Fishing jacket questions

[Skunked]

I've been doing some research on simms and patagonia's jackets but haven't been able to go try anything on as of yet. I have a few questions if anyone out there could help.
First, I'm a pretty lanky guy at 6'5" and I'm wondering which brand/style is more likely to fit me?

Also, I'm looking for something I can wear in a downpour all day. If you had to rate the jackets out there strictly on waterproofness what would be your pick?

Thanks,
Jim

[NCL]

Jim,

I have the Simms Guide model, not the top model the one below, and it has worked well for me in the rain. I can't speak to Patagonia's rain coat because I have never owned one but I have owned other Patagonia products and they produce quality clothing so I would think you would get your monies worth either way. I am only 6' so I would not be much help on the length of the jacket.

[Slow and Low]

I fish the Simms guide coat. Love it, recommend it. G3's have too many zippers for me. Can't speak to Patagonia.

As to the height and fit...go try on some coats.

[Wild Chrome]

I have an older Patagonia SST. It's very dry in a downpour; the jacket I reach for. Due to your height, I'd make sure to try on both before buying. In addition to fit, pay a lot of attention to cuffs, pockets and drawstrings. That's where the important differences often are. Also warranty. My only complaint with my Patagonia is that the inside pockets are too deep, but it's about 3 versions behind the current model.

[Surfnsully]

I own a Simms Guide jacket and love it. However, I also have some patagonia breathable waders and have never had an issue with them. Still going strong after 6 years

[ifisherman]

I was in a position recently to purchase new waders and jacket. For the last couple seasons I have had some neoprene waders and some Simms waders that where hand me downs from a friend. I own Simms boots and love then and will be a customer for life. Over the last few years I have also worn many jackets but never a 100% fishing jacket. I looked into Simms a Patagonia in great detail and ended up going with Patagonia for both items. I have a couple weeks on a pair of Patagonia Watermaster waders and a Deep Wading jacket and I am sold. Unless I notice a major quality issues in the next year I will stick with Patagonia for me gear needs. I find that the cost is a little less then Simms and the performance and quality is top notch. On the waders I have talked with a few people that have only purchased one pair and still have them going strong 6+ years later. And, some that have had replacement pairs given to them from Patagonia due to issues with no trouble. Long story short the warranty program with Patagonia is great. Simms is great as well I am sure but I read a lot more about Patagonia. My Deep Wading jacket is awesome but it is very short. This is good for me because I only fish out of the boat.

[leadeyedbugger]

When your talking wading jackets, and your comparing Simms and Patagonia your basically comparing two A's......Patagonia has a slight edge in Warranty, thats really the only thing i can think of that might seperate the two off the top of my head.....Both make great products..

[AlseaAssassin]

I just posed the same question on the main forum if you want to use the search function. I'm still undecided.

[SSPey]

I'm 6'4" or 6'5" (depends on who is measuring), formerly lanky, and have used both Simms and Patagonia in both XL and XXL. If you appreciate length in the arms, then both brands XL might feel a bit marginal. As my gut has expanded, I've gone to XXL (for winter layering) and that's added some arm length. The Pagatonia allows slightly more freedom of movement for two-hand casting, because the fabric is a lighter weight and gives / moves more easily. They'll both keep you dry.

[Skunked]

Thanks for the replies. I tried on a simms g3 today, seemed like a great coat but all the pockets and zippers up front made it feel a little stiff in the chest. I didn't think about it before but I am spey casting almost exclusively in the winter so mobility is important. Now I need to find a place to try on patagonia's

[Skunked]

I finally got a jacket, a patagonia SST in XL. The simms and patagonia both fit about the same but the patagonia felt like I had more flexibility in the shoulders especially when reaching across my body. That was a big concern since most of the time I fish in winter I am speycasting.

[Steelie28]

I have both the Simms Guide jacket and the Patagonia SST. You really couldn't go wrong either way. You will be happy with the SST.