Waders - Rubber or Neoprene Which is better

[SeanJB]

Was looking to buy a set of waders and was wondering if the neoprene are worth the extra $50? I don't plan on using them every weekend but do plan on using them at least 2 times a month if not 3.

[bobcolenso]

Well there a lot of people that are a lot more knowledgeable that me on the subject buuut.....
I would opt for the neo's. I think they are lighter and they have insulating properties that rubber doesn't.

[SeanJB]

Thank you for the reply. I have been holding off on buying me a pair in hopes that they go on sale as winter takes over and the water freezes over.

[BarryPatch]

Neoprene is form fitting and wont fill up with water and drown you like the rubber ones. They're also a bit warmer. Is that worth $50?

[SeanJB]

Good point!!!!

[thedude]

neeps are waaaay easy to move around in and will keep you warm.
breathables will be the easiest for mobility, but will not keep you warm at all - the trade off is they won't make you sweat you're marbles off in the summer heat and in the winter they usually have enough room so you can add layers of clothing underneath to keep you warm.

its definitley worth the money to not get rubber waders.

[Walleye123]

Hey I tell you what, before I bought neoprene, I had purchased a new pair of rubber waders each year, Duh! 30 to 40 bucks a pop times 3. I haven't replaced my 80 dollar gander mt. neo's in 3 years. They last a hell of a lot longer and if you get too warm, sheds some clothing from the inside. Shoot I even use mine in 70 degree weather. Don't buy the rubbers, they don't last and besides, they are very unsafe, you go under, you ain't coming up. been there done that..it sucks!

[Rex]

A comment about water in waders and sinking.....Some time ago a fishing show did a piece about this very issue, waders filling with water and the possibilty of drowning. All types of waders were used in the test including neoprene and canvas. The host of the show jumped into a lake wearing waders. In every test enough air was trapped in the waders to float the wearer. It dispelled what is a myth that if you fall in, your waders will fill and you will sink to the bottom.

I would image that you could fill waders with water on purpose and not trap air, but the final conclusion of the test was that if you fall in, you will float. -Best wishes.;)

[Walleye123]

I have sunk with rubber waders, I have not sunk with neoprene, I think I am lucky, Your knowledge may be true, because if I think back, the neoprene fit more snug than the rubber, this may have allowed less water to entrap me. Thanks for the comment, I was not aware of the research!. I guess it is one more thing to think about.

[LilyDuck]

Rubbers and canvas will pull you under maybe not all the way but enough that you cant tread. Try it for yourslef in the summer time. Neo's are nice because they will actually flip you on ther stomach I did not want to test the theoary but managed to fall in a hole this weekend that I went over my head. Got quite a bit of water in the neo's but had no problem swimming. actually was quite easy. I would opt for the Neo's, not only in my eyes are they safer talking first hand but they dry alot quicker then the others.