Alternative to Korkers...

[Rob Rockcrawler]

I dont know if the 3/4" would work or not, that would dig in pretty far. I didnt use washers. If i notice that it isnt cutting it as is, i will add them.

[ivanputski]

Rob... I have the 1/2 " wearbars... Keep in mind that felt compresses, and the tip of a 3/4" screw will likely stick you.

[Ken_J]

I was talking to pbadad about it and he mentioned that along with the ss washer, you may get away with it, but could have to grind down a few of them -

its a tough call at 50$ a set


thanks guys

[ivanputski]

the 1/2" ones are perfect...

[Haus]

I use simms rivershed boot with vibram sole. Perfect for me. The weight of the boot isn't that bad. I'm kinda in shape so the weight isn't an issue. As for the wearbars, I remove them after each season and screw them back in just next to the old hole.
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[Ken_J]

I went 1/2" and they are installed now with 22 per boot.

I am looking forward to using them later on this year.

Thanks Ivan, pbadad, Thumper, and everyone else

[Redsoxticket]

The spikes in the felt higher then those on the pods ?
How would you make them the same height ?
I am guessing a washer on the pods and no washer on the felt.
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[Ken_J]

yeah, ill add the washers when I get them

also, you screw the felt ones in a little tighter and it compresses the felt a little bit and goes in a little deeper, further leveling everything out (not crazy tight, just a little tighter)

I cant even see any height difference at all with the naked eye just doing what I did stated above

Originally Posted by Redsoxticket

The spikes in the felt higher then those on the pods ?
How would you make them the same height ?
I am guessing a washer on the pods and no washer on the felt.
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[O.D. Mike]

Old pair of boots, instead of throwing them away. Throw as many 3/8 stainless hex head screws in them.

One box of 3/8 stainless screws, $12 per 100 = 2-seasons of fishing

[JohnR]

ODM - I can say, not even close to the wearbars as I did that for a few weeks prior to getting the wearbars - Cheap & easy solution and perfectly fine for some areas but choose the wearbars when the need for grippiness increases

Wearbars =

[O.D. Mike]

Originally Posted by JohnR

ODM - I can say, not even close to the wearbars as I did that for a few weeks prior to getting the wearbars - Cheap & easy solution and perfectly fine for some areas but choose the wearbars when the need for grippiness increases

Wearbars =

So are you going to share some of those fishing spots with me

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by O.D. Mike

So are you going to share some of those fishing spots with me

Well, the machine screws are likely better than wearbars on the deck f your boat for example...

[JLH]

I used these last season and was very impressed with the wear bars. A lot of times I’m walking a considerable distance (mile+) over paved roads, sidewalks and rocks to get into areas I fish and I wasn’t too sure if the studs would hold up. Over the course of the season I had one of the tips break off of the wear bars and lost 2 out of the boots. I had to replace the boots at the end of the season due to some of the stitching coming undone (shredded by barnacles) but the studs held up very well and I was able to put them into the new boots for the upcoming season.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by O.D. Mike

Old pair of boots, instead of throwing them away. Throw as many 3/8 stainless hex head screws in them.

One box of 3/8 stainless screws, $12 per 100 = 2-seasons of fishing

Mike, just get the Wearbars. I'm too old and weak to pull you out of the drink if you slip and go in.

[bigwavedave]

I think Cabellas and Wearbars should be giving the site a VIG or something for all the FREEEE advertising they are gettin.

[O.D. Mike]

Originally Posted by fishbones

Mike, just get the Wearbars. I'm too old and weak to pull you out of the drink if you slip and go in.

With all of the boats and structures I have fallen off of fishing in the past, I still can't believe that I haven't fallen into the canal....

[MAKAI]

You will . . .
Nothing puts a divot in your shin like a good tumble on the rocks.

[ivanputski]

The only way to fly!!!

["Snap"]

I have been using KOLDKUTTER screws for a couple years. they are screws for racing motorcycles on the ice. each screw has 6 points do to it's design.
a bag of ( 250 ) 3/8" screws run about $20..
No they don't last forever. yes I have had 1 or 2 pullout. when they dull it takes 10 minutes to change them all out and the cost is minimal..

[chefchris401]

wanted to bump this up and get some follow up info.

how are you guys liking this setup so far? I know thumper is loving them.

how do the boots fit? I wear a 12 in korker cross currents and need to order some cabelas boots.

These seems to be the way to go, the only reason i havent made the jump is I had a few pairs of korker insoles and extra studs laying around, but my korker insoles delaminated so i put a pair in from last season and lost 8 studs and the part they screw into on one outing so they need to go asap.

Thanks as always guys.

