Ok guys you have probably answered this question a million times ,but here it goes again. I am looking for a wader, not to last forever, but hope it does....for less than $100? Any suggestions?
What else do you want in the wader besides the cost? For example, you want boot foot or stocking foot? Breathable or don't care? Hip of chest wader? Etc
Quote from: troutfreak on October 12, 2007, 10:21:53 AM
Ok guys you have probably answered this question a million times ,but here it goes again. I am looking for a wader, not to last forever, but hope it does....for less than $100? Any suggestions?
See if Troutphisher is willing to part with his LL Bean Specials...
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=48790&sc1=Search&feat=sr
$59 and FREE Shipping,
but Phish says they breath like a trash bag... :o
But hey if you don't like the Bean will take them back.... ;hb
These may be of better quality and breathability and at your $100 price point...
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=50071&sc1=Search&feat=sr
Quote from: peter p on October 12, 2007, 10:39:25 AM
What else do you want in the wader besides the cost? For example, you want boot foot or stocking foot? Breathable or don't care? Hip of chest wader? Etc
Yeah, a good pair of boots to go with the waders will set you back $50 ~ $150.... ::)
I like the Emergers myself, just wish I knew of a place within 2hrs of Asheville-WNC I could pick a pair up today????? I will probably order them if not. Thanks guys. I got some good boots-Choata's. I mostly wet wade now, but if I had a pair of waders I never would except in 90 degree weather.
Peter,
Looking for chest I guess. I mainly fish in lower/smaller streams, but just in case I hit the Tuck every once in while. I prefer stocking foot. Thanks, Troutfreak
Quote from: troutfreak on October 12, 2007, 12:07:58 PM
I like the Emergers myself, just wish I knew of a place within 2hrs of Asheville-WNC I could pick a pair up today????? I will probably order them if not. Thanks guys. I got some good boots-Choata's. I mostly wet wade now, but if I had a pair of waders I never would except in 90 degree weather.
I don't think you'll find anything closer than mail-order for that kind of price...
Even Dan Bailey's Bare Bones have gotten rather expensive....@ $130
https://www.dan-bailey.com/Via/viaLauncher.jsp?targetPage=https://www.dan-bailey.com/Via/viaListProducts.jsp&searchText=DB_WADERS_BAREBONES&reqTitle=TITLE_VIAUSERDOCLIST
you may find a local shop that carries them....
I had the lower end Orvis model for a while. I think they were the clearwater and about $119. I used to get a lot of leaks in them but the Orvis store would take them back and replace them no questions asked. I upgraded to the middle level (silver label) and after a few years, now I have a leak in those. Luckily, I only wear them a few months out of the year.
I was in Curtis Wright in Biltmore on Friday and I know they had a pair of breathables for around $100. They may have been Hodgeman's. If you are a TU member, they will give you 10% off everything you buy.
I think flyman will sell his hippers for less than $50
(http://leatheroaks.org/Files/WaderTwo/FiremasterSream.jpg)
Hodgeman are they a good deal? I think I can get Hodgeman Breathables at Walmart for $79, but I thought I might need to steer away from them and go with Orvis??? Dang, this is worse than buying a car. Probably any $100 pair of waders is as good as any. I dont know why I do this to myself, thinking I'm gonna save a buck. Anyway, you other guys do this? Look at internet until you have a headache so bad you cant stand it before you buy. Dang, are we crazy or what?
Real nice if I had a Harley that would float! LOL
Quote from: troutfreak on October 12, 2007, 12:33:22 PM
Hodgeman are they a good deal? I think I can get Hodgeman Breathables at Walmart for $79, but I thought I might need to steer away from them and go with Orvis??? Dang, this is worse than buying a car. Probably any $100 pair of waders is as good as any. I dont know why I do this to myself, thinking I'm gonna save a buck. Anyway, you other guys do this? Look at internet until you have a headache so bad you cant stand it before you buy. Dang, are we crazy or what?
1. Cheap Orvis (non-breathable) returned....
2. Streamdise Neoprene 3-years
3. Dan Bailey Barebones - 10 years
4. Simms Guide Weight Pants - Still going strong ( spent $90 getting the booties replaces and tears patched )
5. LL. Bean Wicked Tough Waders ( 1st year and going strong )
Looks like my best bet would be the DB's......That is not a bad price!, do you use a wade belt with them?
Quote from: troutfreak on October 12, 2007, 12:47:35 PM
Looks like my best bet would be the DB's......That is not a bad price!, do you use a wade belt with them?
The ones I owned had built in side adjustment pulls and worked pretty well, not as good as a belt would. I don't know if the curren model has those or not....
Belts are a good idea....
I have a pair of Simms breathable waders and they are three years old and still going strong. They were only $100, but by far the best that I have tried. Of course, I have only tried three brands, but if you can, I'd go with Simms.
Of course, this is my opinion and nobody has to do what I say.
tf.... take this with a grain of salt, or a dram of scotch, your preference.
SIMMS
as a dealer who has sold well over a 2000 pairs of waders of different brands.... there is really only one wader that performs like a friggin' wader is supposed to perform.... for years.
SIMMS
save your money for a few weeks and purchase from your favorite shop....
The Simms Freestones used to sell for $149, I have seen them on sale for $99 before.
Take it from me, I actually bought a pair. The LL bean $59 "breathable waders" are no way near breathable. They are more like a glad bag with a draw string.
They might be ok this winter in the cool weather, but they are not a warm weather wader thus far.
I only bought them because of the price, and figured they would at least be a good back up wader. I will wear them a couple more times this year during cold weather.
If they don't performed, I will line my trash can with them and throw them out when they get full.