wader repair

[W. R. Harrison]

I have a pair of Orvis waders that have a leak in the foot, stocking foots waders. I sent them off to Orvis and they said they could not fix them. I told them where the leak was and they insisted they could not be fixed, and would I like to buy a new pair of discounted waders from Orvis.
"No thanks" I said, asked that that the waders be shipped back to me.

Can someone suggest where I might be able to send these waders for repair. I have fixed leaks before but can't seem to fix this one. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Bill H.

 

[dcabarle]

I have a pair of Orvis waders that have a leak in the foot, stocking foots waders. I sent them off to Orvis and they said they could not fix them. I told them where the leak was and they insisted they could not be fixed, and would I like to buy a new pair of discounted waders from Orvis.
"No thanks" I said, asked that that the waders be shipped back to me.

Can someone suggest where I might be able to send these waders for repair. I have fixed leaks before but can't seem to fix this one. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Bill H.

I'd like to point out that Orvis has a "100% Satisfaction Guarantee"

"WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY ON ANY PURCHASE THAT ISN'T 100% SATISFACTORY, ANYTIME, FOR ANY REASON. IT'S THAT SIMPLE." ON ANY PURCHASE, ANYTIME, FOR ANY REASON. I don't see a wader exclussion in that terminology, as a matter of fact, it specifically says, "ANY PURCHASE".

http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=111&bhcp=1


I say you go stand on the corner of 5th avenue with a sign letting people know they aren't holding up to their part of the bargain. You might also want to take a look at this thread:

http://www.njflyfishing.com/vBullet...erything-else/t4969-my-orvis-waders-leak.html

http://www.njflyfishing.com/vBulletin/f5-north-eastern-general-discussion-forum/t4019-f-orvis.html

http://www.njflyfishing.com/vBulletin/f19-waders-vests-gadgets-everything-else/t12334-waders.html

Of course if you don't feel like dealing with Orvis, get yourself some AQUASEAL. http://www.aquaseal.com/

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

To piggyback on Dennis' statement,Orvis is a big enough company that I don't think everyone is on the same page about how a 100% Satisfaction is to be implemented. If you don't like the response you get from one person, take it up with somebody else. Manufacturers in fly fishing rely on customer goodwill because that develops brand loyalty. Why else do they replace your fly rods that you sit on or slam in the car door? It's not because they like you .

You should definitely call customer service and use the magic words: "I'm not satisfied." The fact that they won't repair a leak sounds like a load of BS designed to get you to fork over some money for a new pair of waders.

I thought I'd share an experience that I had with Orvis and their 100% satisfaction guarantee. I bought some of the (really crappy) Clearwater line and used it for a bit before the welded loop broke off and I got tired of it sinking on every cast and sucking in general. I posted a review on their website stating my dissatisfaction with the product and they emailed me pretty quickly to offer an exchange for a new line or a credit towards a future purchase.

I printed out the email conversation that I had with the customer service reps and went to the store on 5th Ave to exxchange the line. When I got to the store the guy behind the counter tried to blow me off by stating that they only accepted returns of products in resellable condition and started lobbing passive-agressive accusations at me about mistreating the line and that my concerns about the performance were unreasonable.

I told him that if he had a problem with my attempt to follow through on a course of action that the customer service representative had suggested I was happy to take the issue up with the corporate office. He exchanged the line but was visibly unhappy. I have no idea why but he was really emotionally invested in denying me the exchange. I guess nobody told him about 100% satisfaction guarantee!

 

[jamiep]

To piggyback on Dennis' statement,Orvis is a big enough company that I don't think everyone is on the same page about how a 100% Satisfaction is to be implemented. If you don't like the response you get from one person, take it up with somebody else. Manufacturers in fly fishing rely on customer goodwill because that develops brand loyalty. Why else do they replace your fly rods that you sit on or slam in the car door? It's not because they like you .

You should definitely call customer service and use the magic words: "I'm not satisfied." The fact that they won't repair a leak sounds like a load of BS designed to get you to fork over some money for a new pair of waders.

