Thanks, Rex. I appreciate your observation. Coming from a certifiable expert like you, it is most helpful.

15 replies and noone has yet to ask it...

YellowSub, just what are you planning on doing with these things?

Are you looking for a "fished 5 times a year" set or something that could withstand a tour in the vietnam war?

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_14464_-1?color=Khaki%2FGray&N=98860935

all you need click

I'll be using these about 5 times a year (Beavers Bend, White, and the Blue rivers).

Each trip will be about 4 days long and the majority of that time will be in the water. There will be some hiking/walking done at each location and they need to be able to hold up to some abuse.

In that case I would go with Redington, Orvis, or LL Bean. Something like the Orvis Endura or LL Bean Rapid River. That would be in your price bracket and get more than you need in protection.

You could also get Hodgemen at Academy. I have three sets of Hodgemen waders. But in the summer/early spring I may be on the water up to 4 times a week. All three sets leak. Megellan is affordable but I'm suspicious of the material. They use it on everything, from tents, tarps, to waders and the material never changes.

Simms you get what you pay for. They are the best out there. You will.spend just as much over the years buying cheap pairs.

I bought a pair of Cloudveil's this summer that were half off. I gave $200 for them and the are Goretex. I had the $200 Simms before I lost them, but I'm pretty glad they are gone, because these Cloudveils are way better. Cloudveil is getting out of the fishing industry but they made a damn good product. You might could find some online.

It would seem that I missed out on the Cloudveil (Dang it!) closeout.

Also need to be looking at wading boots as well. YAY

What about the Simms Freestone waders? I found some last-year models on sale.

Thanks!

simms, patagonia

I have worn/used both Simms and Patagucci boots, both are good. I own a pair of Simms now with the BOA system ... seems kind of gimmicky, and it sort of is, but the Boa system works really well.

Boots are easy on, easy off, allows for nice even distribution of lace tension, and the technology has proven to be reliable (has been in snowboard boots for years).

The Simms boots (RiverTek Boa) are by far the most comfortable wading shoes I have ever owned. The traction on the outsoles (Vibram rubber) is phenomenal as well.

Hate to sound like a fanboy, but it is what it is.

Alright... finally pulled the trigger... Simms Freestone waders on a closeout deal, $129. I know that they are last year models and don't have the offset seam but they're also $100 bucks cheaper.

The money saved will help towards boots!

Looking closely at the Simms boots as well. What about Korkers with the interchangeable sole?

From Cabelas I got these sweet waist waders (breatheable) with a tuck away chest extension that allows you to wade most of the day with waist waders, perfect for when you need to answer nature's call and especially perfect if you need to do so in a kayak or wearing a chest pack/backback/anythign with straps. Then if you reach deeper water, feel clumsy or want to help cut the wind you can pull up the extensions. The bungee rimmed extension also gives you another level of protection against water getting in from the top. Now, I've only taken these out 6 times but am happy with them and love their versatility. Paired em with cheapy wader boots til I can upgrade later.
www.Cabelas.com
"Cabela's Premium Dry-Plus� Breathable Stockingfoot Waders - Waist High"
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