Waders
 

ok, we have all had our debates over what company is the best. in my opinion, they all stink. so until the debut of the Aquaskinz waders, it is a never ending quest for the right pair. since Orvis changed there return policy, i am looking for some new ones. i will be getting breathables, and i have always had boot foot since my first pair, but the comfort is lacking. now they have lace-up boot foot waders which i have heard good reports on. so, what do you use?

I'll never go back ta boots. stocking for me

Hodgeman stocking foot waders and boots. I think they are awesome....comfortable and you can walk for miles in em'! Tried a couple pairs of boot foot waders and did not really care for them. My size 15 feet moved around too much in the waders I had and did a number on my feet. Try the Hodgeman T-Lap, I think you will like them! :huh:

Whoops....sorry, the Hodgeman are breathable gortex!

i loved the orvis Pro-Guides i had before the warrantee got pulled. i guess the 8 or so pairs i went through in about a year and a half didn't help things. too many of us doing that made them smarten up.

stocking foot guys: do you run into much trouble with sand build up inside the wading shoes? what do you use for gravel guards?

Both... you didnt leave that option..
I like my hodgmen boot foot for the sand, and for a while wore my stocking foot's on the rocks, but now mostly use hippers and splash pants on the rocks/b-ways... more comfortable IMHO,
Now i need a new pair of bootfoots, mine leak like sieves and have too many years worth of small holes to try and patch...

I used stocking foot this past fall and they were comfortable until I got in the water. No matter how tight I tied my boots I would get tons of sand in my boots and it made very uncomfortable. I just bought a pair of Orvis Bootfoot Breathables from Ebay, hopefully I like these better.

pricy but "Wicked Tough" :laughs:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...feat=ssdpa1109

no choice :(

boot feet all the way :rolleyes:

excited :happy: to put them on again soon. :D

5 weeks to Spring :)

I use hodgeman gravel gaurds. I get little sand in my boots. Because I mostly fish rocky shore I'll often put them under my waders, it adds alittle more support around the ankles.

i contacted Orvis in regards to there guarantee. i am NOT satisfied with the fact that they changed the return policy. waiting to hear back as to the procedure for getting a FULL refund as to the guarantee they have:



The Orvis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
For over 100 years, we have offered
the strongest return policy in the business:

We will refund your money on any purchase that isn't 100% satisfactory. Anytime, for any reason.

I have the orvis silver label lace up boot foots and they are the best of both worlds, no complaints at all except for the warrantee now. The next pair I am getting are Simms. From what I've been looking into they always lead the independent company tests. Simms doesnt seem to have all the problems that the orvis waders had in construction and design. The prices on their waders have come down in the past year too. Their warrantee is pretty realistic and i havnt heard anything negative about them.

I used to use bootfoots all the time . then tried stockingfoot 9 years ago and love the support for rivers and rocky shores , bootfoots lack here bad . I get some sand in the top of my shoes under the gravel guards . Ive tried them without gravel guards same thing . but for the long walks cant be beat . I havent tried the new hiking boot type yet but that should be the next variety I try . One thing is for those in a hurry bootfoots are much faster to get you in the blitz quicker . BUT !
As far as brand ? Ive used all if not most . there are really only a couple companies that make them OEM for all the ones out there . so they all are about the same and Ive been buying for warrenty alone for some time . Ive had good luck with orvis and hodgeman , LL bean has a good warrenty , orvis used too but still better than most . Im not sure what the policy is either as Ive gotten different stories . Simms has a good product and a good warrenty but they are pricey . who is their OEM company ? cabellas will stand behind them for a time ( but I wont shop from them ) . how long I dont know .

From what i've been told simms makes their own stuff in the USA. For each model they make the wader like a pair of pants and then add the bootfoot or stocking foot later depending on the orders they get from retailers. Another thing to watch out for with stocking foot waders is what the sole is made out of. If it is regular neopreme it will eventually leak from the constant compression of walking. I know simms has addressed the problem and uses a special material. The old orvis clearwaters had this problem and i never knew it at the time and didnt really care because you could just bring them back and get a new pair no questions asked.

Anyone try Cabelas?? I have a set of Ice busters and a set of the newest neoprene/cordura style. The Ice busters are like iron 1000 denier have had them 4 years use them mostly out in canoe/boat. The neoprene/cordura waders I use when I am walking they fit real nice and walking is a breeze, they seem pretty tough this is my 3rd season with them. I always giev them a plug when someone is looking for waders I dont think they can be beat.

Hodgman Wadelight stocking-foot breathables. Love 'em.

Some of the seam tape came off on the last pair I bought 6 yrs ago (don't leave yours in a plastic container in the truck bed for the summer!!!), so I called the retailer and Hodgman and told them. The NEXT DAY I picked up a brand new pair and gave them mine. No questions, no arguments. Still in great shape after 6 yrs of crawling the S. shore.

I like stocking foot because I permanently attach Korkers to the boots, have another pair of boots for driving and walking around, and just put on the kork'd ones when I head for rocks and slime.

They're light, tough as hell, comfortable--hot or cold, and huge--coveralls fit inside them; about $200 for waders; about $75 for the good boots; about $25 for cheap knock-around backup boots; about $50 for the light Korkers.

T- Orvis is having its tent sale in Westport till next Sunday. 60% off everything. I just bought another pair of BF breathables for $89. Its in the stores by the library if you or Wahlie go. Definitely worth it
I had a pair of Hodgeman breathables, they were the worst. Poor seam taping had it leak within a month :(

I have the gold Carbela breathables stocking foot and I love em for the rocky areas, but I will be buying my umpteenth pair of good ol bootfoot neoprenes for the sand cause theres no stoppin that sand from gettin inme boots. I'm also gonna try out a pair of the lace up bootfoots for the warmer months. Good luck T-Lap...just get 1 of each:D

Got a pair of neoprene 3.5's that the ex bought for me 4 years ago...
They rock, no leaks and very warm, but not too warm.
Spent more on the deluxe Korkers than she did on the waders.
Just my .02
Later,
Rick

just ordered a couple of days ago some boot foot breathables from LL bean. around $200, lifetime, no ? asked

Toby,

What changes has Orvis made?...

I just got the Proguide Bootfoot this past season, and would hate to think that they will not honor returns...

I don't like boots on my (waiters) they mark the boat up and sometimes they trip and spill my drink on the deck and then its all slippery and I could fall while fighting a fish!!!!!!:smash: :smash: Oh wrong waders!!!!!!

I was going to say what the hell do you know about waders ? I bet you do know waiters well though . you like em young !

What a Primmadonna! :rolleyes:

Yes they can carry more drinks that way and are much better at netting the fish for you to.:laughs: So long hair you still going Sat.???????

That's it!...

I'm gonna go out and buy some cleats!

it is no longer a free exchange. you now must get them repaired at your cost or you can get a new pair at a discounted price. i talked to an Orvis representative last night. you can ship your old pair back to them and they will give you a 100% refund of original purchase price because of the satisfaction guarantee they have. they person said it will be about 1-2 weeks for me to receive a refund check. now i'll have $315 to spend on a new pair from another company. :happy:

Only one allowed on the boat with cleats is Bloo:eek: :eek:

Let us know if you find a bonafide guarantee when you do...

I may just want to do the same... :(

:bshake: