Breathable Wader Review

[Thom]

Pete G next time you see the Simms rep ask to please use gravel guards on the next step down from the G3 I bought a set of them while I like the waders I was pretty surprised that they didn't come with them built in. For the price they should have them on every model. THomT

[spence]

I've never had sand problems with my LLBean stockingfoot waders. The built in gravel guards seem to do the trick...

-spence

[Skip N]

I've only owned LL bean west branch waders and they seem pretty damn good! I've had some leaks on the first pair i owned and Bean replaced them no questions asked. I don't mind paying good money for waders from LL Bean because i know i will never have to buy another pair with thier warrenty. Certainly better than buying 2 pairs of cheepo waders a year. Invest in a good pair from LL bean and your set for life! Never tried Simms but i hear they are top notch also. Both Quality and service.

[Redsoxticket]

I also have the llbean west branch waders which were chosen for the warranty.
If I fish like #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& which I would like to I would get the G3 Gore-tex if they honored the warranty in replace with no hassle.

[Pete_G]

I wonder if LL Bean will change their warranty policy on waders eventually.

No manufacturer I know of has EVER made money doing a no questions asked policy on waders. Most have lost money, Orvis, for example. Then again, with LL being the last one maybe they're pulling it off and can take the hit of all those returned waders due to higher sales.

What really killed the "no questions asked" polices was all the waders going back that didn't leak. I know for sure that's what made Orvis stop offering it. Well over 3/4 of the waders they were getting back didn't actually leak.

I think Simms is ahead of the curve offering a reasonable repair fee for user inflicted damage.

[MAC]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

I wonder if LL Bean will change their warranty policy on waders eventually.

No manufacturer I know of has EVER made money doing a no questions asked policy on waders. Most have lost money, Orvis, for example. Then again, with LL being the last one maybe they're pulling it off and can take the hit of all those returned waders due to higher sales.

What really killed the "no questions asked" polices was all the waders going back that didn't leak. I know for sure that's what made Orvis stop offering it. Well over 3/4 of the waders they were getting back didn't actually leak.

I think Simms is ahead of the curve offering a reasonable repair fee for user inflicted damage.

I don't think they will change their warranty. Bean's warranty is something they pride themselves on and have for all their years. The warranty is great as it applies to every item Bean makes. L.L. Bean wants complete customer satisfaction.

[Nebe]

LLBean makes millions and millions of $$ on clothing alone..the waders are such a small % of their income, i believe they could care less if they lost $ on them.. Plus, they have many customers like spence, who fish so little that they never wear out their gear