types of waders

spraguee · 12-30-2002, 09:42 AM

Hey, My old neoprene waders got a hole in them last time I was out. Im looking for a new pair of waders, does anyone have any suggestions on what type to get, stocking foot, or boot foot? Any adivse would be apreciated.

[ 12-30-2002, 10:42 AM: Message edited by: spraguee ]

fatfish · 12-30-2002, 09:58 AM

Cabela's 3mm lightweight neoprene stockingfoot waders for about $55 which includes shipping. I out grew my Simms ($200+). These are a best buy for the $'s in my opinion. Fit, features and overall product satisfaction are great. Check out Cabela's website as they have other waders you could consider.

chummer · 12-30-2002, 09:58 AM

The light-weight breathables seem to be the best sellers lately. I've had 5MM cabela's for alotta years, I've stayed quite toasty in them as long as it was really cold and I was just sitting in the boat or blind, however, if I wanted to go check other spots or was on a hike, I got hot really fast. Last year my waders developed a leak, so I decided it was time to try cabela's breathable dry-plus warriors. So far I'm really liking them, but they have not yet been subjected to a really cold day yet.

RogueFishr · 12-30-2002, 09:59 AM

my neo's are about on their last trip also (pair of Redballs with rubber boot foot). I am seriously considering the breathables. There was a thread not too long ago about them. One thing I always liked about neos is their patchability, since I seem to poke holes in them frquently. The breathables are supposed to be just as easy to work with. Everyone I know who has tried them swears by them over neoprene. I am going to pick some up this week probably and try them out.

RF

D Money · 12-30-2002, 10:35 AM

I've had both over the years and of course there is arguments for each one. The breathables don't insulate at all so for winter fishing when you're in the water a lot it gets cold. The reason I chimmed in is to recommend getting something without a built in boot. Even if you have to get by with a oversized tennis shoe for a while having something you lace up instead of swimming in a slip in boot i think makes wading easier and safer. have fun shopping.

D Money

Sturgeon Tom · 12-30-2002, 10:40 AM

I had a pair of 5mm neoprene and last sommer got a pair of $200 Simms, stocking foot. and just love them. Its easer to move, they breath better, just all around better. :grin:
I was in the clack this last weekend and was verry comfortable standing in the water. Just buy good boots :smile: and have on good thermal underwear.
I am goning to keep my neoprene just for freezing type water.
Dont buy the boot kind they never fit quite right and when you step in some mud you will wish you had a good set of boots on. Been there done that. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

brshooter · 12-30-2002, 10:53 AM

I recently made the switch to breathables when my neo's were stolen. Got a set of Dan Bailey's at FMS for $199. I wear some hi-perfomance long johns and a set of the 2mm neo socks and have been staying warm. Sure a lot easier to move around and you don't get sweaty hiking into your fishing hole.

wade · 12-30-2002, 02:47 PM

There are folks that will disagree, but I'm speaking from my own experience.

If you're a bank maggot, stay away from breathables unless all of your fishing holes have a beaten path to them. The best breathables are about as durable as the cheapest neoprenes. The difference is, one costs $65, and the other costs $350. If you fish mainly from a boat, or never bust brush, the breathables may be the better choice because they sure are comfortable. But I have a $75 pair of Hodgeman bootless neoprenes that are going into their fourth season of busting brush. They have been the backups for my Simms Guide waders and unfortunately have seen more use than the Simms since I bought the Simms a few months ago. As I speak I just got back from fishing and found more leaks in the Simms even though I just did a patch job on them, per the instructions. I never had a problem patching the neoprenes. If I ever buy another pair of breathables they'll be the cheapest ones I can find.

4Salt · 12-30-2002, 03:06 PM

Wade,

Why are you patching the Simms? They have a lifetime warranty. Unless you're plowing straight through the blackberries and falling down shale embankments, the Simms Guideweights will hold up much better than any neo's I've ever seen. If you think they might be defective, take 'em back to where you bought them. My Guideweights are going on their 4th trouble-free season, and I do quite a bit of hiking as well. IMHO they are the best investment in fishing gear that I've made!

Ifishsum · 12-30-2002, 11:29 PM

I switched to breathables earlier this year and I doubt I'll ever go back to neoprenes. Movement is so much better, and as far as warmth I notice no difference, except that you don't sweat in them.

King Fisher · 12-30-2002, 11:53 PM

Got some dan baileys too and they are great. I will stick with breathables for now on...

Jennie@ifish · 12-30-2002, 11:58 PM

If you wear breathables, make sure to buy a boot load of those "toe warmers". Man, do they ever save the day!

I wore some yesterday and they help SO much!!!

Jen

GL2 · 12-31-2002, 01:54 PM

I'm with 4salt.
The Simms cost alot, but you get what you pay for.