I thought I'd share an experience that I had with Orvis and their 100% satisfaction guarantee. I bought some of the (really crappy) Clearwater line and used it for a bit before the welded loop broke off and I got tired of it sinking on every cast and sucking in general. I posted a review on their website stating my dissatisfaction with the product and they emailed me pretty quickly to offer an exchange for a new line or a credit towards a future purchase.

I printed out the email conversation that I had with the customer service reps and went to the store on 5th Ave to exxchange the line. When I got to the store the guy behind the counter tried to blow me off by stating that they only accepted returns of products in resellable condition and started lobbing passive-agressive accusations at me about mistreating the line and that my concerns about the performance were unreasonable.

I told him that if he had a problem with my attempt to follow through on a course of action that the customer service representative had suggested I was happy to take the issue up with the corporate office. He exchanged the line but was visibly unhappy. I have no idea why but he was really emotionally invested in denying me the exchange. I guess nobody told him about 100% satisfaction guarantee!

The reason he was mad because that same guy did the same to me he is a jerk off...............

It wasnt until i contacted customer service everyday for a week did i get the response i felt was deserved..

Id say contact corporate or customer servixe and explain the situation.
Also go to the 5th ave store and demand the service that they Brag about on paper.

Its all a game buddy the result depends on how far you want to run in the race.

And my waders were only 3 months old After these waders die i will never buy orvis waders again.


Good luck pal
Jamie

 

[Trout 4u]

Type up your complaint on this forum. Detail your problem, and your response with the reps. This should shoot straight to the first page of Google. Your problems will soon be resolved. However, you must check with Future "what ever his name is" to make sure it's cool:smiley-sniffer:.
This will help everyone who visits this site. Good luck.

 

[AKSkim]

Type up your complaint on this forum. Detail your problem, and your response with the reps. This should shoot straight to the first page of Google

Since this thread first appeared on NEFF I have been in the basement making signs...

Does this mean we won't get to have that protest march in front of the store?

 

[Pete]

Related topic:
http://www.njflyfishing.com/vBullet...erything-else/t4969-my-orvis-waders-leak.html

 

[Bamboozle]

Silly question but I'll ask it anyway...

How old are the waders? Here is Orvis' wader guarantee:

"If your fly fishing waders fail due to a manufacturing or materials defect, Orvis will repair or replace the waders at our discretion, free of charge. This guarantee does not cover abuse, improper care, accidents, or the normal breakdown of materials over time. All defective or damaged fishing waders should be returned to Orvis for evaluation, or call Orvis direct at 800-548-9548, or use the convenient wader repair request form. Fishing waders not covered by the guarantee, but repairable, can be repaired for a $30 fee".

Call me crazy but if the wader problem is due to normal wear & tear and Orvis is offering you a discount on a new pair, I'd call that a pretty good deal and pretty good service. Orvis is a reputable company whether or not you like their products or business philosophy. If they thought the problem was a defect, you would be wearing new waders by now.

In the opinion of many, a manufacturing defect will show up rather quickly when an item is used normally. I'd expect defective waders to start leaking within a year if you fish at least once a week. After that, all bets are off unless you have specific wear testing information for seams, bootees and the other places where waders develop problems.

This whole warranty thing has got out of hand IMHO due to ridiculous expectations. I own an Orvis product with a 25 year warranty. If it fails in year 26, should I tell them I'm not satisfied? Maybe I shouldn't have sent in the warranty card... Because most of what we send back, ISN'T defective, the manufacturers wrongly replace tons of crap every year in the name of good customer service and to keep their company from being bashed on the Internet. Unfortunately that practice has helped to drive the cost of tackle through the roof.

Shit does wear out and break over time if we use it. I for one can deal with it as long as I get decent value from the item. I know I get way better value from my tackle than I do from the cigars & whiskey I consume while fishing. Maybe I should start sending my cigar butts back to Fuentes for a refund when they burn lousy?