[Necker1]

Don't give up on the Korker boots with the interchangeable soles. I glue in the felt ones with studs with Goop. They are light and that is important on long walks for an old timer like me. You can peel them off [carefully] because the Goop is rubbery when it cures.

[KEGGER7676]

Hey Chris, I have been wearing the Cabelas boots for years with the Korkers K5000 sandal over them...very heavy combo.

This year after doing some research here I ditched the sandals and installed the wearbars....after about 15-20 trips on the gansett rocks and breachways I am not going back to the sandals anytime soon. Since I am an individual with a robust frame I installed about 21 spikes per boot and I used washers under the stud to help distrbute the load a bit more.

[ivanputski]

It's no surprise I'm a huge fan, since i started this thread!

I made some modifications this season, as I got a new pair of boots and spikes over the winter...

When screwing into the felt, I have noticed that using a large washer (slightly smaller than a dime) with a very small hole for the screw to go through helps them stay upright. The large surface area of the big washer prevents them from leaning over time. I also coated the threads with marine epoxy right before installing.

I love them. I will NEVER... EVER... wear korkers, or a korkers brand product until they get it right... and I make a pretty convincing argument in person to not use Korkers if you ever meet me in person. I have spoken to korkers service dept. numerous times, and I swear they are allergic to money over there, and refuse to even acknowledge the value in my idea of a boot with receiver threads built right INTO the sole so you can screw in their spikes. (Surfcasters must still be too small a niche market for them to bother)

Seems they are content with making interchangeable sole boots that do 5 different things poorly, rather than a boot that does one thing damn well.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

This has been one of the most informative threads on SB. I started using the wear bars this year and love em. I havent broken off a stud yet and havent fallen on my arse either. They grip like korkers. Next pair of boots i will be using washers as well. Something to give it just a bit more distance between the studs and my feet. A couple of them create pressure points. Ok for the first 3 hours or so, but gets tough after that.

[achase]

Guys,
First off, thanks a million times for this thread. I've been using the 1/2" wearbars in my Korkers boots (felt sole) this season and it's really been amazing. Now my question..
I've been losing a couple of studs here and there after long walks and fishing sessions in some nasty, rocky areas. I also need to re-tighten the wearbars before trips. One thought is that the felt has gotten too compressed over time (couple seasons old) and isn't giving enough to bite into.
Anyway, curious to know if anyone else is losing studs and if you've come up with any solutions?
Again, thanks for the help.
Andrew

[Redsoxticket]

I have yet to see a review on the durability on the newer style 2011 korker boots. Anyone out here with experience on these boots.
______________________

The fact that studs fall out and damaging the rubber footing make me hesitant on acquiring the ultralite wearbar boots.
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[JohnnySaxatilis]

here's my alternative to korkers which i'm loving so far this season. N. Face trail/wet shoes, on the closeout table at ems for like 35 bucks. and screw in simms "hard bite" 2 piece cleats made for their wader boots. just screwed them into the rubber, boom. havent lost one yet. awesome for the ditch, and the jetty's round here. dont mind if the feet are in the water they dry out quick. pretty much eliminated the use of my k5000's unless i really need em rock hopping down in rhody. i freakin love em

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Ken_J

I went 1/2" and they are installed now with 22 per boot.

I am looking forward to using them later on this year.

Thanks Ivan, pbadad, Thumper, and everyone else

I am on my second year with the 1/2" Wearbars. Granted I only fish the canal a month in the Spring and 6 weeks in the Fall but they are worth every penny I paid. I LOVE them. I have them on a pair of cabelas felt sole wading boots.

[ivanputski]

ACHASE: this year i dipped the threads in marine epoxy prior to installation. a few do loosen every now and then . one thing i have found is that large washers with small hole help keep them upright. i will post a pic of my new set up...

I strongly urge as many people as possible to email korkers a link to this thread in order to give them a glimpse of what we need and want... not what they THINK we need or want.


Send a brief, polite, concise, and convincing email to:

SamH@Korkers.com

Sam Houser
Korkers Sales & Marketing Support Coordinator
800-524-8899

I have been emailing him for the last 2 years... he is convinced that I simply dont know what I want, and that their interchangeable (GARBAGE) soles are the answer to all my troubles.

I have basically been telling him that they need to make a bood with receiver threads built directly INTO the sole, so spikes can be screwed in, and LEFT IN...

If he gets enough emails, he'll get the idea that it's not just one guy looking for this type of boot.

[Pete F.]

If they fit horse calks then us big boys would'nt have issues with them rolling out. Dover Saddlery | Large Selection of Quality Horse Shoe Studs.