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Over the past year I've requested cash in lieu of presents for birthday and Christmas from family and, as tacky as it is, now have $235 in my wader fund. My current pair of Emergers have seen action for 7 years now and it's time retire them. The impossible-to-locate-hole-in-the-crotch is annoying but only if I'm wading deep. It's the dime size hole in the right foot heel that is unbearable. I knew this moment has been coming for the past couple of years so I've been reading with interest all the list emails and bulletin boards posts dealing with waders. Although I am leaning toward Bare there seems to be support for Sea Tux and Wardell. Looking for some testimonials (good or bad) before I hit the stores. If it's of any use, waders will not be for float tube use but rather for river fishing. Thanks in advance!
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<9835>
Bubba - I can't comment on Bare and Wardell but we use Sea Tux. Mine are about 10 years old and just this year i sprung my first hole in the ankle which was easily patched and holding. I would highly recommend them however, they seem to be making the ankle area smaller in all sizes lately so make sure you are not too constricted in that area. Has anyone else noticed this ankle problem with Sea Tux lately? Please advise.
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<9836>
I bought new waders 3 years ago, returned the first two brands I bought after first use, they both leaked. Settled on Sea Tux and am very happy with them. They are also locally made on Vancouver Island I think. Excellent value and excellent quality. After 3 years of tubing and wading I'm still dry. I also like that the type of neoprene used is more supple than the pair of Bare waders I used to have, easier to get my feet in and out of.
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<9839>
I just retired my old 'Emergers' from Berry's, I believe they're made by Sea Tux on the Island. I'm kind of embarrassed because I thought they were a quality product, the new Bares I have are SO much better it's not even funny. Check with Dave Steele at Highwater Tackle in North Van he has a great deal on the Sportsman model;quality Neoprene, great fit all around. I find that the cut in the foot area is quite roomy. I have heard that they had trouble with that in the past we all know your feet are the most important part of you if the circulation to your feet is restricted you ain't havin' much fun.
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<9847>
I have a pare of Sea-Tux 902s or whatever the model with the pocket is called. I also borrowed a similar pair before I purchased these ones. Very nice waders. Comfortable and warm. Also very durable and depending on how much time you plan to spend in the water will the difference between Bare and Sea-Tux really be that much. M and Y had a sale on and it may still be on. About 210 for these the Sea-Tux and 250 ish for the Bare.
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<9848>
River Rats: Medieocere Bare: Best out there, have yet to have a leak in any of mine. Nice fit too. Trophy XL: Complete Garbage. Poorly and Cheaply Made. I went river fishing half a dozen times and the feet started to leak. Returned them, same thing in another 2 weeks, and I'm pretty careful with them too. The wife has a pair of Outer Sport Waders, almost as nice as Bare
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<9851>
Has anyone had any success with Osprey or hodgeman waders, I believe that the Osprey waders come with a lifetime warranty. If so does anyone know what that covers?
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<9854>
Bubba, Bare Supra 4's, run about 200 bucks. I have these as I've mentioned in the past. Sea Tux's are nice as well, I have a friend who owns a pair and he really likes them. Flip a coin. Both great waders. Scott
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<9862>
Bare breathable Blackwater's. They're way nicer than neoprene. Neoprene is a pain to get on and off, it sucks for wading because it floats, and you sweat like a pig if you walk at all. Wearing the Blackwaters is just like wearing a pair of pants, very comfortable. If you walk at all when you're at the river, these waders are the only way to go. They cost a little more but are worth every penny. Plus, Bare is based in Langley so if you have trouble it's dealt with quickly, Peter Morrison is their rep and they are very good about returns.
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<9865>
Your not kidding about the floating aspect of Neopreme there Steve. Kind of dangerous too, because when you fish as much as I do, you get to a point where you know what your absoulute maximum height and waterflow is, that's safe to cross. I get cocky. Then, when salmon season starts in June, I'm in shorts and old running shoes, so I get comfortable of what I can handle that season. Then comes October, and the neopremes come on, I go to cross a similiar piece of water that would of been safe in shorts and running shoes, and I almost get swept away because I forgot to take the float-factor of the neopremes into consideration.
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<9872>
Check out Osprey Magnum 357 nice wader nie fit a little pricey
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<9875>
How much do the breathable waders cost and how resistant to tearing are they and what is the lifespan of them? Also are they repairable in the event of a tear? What do you wear underneath them in the coldest days of winter steelhead fishing?
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<9878>
The floatation factor and the fit of neoprene is it's biggest advantage over other types. other types can fill if you fall in (and you will) or if you're wearing a belt the entrained air makes floating in an upright position dofficult. Back in the days of rubber and canvass waders stories of guys who fell in and ended floating feet up - head under water - abounded. Breathables at large have a good rep. They're made of goretex or similar material. I've never owned a pair but many swear by'em and say with appropriate clothing - can be as warm or warmer than neoprene as long as you don't fall in.
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<9893>
I have a pair of Orvis Silver Label breathables. I have taken a number of nasty and otherwise funny spills on the way to and from fishing and have not damaged them at all. Mind you they are only one year to the date old. Good thing about it is they are insured 100/80/60/40 % for each year that they age. One problem is their price. I've never tried neo but I wouldn't go back from breathables as I have never been more comfy and warm.
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<9923>
The Bare breathables are about $300. They are made of "shark-skin" which is basically untearable. Even on the coldest days I stay warm with a pair of longjohns and sweatpants underneath the waders. As long as you don't stand in one place all day you shouldn't really get cold. If you ever do manage to put a hole in the waders, Bare is very good about replacing them.
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<9948>
Are the Bare waders you talk about the green 3 ply breathables? I have not seen them any cheaper than $360. I really want a pair of these. I have tried them and they are very good.
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<9963>
Yeah those are the ones. They are by far the most comfortable waders you can get. I'm pretty sure Hub Sports could do better than $360.
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<10125>
I dunno if you have bought your waders yet but I have the bear lightweights they arnt breathable but not neoprean I like them a lot very nice for walking the rivers i find that you cant move as well in them though because they dont stretch i dunno if you try em see how high you can lift your leg up with a bent knee
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<10200>
Thanks all for your comments. Now to go try on some...
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