Hey guys. My GF is getting me a pair of waders for my upcoming birthday. I don't want to break her bank, so I'm looking for something quality in the $100 range. Bib style is a must. Boot foot or stocking foot? I'm leaning towards boot. I'll get some korkers eventually, but avoid the jetties and rockpiles until then. Also, I think I'd rather have breathables, but I'd like to hear experiences with other materials and what you think about them.
Thanks!
Lot's of variables here Peapod. Tell us what your primary purpose will be and what temperatures you will be using them in.
Denver,
I'm basically looking to surf fish. It'd be nice to get out just a lil' bit further to clear that second bar with the cast (I realize that many fish are caught in the wash). As far as temps go, cold to chilly is what I'm looking at - think spring/fall striper (rockfish) run. I like the idea of breathables b/c I can layer accordingly beneath them. I'm still not sure about the jetties and rocks b/c I don't trust my footing quite yet. I'll wait until I'm a little more skilled before I head out that-a-way. I figure once the water gets warm enough, I can just walk out there in shorts and some aquashoes or some such.
Peapod,
I am a big neoprene fan. You can get them at different thickness levels. I believe mine for duck hunting are 3M. I break ice in mine and stay very comfortable. I have a pair at 1M for early season and a pair of canvas waders for the summertime.
Boot foot or stocking foot is all preference. I have always been boot foot. Just much easier to use and less chance of getting rocks/grit in the stocking foot. This would be especially pertinent for you at the coast.
I can appreciate your thoughtfulness with your girlfriend, but do not go cheap on waders. There is nothing worse than having a seam on your entry level waders give out when your are chest deep in the surf. Your day will become miserable very quickly. Buy the very best you can afford here, even if it means having to wait a bit longer to save up. This is one area I absolutely will not skimp on, having learned the hard way when I was young and frugal.
Let us know what brands/weights you are looking at and we will try to give you some additional input.
3mm Neoprene. I get mine from Cabelas. I get them in the husky or stout size so I can wear a pair of fleece pants under them if it's really cold. I also prefer stocking foot waders and go buy a cheap pair of strap on sandles from walmart to wear. They are a lot lighter than boots. You can't do this for trout streams because of the rocks but there's really nothing but sand between you and that outer bar.
Interesting to see you guys endorse neoprene. Everyone I've talked to up here tells me that I'll sweat my cojones off come spring time wearing them. Hence the reason for my leaning towards breathables.
I'm not really sure about brands or anything. I guess I came here seeing if you guys have first hand experience with or have heard anything about what's out there.
Den, your point about spending a lil' extra on them is not unnoticed and is something that I've thought hard about.
^ You will sweat your ass off in neoprene in the spring. That is why I have 3 sets of waders. To find one pair that will work year 'round is a tricky deal. You will sacrifice somewhere along the way. I would stay with the neoprene if you intend to do a fair amount of cold water activity. Canvas waders are very cheap and you can pair them with sweatpants to make a nice spring combo.
As with Wuffey, there is nothing better than neoprene for cold water stuff. And I have tried them all. I say this because I have been miserable too many times in the cold to not have the best possible equipment.
I also buy my stuff at Cabelas. They have a huge selection of all types and weights and generally run some pretty good sales during the year.
Let us know what we can do to help.
Guys, what do you think of these?
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...ppxs&dds=y
I like the fact that LL has a lifetime warranty so if something goes wrong, at least it'll get fixed.
And what about the 3-ply waders? They seem like a nice compromise between breathables and some more affordable materials. They also afford some extra room to allow for layering or breathing room depending on the conditions.
BTW, a lot of the guys who post on the local fishing site here are all saying to steer clear of the stockingfoot only b/c of the sand issue. I think I'll take that advice and look towards the bootfoot.
I am with you on the boot foot. I think I referenced that exact problem in my first post.
Those waders look good. Bean puts out quality products. You will have to dress heavy underneath them to stay warm. Basically those look like they will keep the water out, but not the warmth in.
I would strongly recommend you go to your local sporting good stores and try some on before you purchase. You will see what Wuffey and I are talking about. Hopefully you can find an answer somewhere in-between.
Stocking foot with regular wading boots is bad in sand. Boots are heavy and sand gets in them, etc. That's why I opt for the sandals. It's a weight issue. Stocking foot waders with sandals are lighter and more comfortable. You can also have a pair of boots if you want to use the same waders in a stream.
I don't think I've seen good breathable waders for $100. I'll check the link above.
Wuffey Wrote:...I don't think I've seen good breathable waders for $100.....
The Cabela's breathable waders with 600 grams of Thinsulate are about as good as they get. I wear mine in ND every year during the early part of the season up there and they are perfect when the air temps hover at or above freezing.
The waders I wear for late season hunts are Lacrosse 5mm boot foot waders with 1200 grams of Thinsulate (I'm wearing them in the Smackdown thread on here). High quality waders and won't break the bank. I've put them through some real abuse and they have performed very well.
On a side note, the many wader manufacturers typically have close-outs about this time every year as they try to move out last years models. I picked up my 5mm Lacrosse waders for around $120 during one of these sales (they were regularily $185). Check the various wader maker web sites and look for their discontinued products. You might find a deal.
We went ahead and picked up a pair of ProLine Wallkill Breathables. They're bootfoot with felt soles.
They were comfortable and while a little above the price range, they were still a very good deal. I'm happy with them so far, now to get them into the water...
Split mine Sat. trying to fix an electrical problem on the boat while attempting to hunt. Oh well guess I'll have to look back over the thread and figure out what to get. Mine were fairly cheap and at least five years old, no big loss.
Anyone ever try and remake a ripped pair of Chest waders into hips.
^yes. Do not do it. I PROMISE you the repair will fail on the coldest day of the year.