Breathable waders (Cabelas vs Hodgman)

[Corkie Monster]

I've had a pair of Cabelas Breathables (G II waders) maybe 2 months now. Might have had them in the water maybe a dozen times. Well, my trip to Sandy got cut short this morning to a very wet & cold left foot . These waders haven't spent anytime bush wacken yet. They appear to be leaking on a seem. My question is? I'm going to exchange them but wondering if I should try a pair of Hodgmans next? What are your opinions? I can't afford Simms, Rocket wear, or any other spendy waders right now. Got a budget of no more than $150.00

Thanks
CM

[Willow Drifter]

CM - In that price range also consider the Chota waders. I have a pair and love them. Best waders I have ever owned.

[gthfish]

Just got a new pair of hodgman cheapies to replace my old hodgman cheapies(4years old--still no leaks even though they look like rags!). I did a lot of net research and customer product comparisons--I was considering the Cabelas, but even though their replacement and customer service is top notch, apparently their breathables are not---lots of reports of leaks from the get go, even on repeat replacements.

[float2ber]

You can get into a pair of Simms for $199. LLBean is a good second choice.

[Catch 22]

The $200 Dan Baileys have reinforced knees and built in gravel guards. I LOVE mine. Best $200 I've spent. You can get their Barebones for $100 or so. They would still be better than Hodgemans.

[Ty]

Simms......Speak for themselves, just ask hundreds of Alaskan guides......

[Corkie Monster]

Simms would have to come this summer when I make all my $$$. I just ran down to Sportsman's and got myself a pair of Hodgmans Wade light. Sportsman's said they would take them back if they leak at all. I hope they can keep their word. I plan to dump about $300 on Waders this summer, and another $150 or so on boots. Anyone out there like the Korkers? Are they comfortable? My Lake streams hurt my feet.

Thanks for the opinions
CM

[Chromaflage]

FYI - I've spoken with Cabelas at great length about their waders. Actually, Hodgman makes most of Cabela's waders. Some OEM and some to Cabela's specs. At least that's what I was told by their Tech dept. last year.

ORS

[cphatts]

My Hodgman breathables turned out to be pure junk. I bought the cheapies (I think they cost around $90) I got several leaks within the first few months. To top it off, my Hodgman studded wading boots are falling apart after only 9 months of use.

[Chromaflage]

Two years ago, I purchased the Cabelas Dry Plus Premium Waders. And they're still as good as new. I couldn't have been happier.



[ 03-14-2004, 08:05 PM: Message edited by: OregonRedside ]

[Dakotan]

I second ORS's post. I have had Cabela's breathables for three years. After 8 months of wear, one of the feet starting leaking so I sent them back and they sent me a brand new pair that have been great ever since and I probably wear them at least 2-3 times per week. Tough to beat Cabela's customer service. Well worth the price. I'd send yours back to Cabela's if yours are leaking. Call their customer service line and explain your situation. They'll take care of you.

[steelheadslayer]

Try a pair of Bailey barebones at Great American Tackle in Clackamas. Not much more than you paid for the Cabelas and I'm going on my second year with mine. No problems.

[gottafish]

dan baily waders , best for that price range. Now this will make you sick for the last 4 years I have fished streams about 2 times a week, everything from the Desutze to all the rivers around here have brush wacked everywhere. The wader you'll see me wearing is Tide waters from GI joes paid 69.00 and they have a few patches but thats ok. Bought a pair on orvis G-3's and took them back they just didn't fit right. cheep is the way to go.

[AlseaAssassin]

I have a pair of hodgeman wadelite breathables and they have really dissapointed me. They are only about 6 months old although used extensively and I have had to put numerous patches on the seams. I would go ahead and spend a little more to get a better product.

[ 03-14-2004, 01:44 PM: Message edited by: AlseaAssassin ]

[Blue Tip Spinner]

i bought a pair of hodgman wadelits in december. i am on my 5th replacement pair. the first outing on all of my trips resulted in wet c****h. talk about cold! i have yet to try my new replacement pair. i hope they don't leak, i am now out of my warranty time.