Dont forget about the simms warranty. I bought a pair from Fred’s in 2020 and they started leaking a tiny bit around the knee in spring 2023. Sent them to simms through Fred’s and they sent me a brand new pair. That makes it worth it 100% imo.
My korker boots are 3 years old and I can always replace the soles if worn out. Haven’t had any rips but had to replace the felt after two years and I fish a lot haha
I have G3 waders and boots. The waders are great. The boots I keep opting for my Cabela’s wading boots. For $100 and they’ve lasted me almost 8 years. As a tall person with wide feet I can say my Cabela’s brand ones are better than my g3 boots.
Bare used to be cheap and would last years, no longer in local shops. they had a langley shop that would do repairs too. No its simms everywhere, way more expensive, also leak, also pocked zippers dont last a month, but i love my huge zipper waders, and they sent me a new pair when the old ones leaked. I was just as happy with way cheaper Bares though
I survived many alberta winters fly fishing the bow in my old pair of bare waders. My cat chewed them up one day and I actually lost them in the move to BC 10 years ago.
I personally have a pretty cheap pair of Patagonia waders and I really like them. I know a lot of people don't like them because of their anti-hatchery stance but they're really nice and I really like their repair policy. (Basically you can send in and theyll try fix it, though they might have you pay a small fee)
G4 waiders pretty good and I have no complains yet but G4 Felt Soles wading boots are bad at least for me - 1 felt sole completely detached after 25 days on the river - Pacific Anglers sent it for replacement 😮 was very surprised that Simms used cheap glue to attach felt Soles for their top product , they have to learn a few things from Danner boots and check their crazy stitching between boots and felts p.S Pacific Anglers said the return for replacement and warranty is pretty high over the last year
I have not fished as much as you but I have a 70$ frogg toggs wader for 3 years that leaked only once which was easy fix, think it might go couple more years. I might switch to simms when im about to retire or already retired lol
I bought a pair of Springbrook $35 felt bottom boots 18 years ago, I still wear them to this day. Have never even changed the laces. Still going strong, no holes. But damn they're ugly lol. As for waders, I may buy neoprene this year because I fish alot in the winter. I miss having that warmth. Right now I'm sporting cabela's brand cheapo breathables, going on 3 years and shoe goo all over the seams lol
I wish things were made to last longer. I''d pay handsomely for a pair of boots guaranteed to last 18 years. Fished neoprene for a long time, nice to kneel in too, but I love the mobility of fabric.
I get confused about what's what because they don't actually put labels on it. I think the boots are freestone and the waders tributary. I upgraded the waders to the Ripple and I'm happy with the extra pockets.
Your views and experiences fit exactly with mine. Start cheap, and graduate! Why no mention of different boot sole materials? For me, I use a cheap pair of hiking bots for saltwater beach fishing, felt for slippery rock conditions, and nearly worn out vibram for my Streamkeepers creek work. Thinking about a brand with interchangeable soles for the next pair....
Yeah, the felt debate. I've had both and I definitely prefer hard soles. I don't mind slipping around a little bit, but I definitely mind walking on snow ball stilts and freezing to rocks. The changeable soles make sense.
I also fish alot and go through waders and boots constantly. I have noticed very little difference in the durability between the 600$ pairs and the 100$ pairs. Neither will last a season without needing to be patched. Boots are a similar story. I got through at least a pair a season where they just fall apart
Key to making boots last is don't dry them too fast in sun, wash thoroughly after use and let them dry in a room temp room, use a vinyl and rubber conditioner when near dry Mine lasted 9 years.
Those are good points, but my boots basically don't dry out for the salmon and steelhead season. That's about half the year. It's not like I fish insane hours, but usually 2 hours per trip 3 to 4 times a week.
I have Simms G4 waders. Very overpriced for what they are imo. I would get something less expensive if something ever happens to them. The goetex is my favorite part about them
Dont forget about the simms warranty. I bought a pair from Fred’s in 2020 and they started leaking a tiny bit around the knee in spring 2023. Sent them to simms through Fred’s and they sent me a brand new pair. That makes it worth it 100% imo.
i like that story. I guess I don't have that option because I bought them used.
My korker boots are 3 years old and I can always replace the soles if worn out. Haven’t had any rips but had to replace the felt after two years and I fish a lot haha
I have G3 waders and boots. The waders are great.
The boots I keep opting for my Cabela’s wading boots. For $100 and they’ve lasted me almost 8 years. As a tall person with wide feet I can say my Cabela’s brand ones are better than my g3 boots.