It's funny; I fished with nothing but rods, reels, lines, and waders with NO warranty for over 20 years and never thought about it and coincidentally, almost never had a problem.

Maybe I was more careful in those days 'cause if I busted something, it was on me...

YMMV and NO, I don't work for Orvis...

 

[AKSkim]

From kayaks to slippers, fly rods to sweaters, everything we sell at L.L.Bean is backed by the same rock-solid guarantee of satisfaction. It's been that way since our founder sold his very first pair of Bean Boots in 1912. Today we're proud to continue the tradition – by offering quality products and standing behind them.

L.L. Bean placed this notice on the wall of our Freeport store.​

​

 

[Pete]

.... This guarantee does not cover abuse, improper care, accidents, or the normal breakdown of materials over time.....

For the sake of argument, lets assume that there was no abuse, improper care, nor accidents. That leaves us with normal breakdown of materials over time.

Whats normal?
I have a pair of Red Ball "Masters" that I've been using for over 25 years. They've never leaked....
I may not fish as many hours as some, but I believe that I spend enough time wading, so any "breakdown of materials" would have become evident by now.

BTW: Before you "beat up" the original poster..... He didn't ask about warranties. He was inquiring about a potential repair service.

 

[AKSkim]

Whats normal?

I have a pair of Red Ball "Masters" that I've been using for over 25 years.

Pete:

Do you own ANYTHING that isn't at least a quarter century old?

Your computer is a Tandy Commordore 68.

Your television has vacuum tubes

Your tying vise is the original 1st year issue Thomason Model A

The house you live in your Grandfather was born in, along with your father, and you.

Your telephone is a rotary dial, but your entire family keeps up their Quals on morse code and semaphore.

Two years ago you got rid of your 1911 Dodge Brothers car for a 1946 Hudson because parts cost a bit much.

Your snow tires actually are chains wrapped those baloney skins you call tires.

The list goes on and on....

 

[dcabarle]

How old are the waders? Here is Orvis' wader guarantee:

"If your fly fishing waders fail due to a manufacturing or materials defect, Orvis will repair or replace the waders at our discretion, free of charge. This guarantee does not cover abuse, improper care, accidents, or the normal breakdown of materials over time. All defective or damaged fishing waders should be returned to Orvis for evaluation, or call Orvis direct at 800-548-9548, or use the convenient wader repair request form. Fishing waders not covered by the guarantee, but repairable, can be repaired for a $30 fee".

Call me crazy but if the wader problem is due to normal wear & tear and Orvis is offering you a discount on a new pair, I'd call that a pretty good deal and pretty good service. Orvis is a reputable company whether or not you like their products or business philosophy. If they thought the problem was a defect, you would be wearing new waders by now.

Bamby,

I agree with you 100% at an intellectual level... Let's face it, everything is going to break down over time. Like you, I never send in a warranty card. If my waders last me 4-5 years, I think I'm satisfied and I'll just go get a new pair. BUT - Had I purchased Orvis waders based on the guarantee/warrantee they post in print and on their website, the one I pointed out in my previous post, they better own up to it. Now this disclaimer you point out... It's total bullshit. See, if I read the warranty on the page I pointed out and purchase my waders based on that, then Orvis turns around and says, "Oh, by the way, we have a seperate policy for our waders and they are not included within our "ALL PRODUCTS INVENTORY"" well, that's an issue. ALL MEANS ALL (PERIOD).

They can't use the verbage (but they do) "WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY ON ANY PURCHASE THAT ISN'T 100% SATISFACTORY, ANYTIME, FOR ANY REASON. IT'S THAT SIMPLE." Because it's a flat out lie and a blatant misrepresentation of what they say VS. what they mean VS. what they will do if you are not satisfied.

