Breathable Wader Review

[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

[wader-dad]

Anyone ever use Patagonia waders? I got a gift certificate that I can use on them. They just came out with new ones.

[spence]

Originally Posted by Eben

Plus, they have many customers like spence, who fish so little that they never wear out their gear

Perhaps you should start wearing LL Bean shorts there a$$ rip boy

-spence

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Eben

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

Orvis is a clothing company. 85% or more of it, anyways. They sell a "life style", these days. Fishing, and waders in particular, is an extremely small part of the company.

Orvis was in an uproar about waders a few years ago before their policy change. Letters in the mail warning of the policy change, reps specifically mentioning surf anglers, and returns of waders just so people could start a new season with a free new pair really got them worked up. I just have a lot of trouble believing that the LL Bean warranty policy for their waders is, at least financially, good for them. In terms of developing customer loyalty, maybe it balances it out.