Bare used to be cheap and would last years, no longer in local shops. they had a langley shop that would do repairs too. No its simms everywhere, way more expensive, also leak, also pocked zippers dont last a month, but i love my huge zipper waders, and they sent me a new pair when the old ones leaked. I was just as happy with way cheaper Bares though
I survived many alberta winters fly fishing the bow in my old pair of bare waders. My cat chewed them up one day and I actually lost them in the move to BC 10 years ago.
Yes, I liked my Bare neoprene, especially when it's very cold out. The ease of movement is so much better with fabric waders though.
I personally have a pretty cheap pair of Patagonia waders and I really like them. I know a lot of people don't like them because of their anti-hatchery stance but they're really nice and I really like their repair policy. (Basically you can send in and theyll try fix it, though they might have you pay a small fee)
Good to know, thanks
G4 waiders pretty good and I have no complains yet but G4 Felt Soles wading boots are bad at least for me - 1 felt sole completely detached after 25 days on the river - Pacific Anglers sent it for replacement 😮 was very surprised that Simms used cheap glue to attach felt Soles for their top product , they have to learn a few things from Danner boots and check their crazy stitching between boots and felts p.S Pacific Anglers said the return for replacement and warranty is pretty high over the last year
I enjoy Matt's weekly report. Wish that store was closer to me, but we have great local stores too..
I have not fished as much as you but I have a 70$ frogg toggs wader for 3 years that leaked only once which was easy fix, think it might go couple more years. I might switch to simms when im about to retire or already retired lol
Thanks for the comment. It would take a lifetime to personally test all the waders out there, so I hope more people comment with their reviews.
I bought a pair of Springbrook $35 felt bottom boots 18 years ago, I still wear them to this day. Have never even changed the laces. Still going strong, no holes. But damn they're ugly lol. As for waders, I may buy neoprene this year because I fish alot in the winter. I miss having that warmth. Right now I'm sporting cabela's brand cheapo breathables, going on 3 years and shoe goo all over the seams lol
I wish things were made to last longer. I''d pay handsomely for a pair of boots guaranteed to last 18 years. Fished neoprene for a long time, nice to kneel in too, but I love the mobility of fabric.
Great video and review! I heard you say the boots were tributary or freestone, are the waders the same or a different model? Cheers!
I get confused about what's what because they don't actually put labels on it. I think the boots are freestone and the waders tributary. I upgraded the waders to the Ripple and I'm happy with the extra pockets.
Your views and experiences fit exactly with mine. Start cheap, and graduate!
Why no mention of different boot sole materials? For me, I use a cheap pair of hiking bots for saltwater beach fishing, felt for slippery rock conditions, and nearly worn out vibram for my Streamkeepers creek work. Thinking about a brand with interchangeable soles for the next pair....
Yeah, the felt debate. I've had both and I definitely prefer hard soles. I don't mind slipping around a little bit, but I definitely mind walking on snow ball stilts and freezing to rocks. The changeable soles make sense.
I also fish alot and go through waders and boots constantly. I have noticed very little difference in the durability between the 600$ pairs and the 100$ pairs. Neither will last a season without needing to be patched. Boots are a similar story. I got through at least a pair a season where they just fall apart
Key to making boots last is don't dry them too fast in sun, wash thoroughly after use and let them dry in a room temp room, use a vinyl and rubber conditioner when near dry Mine lasted 9 years.
Those are good points, but my boots basically don't dry out for the salmon and steelhead season. That's about half the year. It's not like I fish insane hours, but usually 2 hours per trip 3 to 4 times a week.
I have Simms G4 waders. Very overpriced for what they are imo. I would get something less expensive if something ever happens to them. The goetex is my favorite part about them
my G3 wader leaks after one salmon season
That's sad, those are quite pricey. I hear Simms will repair them, but the turn around is a couple of months, which is way too long if you fish a lot.
Simms will repair them 1 time for free but you may have to pay 1/2 or full shipping cost.I would emil them before trying to fix them, just saying.
All I personally care about is if I’m dry and warm 😂
Definitely important at 6:00 Am
Simms used to be good. Patagonia way better and cheaper. But the Bare neopenes were bombproof
Yes, my first pair were Bare neoprene. The lasted a good number of years. When I switched to fabric waders though, it was like: Wow I can move!
hahahah very true@@petrhermanadventures9509