Wader Question
 

Although some folks accuse me of having gone to the dark side as strictly a boat angler, at this time of year (as well as early in the spring) I do try and get out to a few local beaches and return to my roots.
That said, all of the waders I have leak like a sieve, so I am in the market for new ones. I am going to go with stocking foot and wading boots since my ankles are shot and I need the support. I was looking at some of the new style waders with the zip front; anyone have any experience with them? Any recommendations that anyone can offer?
Thanks in advance.

I gave up on waders for salt water. Farmer john wetsuit with a zipper so you can pee. No worries about getting knocked down and waders filling. I always ended up wet in waders anyways.

Stick to the boat old man;)

I have no experiance with the zip front waders. I have good luck with llbeans. All waders will leak eventually seems to me that adding more areas that can leak doesn't seem like a good idea in the salt. So i buy the mid grade waders and really the customer service and beans warranty is what I spend my money on.
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I had a pair of zip fronts that lasted a little over 2 years. Never had a problem with the zipper and it was a nice feature to have. Only reason I got rid of them is because I tore them and eventually the patch gave way. I can't remember the brand but they are no longer in business. I've since switched to Beans and gone through 3 pairs in less than 2 years, but the return policy can't be beat. I bought my dad a pair of Frog Toggs breathables and he loves them, but he doesn't wear them much. I don't know about their durability because they haven't been abused like my waders.
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same here. I have the stocking foot Emergers and really like them. I get them a little bigger than my actual size so that I can move around in them better. Find they don't leak as much because they aren't as tight to my body.

I have them paired with the River Treads boots. I like this boot, the little studs are fine for most of the fishing I do and they are easy to hop rocks in. I just hate the new BOA system on them. When sand gets in there it locks up and I don't trust the thin wire. I wish they still made that boot with laces instead...

I only use mine a few times a year, so I don't feel like buying new ones.
I sealed my rubber ones up with Gorilla Glue; works pretty good, but leaves tacky looking white streaks on 'em. I then put in a trash bag for each foot to catch any residual leakage. Together, this works pretty good. Better than blowing $$$ on new ones.

llbean for me. best guarantee in the business. rapid river waders on sale right now for $179, I have these and love them.

I have a pair of simms waders dont know the type.i believe they were made to be sold only in cabelas only. But there not available anymore. I love simms products as well as there return policy. even the low end simms waders are very comfortable.iv had the pair I own for 2 years and only had to patch one small pinhole.
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llbean waders for me as well... i take them back when they start to leak in yr 2 or 3 and get a new pair

Not zip-front, but I bought these back in the spring and absolutely love them so far. No complaints on the Cabela's warrantee, just save your receipt and they will exchange or refund your money as long as they are their brand name. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footw...3Bcat103926780

Thanks for the advice
 

Thanks to all who responded - except Cape Cod Kid! Although I do agree I should probably stick to the boat and I wear the appellation "old man" with pride, you whippersnapper! And by the way, shouldn't you be studying instead of checking out the web?

Yeah you'll be there before you know it.
Old guys rule

got em too, super comfy. plus it doesnt matter if the model you have is obsolete, they'll replace it with the current years product. can't beat that

Just bought a pair of Bean's Kennebeks. They are a little tougher than the Emergers, but not so thick that they don't breath, like the Rapid Rivers. Also they inseam is a little longer than the RRs. Handy if you are fairly tall and ride a bicycle while wearing them

No hip boots, is the sun still coming up tomorrow?

LL Bean for me as well. Great warantee.

This spring returned a 3 year old beat to snot pair to orvis.
Gave me a new pair no questions asked.
Clerk told me lifetime guarantee.
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AMAZING!

I did the same to a pair I took good care of, was not beat up, sent them back and they said they were such an old model that they can't replace them. I said when I bought them you had a lifetime warranty on them. I got nothing. and Orvis will get nothing from me ever again. Pisses me off hearing their lifetime warranty only applies when convenient to them or they pick and choose.

Did you write a letter corporate?

That seems really odd unless they didn't have a like for like replacement.
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Just walked into the Orvis store at legacy place and exchanged them.
No issues took ten minutes.

I had the very same expierence slip had- it pushed me to llbean and I couldn't be happier.

One of the problems I've had with stocking foot waders is gravel and sand getting into the boot. Over time the neoprene stocking foot chafes and develops holes. What ever waders you get try to make sure they have an integrated gaiter. Although the gaiters aren't fool proof they do help with the chafing.

Simms now makes the G3 with the bog boot....may try that next time.
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I had a similar experience with Orvis as Slip and afterhours. Stocking foot was leaking at the seam, sent them in, and they were leaking again, asked for a new pair. They said they were older model no replacement. Done with Orvis got LLbean

how long is the bean warrenty? mine have leaked since 6 months old and have been dealing with it for 18 months since.

also..... they only leak due too barnicle slash not craftmanship

Life time no questions asked. Period.
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I bet their barnacle rip policy is the same as their falling into a trash can fire policy. No questions asked.
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Ditto. I love the Bean waders, have had no issues in 5 years with their stocking foot breathables and just bought another pair for backup.