I have had a pair of Pilots for three years with no problems. I only use waders 3 or 4 times a year, so pretty low use. The reveiws on the internet are all over the place. All in all I would give them a thumbs up. Wish I had a zipper though.

 

I've had one pair of Frogg Toggs so my experience is based on just one pair. A leg seam leaked after one year. I glued the seam and the leak just kept traveling. I will never own another. You may have different experience. If I were buying now I might look at an entry level Simms or Orivs. I currently have a set of Patigonia I bought used here.

Thanks guys. Like you luckyr I will probably only used these occasionally. If I got 3 years out of them I'd be happy. One year like grim would be pretty disappointing though.

Grim, did yours leak on the inside thigh seem? It looks like they removed that seem on the newer models.

Again, entry level Simms or Orvis don't go up to my size. In order to get my size in Simms, I would have to spend $500 to $800 because they don't offer their largest sizes in their less expensive models.

 

I've had one pair of Frogg Toggs so my experience is based on just one pair. A leg seam leaked after one year. I glued the seam and the leak just kept traveling. I will never own another. You may have different experience. If I were buying now I might look at an entry level Simms or Orivs. I currently have a set of Patigonia I bought used here.

 

I wouldn't buy Frog Toggs unless it was a short term emergency purchase.
Inexpensive waders will end up costing more over time.
And fighting leaks will be part of the deal.

Simms, Redington, Dan Bailey, Orvis
Cabelas may have something with a decent warranty.

 

Yes, it was the inside seam.

 

I had the pilot2 waders. Of all the waders I've had those were the worst. After only a couple trips the material on the inside of the legs below the knees started to (what I could only describe as) delaminate. The entire inside of the legs looked like a shattered windshield that held together. Only pair I've ever had that did that. They leaked everywhere, not just on a seam which is expected to happen eventually with any waders it seems.

 

Get some Redingtons or better still Dan Bailey.

 

Am I missing something on the Dan Bailey waders? Two recommendations here but there's like zero information on their website. Just an order button? No description, no sizing, no nothing?

If the consensus is Frogg Toggs are crap then I'll probably just save my pennies for a year or two and get Simms.

 

Am I missing something on the Dan Bailey waders? Two recommendations here but there's like zero information on their website. Just an order button? No description, no sizing, no nothing?

I think you need to dig deeper.
I see everything I would need to order.
They invite phone calls, so maybe try that.
I think Great American Tackle Shop in Clackamas is a Dan Bailey dealer.

 

I would recommend Cabelas brand waders for the return policy.

 

Thankfully you’ve put this post out so you could actually get a response from a 6’7 Sasquatch who wears frog toggs waders. Size 15 foot. 44” waist ...U can thank me later. I’m 6’7 310 and have been wearing frog toggs ever since I tried on a pair at Fishermans 13 years ago. Only because of how big the 2x is. Heck, I haven’t even tried the stouts. Haven’t needed too. I have 3 more brand new pairs sitting out in the garage from when I bought on eBay 3 years ago when they were 40$/pair. Fishermans usually have em on sale every year for 50$/pair.. I may end up busting one of the eBay pairs out this spring as the ones I wear now from 4 years ago are on their last leg. I’m 44 now. Should be good to go wader wise until I’m 60 years old... Not bad for a 50$ wader. I work full time and have kids. That’ll give you a clue of how much I can get out to the put the test to them. Maybe 3-4 times a month. If I fished like I fish(like an animal) for let’s say 20 times a month, I probably wouldn’t get a year out of them.. you’ll get out of them what you put into them. Just like anything else.

Now, start treading through blackberrys, clamming in them, wearing thick wool socks to make your seams on your booty scream bloody murder as you put them through a wading boot, you will get leaks. Guaranteed. I stopped doing the above and get a minimum 4 years out of a pair of 50$ Waders. No need to drop 500$ on waders. If Simms has a no ask/no problem return policy and packs you patch kits with your brand new waders. Personally in my experience, That throws a red flag up for me.

FYI bigman, caddis-cabelas 2x’s don’t fit like frogg toggs

 

They are the only waders I have used the last 6 years. I have my 1 pair that is on its 4th season. Still no leaks. They can pretty much stand up on their own due to egg goo and fish slime LOL. I do occasionally hike too. So I am happy so far.

Bought 2 pairs during the Christmas sale ($49.99) 4 years ago, got the new pair on standby when the old ones go.

Thank you guys! I'm a little bigger than you Bladdershy, so I think if I get them I'll get the stouts.

 

They are the only waders I have used the last 6 years. I have my 1 pair that is on its 4th season. Still no leaks. They can pretty much stand up on their own due to egg goo and fish slime LOL. I do occasionally hike too. So I am happy so far.

Bought 2 pairs during the Christmas sale ($49.99) 4 years ago, got the new pair on standby when the old ones go.

 

I don't recall who but someone on ifish has a company that makes custom waders. Might find out who by searching waders!

 

Look at the USIA waders, they are in your price range I believe. I use mine for late fall and early winter steelhead and they are tough as nails.

They are custom fitted, but make sure the company has the time to fit you. I made an appointment to get fitted for mine and the president forgot about it. Come in after hours to fit me, but was in a rush. Things are huge on me but will last forever.

I use Froggs in the warmer months as the USIA are a little warm. Froggs have worked great for a few years as well, but I generally fish out of my drift boat or sled.

 

Never had them but I recall a few complaints with those usia waders.

 

USIA all the way. Custom made to fit You alone. Exceptional service and repair. Must have for the serious Fisherman. 6 years, no problems. My better half had the attached Bog Boots replaced as they were too tight.

 

No thanks on the USIA. Besides, according to their website they are no longer doing custom sizes, just shortening the legs if needed.

Sent from my Galaxy S8+ using Tapatalk

 

Check out the White River Fly Shop from Bass Pro Shop. A 3x-5x would probably work for you. My wife has a pair but she has only worn them a handful of times so I can't comment on the durability.

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The cabelas brand warranty is great and if you brush up against a berry bush or hike more than from your truck to your boat you will need it. I went through multiple pairs before throwing in the towel on them. It just wasn't worth it. I bought a pair of caddis brand that have held up awesome. I often times put 3-5 miles a day in fairly rugged terrain and haven't a single issue in the 2 almost 3 years that I have had them.

 

Need any matching sz 11 Caddis boots (rubber sole/steel cleats) ?

 

I just bought a pair of Patagonia waders because their bootie is made to fit your more like a shoe. I think Simms also makes these booties. Also they have a bunch of sizes available which most brands don't. Hope this helps. Check it out. Great warranty also.