I'm not putting words in their mouth. That is a contract as far as I'm concerned. If they break the contract, they should be held liable. This repairing or replacing items based on what they feel is acceptable or what they think your definition of 100% satisfactory should be, directly conflicts 100% with the policy above. If I'm not 100% satisfied after 10 years and my waders have holes in the kneecaps... Well, than I'm not 100% satisfied at some point in time after my purchase and I should be able to return my waders for ANY reason (holes in the kneecaps), It's that simple. Their words, not mine.

The bottom line is... If you cannot own up to your warranty/guarantee, then you need to change it. My opinion as to why they don't change it... It would be a marketting nightmare and they would lose business.

"ANY Purchase" - "ANY Time" - "ANY Reason" - Does not leave room for exclussions or interpretations.

 

[Bamboozle]

For the sake of argument, lets assume that there was no abuse, improper care, nor accidents. That leaves us with normal breakdown of materials over time.

Whats normal?
I have a pair of Red Ball "Masters" that I've been using for over 25 years. They've never leaked....
I may not fish as many hours as some, but I believe that I spend enough time wading, so any "breakdown of materials" would have become evident by now.

BTW: Before you "beat up" the original poster..... He didn't ask about warranties. He was inquiring about a potential repair service.

So if your Red Ball waders start to leak, what would be the cause since you have ruled out material breakdown? At this point they owe you nothing which was my point although I bet if they had a warranty and started to leak, some folks would send them back after 25 years.

IIRC, aren't Red Ball Master waders made of rubberized fabric or coated nylon, not breathable fabric? If so that may also explain your good fortune on an apples to oranges example of normal use. Breathable waders have an entirely different set of problems that develop with them which is one reason why they come with a warranty and a shorter life expectancy.

BTW - My intention wasn't to beat up the original poster, but rather those that immediately began bashing Orvis which seems to be a sport unto itself on fly fishing message boards. The fact he is willing to pay an outside vendor to repair something that many feel should be covered under warranty, shows that he doesn't have unrealistic expectations...

...or he is a very clever troll.

Only kidding WR!

 

[Bamboozle]

Bamby,

I agree with you 100% at an intellectual level... BUT - Had I purchased Orvis waders based on the guarantee/warrantee they post in print and on their website, the one I pointed out in my previous post, they better own up to it. Now this disclaimer you point out... It's total bullshit. .

It's called fine print...

I have a better idea, let's bash lawyers!

 

[Pete]

No. my waders don't owe me anything.... but "what's "normal".
Should we apply a lower standard to "prestigious" brand names than to my rather mundane "ordinary" waders.

Based on what I've been reading on this forum, I suspect that when they finally go, I'm going to be very disappointed with what's on the market these days.

BTW: AK, I upgraded to one of those fancy phones with buttons on it in 1981.

 

[AKSkim]

BTW: AK, I upgraded to one of those fancy phones with buttons on it in 1981.

Thats right...

I also forgot about you buying the wife a "new" washer and drier 8 years ago.

 

[Broadheadscreek]

I to have sent in a pair of Orvis Silver Lable waders they are were 3 yrs old . The day after I bought them I went fishing and promply slipped and fell going down a leaf covered bank. Slidding on my a$$ for a few feet .When i got up and brushed myself off I discovered a rather large hole in them right over my wallet where I had hit a rock on the way down. So I went home got out the kit and repaired them and had never had a leak in them till this year. When I finnished the last of the pre season stocking I sent them in because there was a slow leak in a seam on the right knee other than the hole in the a$$ they were well taken care of and almost looked new.They did service me well as I fish every day unless the water is frozen solid so I guess I can't complain. I was in hopes of them being repaired as it was only the seam leaking and they fit very nice. Much to my disappointment they said that they could not fix them and offered me a 35% discount on my next pair. She asked me if I wanted them back I told her to keep them. She also did note the reason for the discount it is a prorated thing. And is based on the life expectancy of waders which is deemed by them 4 years. Unhappy but 35% is 35%!

 

[Bamboozle]

No. my waders don't owe me anything.... but "what's "normal".
Should we apply a lower standard to "prestigious" brand names than to my rather mundane "ordinary" waders.

