Korker 1100 vs. Hodgeman Gladiator - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

stiff tip · 03-03-2006, 07:42 AM

i have had several pair of korkers,if you use them alot ,they ware out .in the salt even worst.. i have the k 5000,custom boot fit a few bucks more but worth it...

NIB · 03-03-2006, 07:54 AM

I am bout the same size I go thru korkers like water.I like the galadiators they hold up better.i need the carbide studs where i fish.the big granite slabs are like ice with the stainless replacement type.The Gladiators come with a shoelace an some bs plastic thing.throw that away an get a thicker longer lace to go around the boot an tie off.I plan on getting some of these some day they look great.http://www.bergstromskegs.com/tg/tg_main.htm

Joe · 03-03-2006, 08:48 AM

I dropped the Gladiators because I had some customers tell me that they would not hold studs after the initial ones wear out.

At 6'1" and 240 - and fishing as hard as you do, you are going to have issues with any wading sandal currently in production.

The DZ method of modifying the Korker 1100 is the best method out there. But it requires time to do the maintenance. I have had a few clients tell me that they can make enough money in the two hours per season it takes to do the DZ method to buy four new pairs - so I guess it depends how valuable your time is.

You also have to realize that Dennis is as skinny as a twig, so when he jumps on rocks, he comes down with less force than the usual fat bastid.

You can also return the product directly to Korkers.
Contact Korkers return goods department at (503) 723-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PST) to obtain a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number. Upon receipt of the product, Korkers will determine if the product is defective. If so, Korkers will either replace or repair the product free of charge.

JFigliuolo · 03-03-2006, 09:12 AM

This season I'm going to try the DZ method... On a pair of wading boots. I wear Korkers 98% of the time. Why not make them permanent.

Clogston29 · 03-03-2006, 09:26 AM

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the Korkers. Undecided as to whether I'll modify the studs. I was thinking about trying those self locking zip (pull?) tie things in place of laces, in addition to some duct tape. Anyone ever try that. I think they come in different sizes and strengths. And are pretty cheap, like $5 for a hundred of them.