L. Bean waders are great as AKSkim said... I personally am looking at purchasing the Dan Bailey waders. Tight Lines caries Dan Bailey waders and if they ever leak you can take them back to any Dan Bailey and get a new pair no hassle no headache.

 

[just dave]

I have an excellent pair of Simms neoprene waders I bought a loooonnnnggg time ago, never had a leak. I never use them anymore since I bought a pair of breathables. So much more easy and comfortable. Like AKSkim mentions, wear an insulation layer in the cold and you'll be fine.

Shannon's sells Dan Bailey's, too. I've heard good things about them.

 

[sstasiak]

I purchased a pair of the Dan Baileys BareBone waders at the start of the season and am 100% satisfied so far. And at $130, they're not too hard on the wallet. I fish in them a lot, and definitely give them a beating. While climbing up a steep rocky hill leaving the Beaverkill at night a few weeks back, I slipped and slid down a jagged rock from my right shin to the knee. It was too dark to see the damage then, but I thought for sure I had ripped a huge hole in them. When I got back to the car.....NOT A SCRATCH(on the waders at least....my leg was another story).

 

[Fireman202]

Go to alaska and club 2 seals... then you have to cut the head off, take out the guts and alot of the meat but leave the body whole and fill the carcass with the seal oils. several coats to let it settle in. then after about a month turn it inside out and use rope to tie up to your knees or hips... Works great for the eskimo.

if you go to alaska let me know you unemployed bastard

go flukin this weekend we'll go upstate next week with the trooper

 

[cingras53]

waders

I would recommend repairing the waders with Aquaseal. If you like them except for the leak, why spend the money?

 

[shagee14]

Thanks for the suggestions guys

Thanks to all who have replied with suggestions so far. L.L Bean, Dan Baileys, and Simms all sound like they make quality products and great warranties from what I read. Now I have to research which model to get. I may have to go with the Aquaseal if I can not find any good deals right now as Fireman202 stated I am unemployed at the moment.

I do have another question regarding waders though. What type does everyone recommend? Bootfoot or stockingfoot? If stockingfoot any recommendations on a model?

Oh and thanks to Fireman202 for his hilarious comment. He's just jealous because I'm out fishing when he's stuck in the office working with someone he calls my annoying twin. :hysterica

 

[davethetrout]

Bootfeet are too heavy and not backpack freindly for sure..If you just wanna chuck them in the back of a truck and not hike much then bootfeet are easier..try some on and you`ll quickly see the difference..Dave

 

[theartoflee]

Thanks to all who have replied with suggestions so far. L.L Bean, Dan Baileys, and Simms all sound like they make quality products and great warranties from what I read. Now I have to research which model to get. I may have to go with the Aquaseal if I can not find any good deals right now as Fireman202 stated I am unemployed at the moment.

I do have another question regarding waders though. What type does everyone recommend? Bootfoot or stockingfoot? If stockingfoot any recommendations on a model?

Oh and thanks to Fireman202 for his hilarious comment. He's just jealous because I'm out fishing when he's stuck in the office working with someone he calls my annoying twin. :hysterica

I would have to say get stocking foot waders unless you are going to be doing alot of salt water fishing or steel head fishing while its VERY cold. Boot foot waders will assure you that no sand will get into you wading boots and prevent gravel and pebbles from wearing out your neoprene stocking feet. For cold water fishing the boot feet have a loser fit which will allow more blood circulation for your feet hence you feet will stay warmer and you will have less a chance of frost bite.

If you are on a budget and going to buy one pair of wader go with the stocking feet and a cheap wading boot. You will always be able to upgrade your boots when you get employed.

 

[shagee14]

Just got back from Tight Lines. Bought Dan Bailey (Leightweight breathable model) waders and Chota STL Plus wading boots. Can't wait to try them out on the river. No more tight sweaty leaky neoprenes for me.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. Dan Bailey and Chota seemed to be the best option from all the research I did and all the posts I saw on this forum and others.

Chris

 

[AKSkim]

Sunday I purchased another pair of LL Bean West Branch stocking foot waders for the up coming Alaskian trip.

Last fall I purchased LL Bean's 5.5 mm neoprene boot waders for the Salmon River. I wanted that extra warmth, I would place a Grabber Mycoal foot warmer insoles and they would be good for 7 hours in the fridgid water. Never once got a chill or too sweaty. I don't care for the cammo look, I am always worried some Salmon will see the cammo and think it is a tree trunk and stop by for a quick wizz on my leg.

Sunday while practicing spey casting at Hoffman's I wore breathable hip waders and they were just right in this kind of weather, and on mountain trout streams.

Most of the time I truly like wearing breathabke guide pants. there is absolutely nothing better. Chest waders don't mean you have to wade up to your chest.

I also placed an order for Korker's Konvertable wading boots, with the studds and rubber soles. I will give them a run in Ketchikan in a few weeks and will report my unabashed opinion on the boots.