Another waders thread . . .

[Sunrider]

After returning from Grafham yesterday completely soaked and with my boots falling to pieces everything went in the dustbin on arriving home.

So, two questions.

1 - Are the really expensive breathable wader/boot combintations worth the money? I paid about £160 for the now deceased kit and it's lasted about 3-4 years. Will I get a lot more life from a better set?

2 - What are your personal recommendations?

On a side note I'm slightly vertically challenged and not all manufacturers do my size.

[3lbgrayling]

3-4 years is pretty good for a pair of breathable waders.I bought Snowbee classic waders,which gave me 2 years problem free wading(a lot of wading),they started to need wee blobs of aquasure to cover wear points,so I have now retired them to be waterproofs for boat fishing which they have done very well all season.I'm not sure about the higher cost of new snowbees ,but would recommend them as reliable waders.

Jim

[Sunrider]

To be honest the boots were knackered a long time ago. I've been repairing them to avoid paying out more money and the waders were aquasured along the seems a good year ago.

[MARAZION MIDGE]

Well to be honest thats why I have now got the Orvis pair as they say if they leak bring them back lifetime warranty. ( we will see )

[dave h]

I have a pair of Greys breathable stockingfoot (they are GRXi or GRX) - they are in their second season, I've probably worn them less than 10 times and they leak - ALOT!

With a lifetime warranty the orvis might well be worth the extra money

[Derwent Fly]

Originally Posted by dave h

I have a pair of Greys breathable stockingfoot (they are GRXi or GRX) - they are in their second season, I've probably worn them less than 10 times and they leak - ALOT!

With a lifetime warranty the orvis might well be worth the extra money

Must be luck of the draw. I've a pair of Greys GRX stockingfoot which I've worn when deep wading over the last 4 years (c. 60 fishing trips) and as yet no leak.

At least with the Orvis warranty if you get a pair which are a lemon you've got more chance of exchanging them.


No doubt my GRX's will leak next trip out.


David

[Sunrider]

Maybe my expectations are too high but if I'm spending hundreds of £'s on kit I expect it to last more than a few seasons.

[lankylad]

Originally Posted by Sunrider

Maybe my expectations are too high but if I'm spending hundreds of £'s on kit I expect it to last more than a few seasons.

That would be my expectation too....!
I really feel that much of the kit on the market today, especially that claimed to be waterproof/breathable, is overpriced.
You repeatably hear that it has failed , after paying something like £200 for it.

I too am looking to buy some chest waders but am reluctant to shell out vast amounts for something that does not last long. If Orvis honour their warrenty then maybe it is the company to do business with.

Dave

[Waltyluft]

Orvis - definitely worth the money.

They will leak but they WILL replace them..... - with a better model if the one you bought has been superceded.

I've now got the latest model Silver labels, having bought Enduras (sp??) in the sale a few years back for £80.

Two free replacements later I've got a very nice £250 pair of waders. Can't be bad.

I think they may have a sale on at the minute as well. Worth a look if you've one near.

[gegg]

My Rubber Barbour thigh waders are 20 odd years old and don't leak a drop. I decided at the beginning of this season to splash out on some cheap neoprene chest waders. (splash out, cheap, I know but I'm Scottish...)
I have worn them 4 times and they leaked on Saturday, albeit because they've been chomped by mice! Didn't notice 'til I'd hiked 2 miles to my fave spot on the Tweed.