Alternative to Korkers...

[pbadad]

Don you won't be dissappointed.

[pbadad]

Nice job. The height difference is so slight I don't see a problem. I noticed that when I did mine but it wasn't an issue. With the 3/4' thread length studs you have the option to add a s.s. washer beneath the stud on the receptacle hole to further extend the stud out to match the sole mounted stud hieght. I will mention one caution, when standing on extremely heavy bubble weed check your stability by grinding for a grip. Thats the only negative difference between the ss screw modified Korkers and the studded boots. With the out of box Korkers the studs I did the same as the the studs are the same height.Good luck with the modification.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by MAC

walk in the dirt on the side of the road...

No dirt

Originally Posted by Thumper

22 wearbars in each boot. i was going to put 2 more right in front of the 5 in the back but for some reason the boots didn't want to take them. all other studs went in fine without any problems. at first i was worried about the studs that went into the felt would sit higher but you can crank them down to just about the same height. you just have to be careful not to over tighten them. great idea by pete and bill!!!

Nice work gents - look forward to the results.

Originally Posted by pbadad

I will mention one caution, when standing on extremely heavy bubble weed check your stability by grinding for a grip. Thats the only negative difference between the ss screw modified Korkers and the studded boots.

Can you clarify? I'm missing the difference - thanks!

[afterhours]

i think billys referring to the difference in the amount of exposed metal between the two...the boot stud vs the end of the bolt plus the nut on the converted korkers..

[Redsoxticket]

John it sounds like the korker studs have less service area (sharper point) which leads to a better pearcing of the bubble weed then the SS bolts which have a larger surface area.

[Striper_Haven_03]

I have been wearing the Simms Freestone (felt sole) boot for two years and havent had any problems. I used the Simms hard-bite screws with carbide "pimples". There is no height difference after you wear them a few times, as they sit about 1/32 above the sole. I added 3 more per boot this year and made them even better. Like wearing a slipper. Might need to replace them next year because they are beat up

[Thumper]

any rock i get on in the surf i usually always grind the surface just to see what im dealing with. i make sure to get a good purchase not only to cross some eyes but for when the three sisters come.

[Thumper]

just got in from the first time using them. boots are very sticky on the rocks and i felt pretty confident with them on if a wave came. we will have to see how the studs hold up throughout the season but i think these are definitely a winner.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by afterhours

i think billys referring to the difference in the amount of exposed metal between the two...the boot stud vs the end of the bolt plus the nut on the converted korkers..

Originally Posted by Redsoxticket

John it sounds like the korker studs have less service area (sharper point) which leads to a better pearcing of the bubble weed then the SS bolts which have a larger surface area.

Originally Posted by Thumper

just got in from the first time using them. boots are very sticky on the rocks and i felt pretty confident with them on if a wave came. we will have to see how the studs hold up throughout the season but i think these are definitely a winner.

Sounds good... How do the sizes on the boots run relative to regular sizes? Sometimes they say to order your regular show size (that they allow for the stocking foot) and they still come in way too small.

[pbadad]

Thats great. The comfort and performance of these studded boots will bring pleasure to those rock hopping nights. Keep us posted. I have a few members going this route and they also have the same reasons for changing.

[Thumper]

i orderd one size larger than my reg shoe size and they fit great. i hate when they tell you to order the same size as ur reg shoes, it never works.

[pbadad]

I have both sizes in the boots. the one 1 size larger fit much nicer. Both work but I prefer the bigger one. cabelas says to order your shoe size LLbean says 1 size larger. keep in mind I wear size 14. There isn't many options. guidewear and ultra lights in 15 fit great. The ultra lights in 14 are ok w/ my breathables socking foot but the neoprene stocking foot has a 3.5 mm foot so it's tight. John if you need boots to thread the studs in go with the light cabelas ultra light boot. I've used them 7 years with great service. I have the the newer ones 2 yrs. I wish I bought the ultra lights in 15 but at the time last year they were not available in my cavernous size. The guide wear boot was. My buddy says I should of just studded the box!!!!!!

[afterhours]

simms headwaters w/ wearbars lightweight when wet and traction city...

[ivanputski]

A few close up shots of my boots with wearbars... looking forward to fishing without the ankle weights!





22 spikes per boot (for now) 14 went into the rubber spots meant for stream screws, the rest were screwed straight into the felt... if you are looking to go this route and have felt bottoms without the fancy new rubber spots made to receive screws, dont worry... to be honest, the screws actually feel like they hold and tighten up better directly into the felt...

[pbadad]

Nice looking . You used washers to bring up the stud height in the rubber receivers?

