We've all heard the stories bashing Orvis for being overpriced and catering to the doggy bed crowd. Well they are also a company that provides great customer service and stands behind their products. Here is just one example:
I've had a pair of Orvis Guide Waders for about four years that developed a leak soon after I got them. I returned them and they did a repair which worked for awhile but eventually started leaking again. Most of my fishing now is during the summer so weepy waders is not as big an issue as when I was guiding at all times of the year. I figured out where the leak was coming from and applied Aqua Seal on my own. The problem was that I kept having to apply Aqua Seal to the majority of seams on one leg. Enough was enough, so I recently returned them to Orvis along with a letter explaining the problem. This evening UPS delivered to my doorstep a new pair of Silver Sonic Guide Waders which is the current Orvis top of the line along with a letter saying "No Charge".
Orvis - expensive, yes, but in today's market not anymore expensive them most name brands. They also stand behind their product - no quibbling, no questions asked, no prorating of cost and well beyond warranty expectations. Will I purchase major items from them again. You bet I will.
Quote from: Al on September 03, 2014, 20:00:19 PM
1. I've had a pair of Orvis Guide Waders for about four years that developed a leak soon after I got them.
2. I returned them and they did a repair which worked for awhile but eventually started leaking again.
3. Most of my fishing now is during the summer so weepy waders is not as big an issue as when I was guiding at all times of the year.
4. I kept having to apply Aqua Seal to the majority of seams on one leg.
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 03, 2014, 20:40:48 PM
Quote from: Al on September 03, 2014, 20:00:19 PM
1. I've had a pair of Orvis Guide Waders for about four years that developed a leak soon after I got them.
2. I returned them and they did a repair which worked for awhile but eventually started leaking again.
3. Most of my fishing now is during the summer so weepy waders is not as big an issue as when I was guiding at all times of the year.
4. I kept having to apply Aqua Seal to the majority of seams on one leg.
Come on put the rest of it up there b'; I could have gone off and bad mouthed them but once I called the problem to their attention they didn't hesitate to take corrective action. IMHO you get what you pay for. If I have a problem with the replacement I will be sure to let you and everyone else know - Right now I am a satisfied customer.
I've never had a pair of Simms leak soon after getting them.
Although I have been eyeing a pair of these over at the big "O"
Orvis goodness (http://www.orvis.com/p/moleskin-breeks/4y47)
Quote from: driver` on September 03, 2014, 22:07:15 PM
I've never had a pair of Simms leak soon after getting them.
Well I've got a pair of Simms that leaked after a couple trips. . . . .
Now that I'm not blue lining anymore, Just float'n...probably couldn't blow out any of em. My Simms are on there 6th year!!! /'/
Pataguccis on their 3rd year. I treat my gear like shit, honestly. I would never buy simms waders personally.
Quote from: RiverbumCO on September 04, 2014, 07:31:20 AM
Pataguccis on their 3rd year.
Hope you get to fish more in 2015
Quote from: Big J on September 04, 2014, 07:02:44 AM
Quote from: driver` on September 03, 2014, 22:07:15 PM
I've never had a pair of Simms leak soon after getting them.
Well I've got a pair of Simms that leaked after a couple trips. . . . .
Quick question and not that I'm a Simms deciple I've had some of there gear give out on me before too...
But what model were they?
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 13:57:46 PM
Quick question and not that I'm a Simms deciple I've had some of there gear give out on me before too...
But what model were they?
Simms Freestone. So their lower end waders. Still $250 a pop though.
Quote from: Big J on September 04, 2014, 14:20:48 PM
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 13:57:46 PM
Quick question and not that I'm a Simms deciple I've had some of there gear give out on me before too...
But what model were they?
Simms Freestone. So their lower end waders. Still $250 a pop though.
New? On Sale? Fly shop or big box purchase?
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 14:27:01 PM
Quote from: Big J on September 04, 2014, 14:20:48 PM
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 13:57:46 PM
Quick question and not that I'm a Simms deciple I've had some of there gear give out on me before too...
But what model were they?
Simms Freestone. So their lower end waders. Still $250 a pop though.
New? On Sale? Fly shop or big box purchase?
New, fly shop.
Quote from: Big J on September 04, 2014, 14:31:48 PM
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 14:27:01 PM
Quote from: Big J on September 04, 2014, 14:20:48 PM
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on September 04, 2014, 13:57:46 PM
Quick question and not that I'm a Simms deciple I've had some of there gear give out on me before too...
But what model were they?
Simms Freestone. So their lower end waders. Still $250 a pop though.
New? On Sale? Fly shop or big box purchase?
New, fly shop.
Simms make it right?
Have yet to contact them. Made it all last winter with the leak, but probably should get on that before this winter rolls around.
I own a Freestone waders. I bashed a sharp rock and they leaked a little due to this on the second year. Patch worked fine. My shin didn't fare as well.
I'm on year #5. They started leaking again and I believe it may be in the stocking. Stockings may last another year if I patch them but they are showing signs of stress. I've enjoyed these waders very much. Not bad considering I do the bulk of my wanking during the winter months.
Big J, mine were assembled in the US. I don't think they are anymore. Do you recall where yours were stitched and glued?
Quote from: Phallus in Wonderland on September 06, 2014, 09:29:54 AM
Not bad considering I do the bulk of my wanking during the winter months.
I have found this to be the case as well
Wanted to follow up on this - I sent a thank you email to Orvis and within the hour received the following reply:
Good morning, Al!
I'm sorry that your waders were consistently leaking, but I'm so glad that we were able to help you by replacing them with new waders. Hopefully your Silver Sonic Waders will serve you well on your fishing excursions for years to come.
While we do have to acknowledge that waders aren't able to last forever (given the breakdown over time from use in normal wear and tear), we do want to stand behind our products and to help our customers in any way that we can with any situation that is even slightly unsatisfactory.
Thank you so much for your feedback about this situation and, more than that, for your generosity to the awesome Casting for Recovery program.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything else at all.
All my best,
Juliana B.
Orvis Customer Service
customerservice@orvis.com
I will admit. It's hard not to buy a brand again when they offer great customer service. Let us know how those new waders fair.