Absolutely not; but normal for Red Ball is totally different than normal for breathable, regardless of price or status due to what they are made of and how they are constructed. All breathable waders have a lower "normal" wear expectancy than Neoprene, rubberized fabric, coated nylon, latex or any of the materials used over the years.

Based on what I've been reading on this forum, I suspect that when they finally go, I'm going to be very disappointed with what's on the market these days.

Well if you don't buy breathable waders, you won't be disappointed. There are still coated nylon, Neoprene and some rubberized canvas options out there.

But if you do, expect "normal" to be about 20 years less than your Red Balls.

 

[Bamboozle]

I to have sent in a pair of Orvis Silver Lable waders they are were 3 yrs old . The day after I bought them I went fishing and promply slipped and fell going down a leaf covered bank. Slidding on my a$$ for a few feet .When i got up and brushed myself off I discovered a rather large hole in them right over my wallet where I had hit a rock on the way down. So I went home got out the kit and repaired them and had never had a leak in them till this year.

I always thought that patch was a drop seat...

...for emergencies. :toilet-humor:

Maybe that's what AK saw floating down the creek and THAT'S why he doesn't wet wade!

 

[W. R. Harrison]

Thanks to all who have provided insights and suggestions.

For the record the waders are 5 years old and probably worn 20 times. And I have had pin holes in the kness and have fixed them myself. But I was not able to fix the hole in the right boot myself and sent them off to Orvis for repair with a check for $30. They responded, "they can't be fixed" but we can make you an offer...." I declined the offer because I can't believe that the Orvis Co. who considers itself to be the premier fly fishing company in the US can't find a single pin hole in the right foot that was marked in yellow crayon!!

Thus, I decided to go on line with NEFF and try to find someone or some shop who could fix the pin hole. I was never asking Orvis to make good on a new pair of waders, just wanted find someone who could affix some glue over the whole. Seems reasonable to me.

Still open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks to all,

Bill H.

 

[Pete]

Found via "Google", I can't vouch for them.
EXPRESS REEL SERVICE
They're in Canada

34509 3rd Ave.
Abbotsford, B.C. Canada
604-996-4466

Have you tried a dab of Marine Goop?

 

[GARYB]

If it's just a pin hole can't you fix it yourself with wader glue like Aquaseal ???

 

[Stimulator]

fly fishing company in the US can't find a single pin hole in the right foot that was marked in yellow crayon!!

It sounds like you can see the hole or at least have the exact spot marked. Why can't you fix them?

If you can see the pin hole, try Loon Sunset Wader Patch - this stuff is unbelievable! Put a dab on the hole, expose it to some sunlight and it is dry in minutes.

I patched a pair of Orvis silver labels 7 years ago and still no leaks.

 

[Bamboozle]

WR:

If the bootee is neoprene and you KNOW where the hole is, I'd go with Aquaseal like GARYB suggests. It works fantastic, stays pliable and is permanent, although I HIGHLY recommend wearing rubber gloves when you use it. It is almost impossible to get off your hands. It does take a while to cure unless you buy some Cotol 240 which is an accelerant.

I also recommend buying the small tubes they now sell because once you open a tube, it's almost a 100% guarantee it will cure and become useless. You can find both Aquaseal & Cotol 240 in combo packs at many fly shops, scuba & marine supply stores.

Keep in mind any glue will create a bump so IF you repair them on the inside of the foot, the bump may become uncomfortable so you may want to make the repair on the outside.

If the bootee is made of breathable fabric, Simms among others sells a wader patch kit that contains Gortex patches & a tube of Aquaseal which makes a permenant repair.

If the leak is in the bootee seam, things get tricky. A liberal slathering of Aquaseal works but apply lightly or you may find the repair uncomfortable.

Any of these repairs is a piece of cake if you KNOW where the leak is.

Good luck!

 

[W. R. Harrison]

Not trying to be clever, just expect that a company who has a repair service should be able to seal a hole in a stockingfoot wader when they are explicitly told where the hole is, and marked in a yellow marker. I thought that Orvis would be up to the task! Guess not. L.L. Bean here I come!

