waders

[omerjim]

I need some feedback on what is the best bang for your buck in chest waders. My adult boys keep borrowing mine and I hate wet feet! If I get some really good ones I wil keep them under lock and key! Thanks, By the way tried the Rifle this am. No luck yet

[islaysteelies]

What are you looking for??? Neoprene or breathable??? Stockingfoot or bootfoot??? Here is what I have and it seems to do the trick just fine:

Simms Bootfoot Extremes (neoprene 4.25mm) for spring and winter fishing. Warmest waders I have ever owned. Cost $370

Hodgmen Wadelite II stocking foot breathables. Great for summer and fall. Cost...I got mine for free, but they are about $130 plus another $50-120 for boots.

I have also heard good things about Cabela's breathables...

Hope this helps...

[Mike]

Jim,

I've had good luck with Cabela's Dry Plus (breathables) and Hodgeman (neoprene). Haven't had the Hodgeman's very long, had to buy them last fall when I forgot my waders on a trip. But, they're holding up good.

Mike

[omerjim]

islaysteelies-Mike, Thanks for the quick info, I'm sure I want boot foot. But I'm not sure what the difference between neoprene and breathable is. Much of my wader fishing is in cold weather in Lake Huron or in cool water trout streems. Don"t care to pay $350 though. I'm used to Hodgeman canvas, but as I improve with age a little more insulation sounds good! Thanks again!

[Mike]

omerjim,

The breathables are great in the summer - they'll keep you cool when the temperature heats up. Throw some fleece pants on under them, and your good to go when it gets cold. That was my plan until I forget them on a fishing trip last fall. I ended up buying the neoprenes because that's what the shop had in my size. They were about $115. I didn't care for my first pair of neoprenes (5 mm), too heavy and bulky. My new ones are 3.5 mm, and I like them a lot better. If I could only have one pair, it would be the breathables.

Mike

[DryFly]

I have Hodgeman breathable and they will work all year long. Wear polar flece in the winter.

If you want neoprene, I have had good luck with Hodgeman.
Boot foot neoprene waders are easier to put on vs. stocking foot.

They stand behind their product and are not expensive.

[Ruler]

I use mine mainly for smelt dipping and a bit of trout fishing. I got a pair of rubber ones from Meijer's for $30, reg. $40. They're not the warmest things on the planet, but they keep me dry and I just put on some insulated underwear and I'm warm enough. I only get cold when I'm smelt dipping and can't move my feet without scaring the fish. Cold water + no activity = cold legs & feet. Really can't blame em for that though... I've never had the expensive kinds- I don't believe I wade enough to warrent the extra cost.

Couple of advantages to em are the fact that they don't get snagged up on branches and stuff and that they're cheap enough that if something does happen, it won't kill you to get another pair. (Last ones I had lasted 14 years though. A buddy's brand new pair of neoprenes got snagged on a branch and tore that trip.) You hafta keep em cool, dry, and dark, but that's good advice with any waders.

Good luck in your search.

[rookie1]

I have the Hodgeman breathables and wore fleece under them this weekend and stayed pretty warm.

[Butch]

Cograts to all of you that have had good luck with your waders. This info is just my personal experience.

Neoprenes: 3 mil, not tough enough, and too hot for summer
5 mil, for very cold weather/water only

Breathables: Cabelas, I had 2 pairs, both leaked at the crotch by the 2nd time I wore them. Cabelas customer service eventually confessed that they'ld had this problem, and I see that they are now on sale for 20$ off, probably because they are changing models or vendors. These may be made by Hodgeman?

Herters, leaked the first time I wore them. Made by Top-Line.

Hodgman, I was warned away from these for the same reason, I understand that BBT has discontinued selling them because of this problem. Supposedly, Hodgeman is working on the problem, last I heard.

I have lots of experience with other waders too, but don't have any currently made that I can recommend for all-round use. I'm going to try out a pair of Orvis duck-hunting breathables(cordura faced) next week. At $345, I'm not happy about the price, but they are supposed to come with a lifetime guarantee. If I like them and they honor their guarantee, I'll get my $ worth.

Butch

[jnb]

It is good to see some folks have had good luck with their Hodgeman breathables. As Butch said, Hodgeman has had problems with their breathables. I loved mine until they leaked within 6 months. At least they replaced them but the second pair leaked as well.

[Steely-Head]

I fish with rubber boot foot Hodgmans year round, that's right, year round. I just wear three pairs of pants in the winter! They only cost $39.99!

[Joeker51]

Was at Gander last night. They've got a clearance sale on quite a few items, Chestwaders included.