[ivanputski]

yes, in an attempt to equalize the height

[ivanputski]

25+ nights on narragansett's rocky coast, 4 trips to Block, Not one crushed spike, not one lost spike... I will never wear Korkers again... If you are wearing K-5000's after reading this thread, you're crazy...
ask yourself this question: is your personal comfort, as well as the added convenience of less gear
to pack worth 46 dollars? Then get on it... There is no more question or doubt if they work, hold up, or compare to korkers... they have been rigorously used and abused by at least a dozen guys on here.
Unless korkers actually makes a boot that has threaded receivers for their spikes directly built into the sole, I believe wearbars will quickly become the new standard in a few seasons... I tell so many people about them you'd think I was getting a commission! Do yourself a favor, order them YESTERDAY

[numbskull]

I agree. I went Don's route with the Simms headwaters and wearbars and have been very happy. They've held up great and are more comfortable than I thought they would be. I did find it better going in dry rock when I removed the one stud under the ball of my foot (big toe side).

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

These are the ones you want

Wearbars.com - Product Details

Originally Posted by ivanputski

25+ nights on narragansett's rocky coast, 4 trips to Block, Not one crushed spike, not one lost spike... I will never wear Korkers again... If you are wearing K-5000's after reading this thread, you are either stubborn, or just plan stupid.

THanks guys - that was what I was looking for - the earlier link didn't look just right.

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by JohnR

THanks guys - that was what I was looking for - the earlier link didn't look just right.

So John, did those boots work for you?
If so which ones were they and how did the sizing run?
Pete

[Pete F.]

John,
I probably outweigh those guys by 50-75 #s @ 230. I have torn out some studs and rolled some. Some of this is due to my boots, LLbean rivertreads, but I think it is also pounds per stud. Mine are wearbars. All that said I still like them better than Korkers and will not go back. The simms boots that I looked at have stiffer soles and should have less roll problems.

[ivanputski]

I think that the heavier you are, the more studs you should put on each boot... I have 22 studs per foot, but if you think about it, you are actually only in contact with a few at a time... so more spikes will help distribute your weight better, while sharing the load... it is important to note that I weigh 175 geared up

[Rob Rockcrawler]

It looks like all the modifications are done on felt soles. Is it possible to do it on lug soles as well? I would think the sole would be too thin and the screw would hit your feet.

[numbskull]

I use mine in Simms lug soles and they are fine.

[pbadad]

John, you'll really appreciate the Wearbars with boots over the Korkers. Since my article in the club paper, a few members changed over and have not looked back. I personally purchased the 3/4" length threaded studs. I put them in the Cabelas guide boots (which are very similar to Choata's) w/ a SS spacer washer below the stud to #1 bring up the stud hieght slighly, #2 to install in the felt portion w/o the screw reciever and #3 to keep the stud thread end from possibly coming through the inner sole . I did use them w/o and only had 1 come through on each boot. Everyone I see bought the 1/2" thread length version. Going on 2 seasons, no wearout of studs. Some did turn over slightly but it was the insert that turned over. You will realize once you wear them that the korkers use will be antiquated. Boot option is also the Calbelas Ultra -lights. They come with the inserts and weigh < 1 lb ea. I use a total 0f 21 in my boots. 14 inserts are in the boots. I add 7 to sole. I'll let you know where I put them if you're interested.

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by pbadad

John, you'll really appreciate the Wearbars with boots over the Korkers. Since my article in the club paper, a few members changed over and have not looked back. I personally purchased the 3/4" length threaded studs. I put them in the Cabelas guide boots (which are very similar to Choata's) w/ a SS spacer washer below the stud to #1 bring up the stud hieght slighly, #2 to install in the felt portion w/o the screw reciever and #3 to keep the stud thread end from possibly coming through the inner sole . I did use them w/o and only had 1 come through on each boot. Everyone I see bought the 1/2" thread length version. Going on 2 seasons, no wearout of studs. Some did turn over slightly but it was the insert that turned over. You will realize once you wear them that the korkers use will be antiquated. Boot option is also the Calbelas Ultra -lights. They come with the inserts and weigh < 1 lb ea. I use a total 0f 21 in my boots. 14 inserts are in the boots. I add 7 to sole. I'll let you know where I put them if you're interested.

Are you going to the CSA meeting tonight and if so, can you pls. bring your boots so I can see them. Not 100% sure if I'm going or not though.

[pbadad]

Paul, I'll bring 1 boot to look at.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Just loaded up my new boots with wearbars yesterday. Cant wait to put em to the test. However, being kind of lazy, i always considered fishing with korkers as exercise .

[JohnnySaxatilis]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

However, being kind of lazy, i always considered fishing with korkers as exercise .

And you look so much cooler with huge black rubber clown shoes on!

Nice. I'm convinced after reading this is the way to go.

[Ken_J]

so, can i get the 3/4" wearbars for the Cabellas Ultra Light 2's ?

Also, what size ss washer do I need to buy? I am kinda clumsy with nuts and bolts and would be cool if I went to the nutty company with the exact size in mind.

Thanks,

Ken