Thanks again,

Bill

 

[AKSkim]

I thought that Orvis would be up to the task! Guess not. L.L. Bean here I come!

Thanks again,

Bill

Bill:

That was the problem with my LL Bean waders.. a pin hole leak in the stocking foot.

Called them up.. they sent me another pair (I actually told them the wrong type I had) sent me a replacement (discovered MY MISTAKE) called them back and they were going to send me the correct one's that I had, but decided to up grade them to their new model.

Let me make this clear, the lady I spoke to at LL Bean did not pressure me to purchase the up graded waders, I wanted them and ASKED her if I could.

Not ONCE did I feel as though I was being pressured or that there was nothing wrong with the item.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.. other than what type, size, and what was wrong with them.

.... get this no devalued percentage of the original cost either..

FULL CREDIT !!!!!


You cannot go wrong with LL Bean.

 

[eddavidson9]

Just a semi-related story...a friend just returned a leaky pair of waders and DESTROYED pair of boots to bean (he told me they were only a year old...:smiley-sniffer. It was obvious they had been used and abused (for an extended length of time). I for one saw him sliding down rock and root covered hills in
Altmar on multiple occasions. Not only were his felt soles falling off, but the remaining "leather", and some of the canvas, was completely disintegrating.

Because both models had been discontinued (waders and boots), he had to forfeit the difference for the new models of the comparable gear. I believe the difference was $15. In other words, he received full purchase value for gear that had seen extended use and degradation and had been discontinued by the store.

I'm going to bean after work to buy a wading jacket for this weekend. Not that i can afford it...i just can't afford not to have it.

 

[Corndog]

I almost hate to say this, because almost everything piece of fly fishing gear I own was made by Orvis. But, I have an 8 year old Battenkill reel that had the gear go bad. It would slip in both directions, no drag or catch. I still have the lifetime warranty card and receipt. So I called Orvis and was basically told that the gear would cost $15.00 + shipping. I told the lady, "No, I have an unconditional lifetime warranty on the reel." She said she would have a representative from the service department call me. Two weeks go by and no call, so I call back. Went through the same rig-a-ma-ro with the same lady, then she said I would receive an email with detailed info from the service department within 24 hours. Well, I got this email:

Dear Mr. ***:

I have received your inquiry concerning the drag gear for your Battenkill 5/6 original reel. Is this a disc drag reel and does the part slide over the shaft in the frame? If this is correct the part will be $15.00 plus shipping and tax. If you would like to order at this time I will need for you to call me with your credit card number and exp. date for the card.<O></O>
<O></O>
If further questions, I will be glad to answer.<O></O>
<O></O>
Thank you;<O></O>
<O></O>
Leoney S.<O></O>
Repair Customer Service Specialist<O></O>
1-800-548-9548 ext. 521

Needless to say I was livid. I called Leoney up and told him I wanted to speak to his boss. When I got his boss, I asked to speak to his boss, which turned out to be the Orvis Service Manager. After reaming him a new one about the meaning of lifetime warranty and all the money I throw at Orvis, he appologized and said I would have a gear in the morning at no cost to me. At 10am the next day Fed-x knocked on my door.

It's a shame I had to go to all that trouble to get a gear that probably cost Orvis 50 cents.

Cdog

 

[AKSkim]

Thank you;<O></O>
<O></O>
Leoney S.<O></O>
Repair Customer Service Specialist<O></O>
1-800-548-9548 ext. 521

Cdog

Thats what you get for talking to some Looney.

Whats his screen name? Single White Female ??? He is also a Looney.

A true LOONEY.

 

[Trout 4u]

Turn the boots inside out, fill them with water and wait.You will have to support the crotch area with a broom handle, or board. You will find the leak. Mark it, and apply a product called Goop. It is a marine type sealer, comes in a large tube and is less expensive than Aquaseal...... and it works. I purchased a tube at Lowes.