Breathable Wader Review

[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.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by 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.

The old ones were pretty nice and held up well through the years. The new ones are new, so it's tough to say if they're going to be as good as they look. If they are, they'll be some of the more durable waders on the market. They're over built almost; the material is REAL heavy. Considering the performance of the old ones, and the build quality of the new ones, I'd definitely have to give them a .

[cheferson]

ANyone in s.rhody carry the simms G3 waders?, think im gonna bite the bullet and get em. Im on my 3rd pair of ll bean west branch breathables and all 3 have leaked in the crotch and feet after only a short time, these made it about 6 weeks.

[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

[Nebe]

nyuck nyuck nyuck

[Redsoxticket]

I would assume that llbean would increase the quality control or only offer the top of the line waders then change their policy.
Also the cost to manufacture and the mark-up will probably equal several returns before they lose.

[MAC]

L.L.Bean warrantee and I quote " Our products are guaranteed to give 100% satisfaction in every way. Return anything purchased from us at any time if it proves otherwise. We do not want you to have anything from L.L.Bean that is not completely satisfactory."

I agree with Eben. Waders are only a very small percentage of their sales. They won't drop them or change anything that might upset their tradition.

[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.