Wading boots with orvis neoprene socks, and Simms guide socks under the neoprene socks..my Simms tributary waders have a small leak, but I only wear them in cold weather..I stopped the leak using flex seal.. just turn them inside out and spray on the flex seal.
I don't know if they're available in Europe, but my experience with Dryft waders has been quite good. But, I'm more impressed by their customer service than I am with their waders (and that's a pretty high bar). For example, last year my Dryft waders started to leak after four years of use. I sent them back to the firm, which, after examining them, found them "totaled," and, to my surprise, offered to send me a new pair free. This was after four years of use. In my experience, no other manufacturer comes close to such customer service.
Honestly George the only long lasting pair i had were a cheap set of Snowbee Nylon/PVC bootfoot waders. Got the odd hole from barbed wire but were pretty indestructible, and I'd be fishing the same terrain as yourself, covering 16-20 kilometres a day. I think i paid 70 quid for them. If you dont mind the looks of them then heavy Nylon/PVC is the way to go.
There are materials available that become waterproof on contact with water and others that self heal after perforation. Of course if waders were made with these you would only need to buy one pair…
Have tried everything out there and they all leak sooner or later. I fish hard exploring forgotten little streams bushes brambles barbed wire everywhere. Guideline T zip are now into their 5th season. The material has worn paper thin but some how they're still water proof. I needed waders in a hurry and they were the only waders in my size in the shop so I bought them. I can normally quite easily get through two pairs of waders in a season. I always get waders a little bit larger than my size this way you are not pulling on the seems when removing them or walking to or more like mountaineering to a river climbing fences and all sorts.
I’m not a fan of chest waders, anything higher than my pocket money is basically swimming. I do the same fishing as yourself, usually lost along a stream or small river seeing nobody. I always use wading boots and I’m now just shopping for a new pair after 10 years. Due to my own encounter with some barbed wire. If nothing else it’s old style value for money! Hope the fishing picks up for you soon. Sláinte, Jim
Couldn't agree more about waders, in fact I wet wade as early and as late as I can stand it. I'm a once or twice a week fisherman mainly in rocky canyons in Colorado which means a lot of underbrush and scrambling over around and through boulders. I take good care of my gear but do not baby it and am happy to say that the Patagonia waders purchased a little over a year ago are holding up well through a full four seasons. Hope the conditions improve for you at home.
I use Vision Koski and they the only ones that has worked out great for me, another tip to avoid the seams on the boats to come loose like that is to buy wading neoprene socks and wear over it then put boots on, it helps them last longer.
I've heard great thins about them too so caught a pair last season looked after them hung them up dried inside and out after each session and stepped into them this year for the first time and they were like a seve lower leg backs of both knees thigh and lower back I have sent them back to see if vision will do anything for me I don't have 24 hours fishing done in them yet very disappointed.
I fish similarly to you. Brush, briars, stones, rocks. Only 5 years though. Started with a pair of Patagonias. Lasted one year. 👎. On my 3rd pair of Orvis Pros. Most recent pair have been ok for about a year. I also bought a pair of Skwala Carbons. They’re lighter than the Orvis Pros. For warmer weather. They fit better than the Pros & overall are holding up pretty well. If the Pros fail I’d consider trying the Skwala Backeddy which is heavier. Fly fishing in Maryland has been good. I fish the Gunpowder River. Wild browns, some stocked rainbows, and wild brook trout I’ve been told. Never caught one. I nymph & fish other wet flies. Haven’t fished much with dry flies. Best, Tony Woodstock,MD
Waders are a necessary evil thing. I started with Dan Bailey waders. Lightweight, good summer wader. Then I got Frogg Togg. A step up, good value. Hand warmers, big chest pockets. Inside zipper pocket. I owned two pair. After 1-2 seasons, they start seeping in the neoprene bootie. I tried turning them inside out and coating with silicone. Maybe worked a bit. I have had my Simms Freestone for three years going on four. I fished mostly just walking into the river, not busting trails. I go out probably 15-18 days a month in summer and fall. Still got my fingers crossed. Busting trails in the Driftless all week would probably wear them out lots faster. Cheers from Chicago!
George im suffering the same thing myself at the moment vision koskis giving me trouble. I was talking to a guide the other day that puts allot of hours into her waders all over the world and she recommended patagonia as they have served her really well and the coustomer care is second to none. I also have had simms g3 my first pair did 6 or 7 seasons and i abbused them the second pair like yours barley lasted a season and i babyed them as the pirce was hard to swallow but i baught them thinking id get another 7 seasons, shocking for the price. The old ones felt like they were made of heavier material i wont buy simms again
Greetings from New England George, I enjoy your channel and thank you for your efforts to create these videos. IMO there are only 2 kinds of waders, those that leak and those that will. I own a pair of Orvis Pros and after 2 seasons no issues at all. I fly fish roughly 150 days per year and I would say 75 of those days require waders. Some of my local trout streams are not easily accessed, often there is no pathway to reach the areas of the stream where the trout are. The only option is to push through brush. I do use care to avoid brambles. The Orvis Pros are the best waders that I’ve had in 20 years of fly fishing.
G’day George …Excellent summation mate …I’ve had a pair of Orvis Pro waders just finished two seasons..they take a bit of a battering at least two or three times a week through the season ..no leaks “yet” …my experience of many high end manufacturers is they are much better at “marketing” and not so good at manufacturing Fly Rods …Fly lines and so the list goes on ….Thanks again mate 👍
1 or 2 seasons at the most with waders. My friend has a very cheap pair and they lasted longer than my expensive pair. He finally got a leak when I snagged them with my fly.😂
Been very happy with the Reddington Sonic Pro HD. You can find them on sale for around $350. Had them a year, I fish around 50-60 days a year. I’m not as hard on them as you, but I wade fish exclusively, so they take a fair amount of abuse.
Well George, I'd be fairly hard on the waders meself, I do my fishing over here in Thurles so a lot of navigating too . I have a pair of Kenitic X5 waist waders, used them all last year and a fair bit this year so far and I think they might be starting to get a leak in the crotch area have to check properly, I did have to repair the heal of the sock but that was down to it getting worn from putting me foot in and out of the boots.
Not a comment about waders, but can't help thinking the more I watch your videos, the more I think global warming is kicking in big time. Still managing a few up North though, in leaking waders. So not all doom and gloom 😊
I have a pair of half waders made by DRYFT. Putting them through it now. So far, so good. They make full waders also. May the weather greatly improve for you!!!
hiya George good to meet ya last week in golden. Regarding waders , i’m yet to own a good pair. I’ve been through most brands at this stage and still end up wet before the season is out , my latest pair are three weeks old and i’ve already used up the patches supplied with them! Producers need to spend a day river fishing in Ireland and try take on our bryers gorse white and blackthorn, the river isn’t the problem it’s getting to it 😂
The only pair that lasted me a full season on the river bank ,hard fishing was a cheap pure rubber pair , never again will spend big money on a pair , plus I got them stolen 🤦🤦 or I would still have them I think lol
Fished with you last summer in ‘that’ brands waders. I think they’re still ok but now I’m worried.!! My backup pair are Vision trouser waders that I’ve had for years. Great video George. I think your beard is getting longer!
I had a pair of orvis pro’s myself for two years now. Doubt I’m as sore on them as you though. Best of luck with the rest of the season and keep the videos coming.
Used barbour studded waders rubber 1990s never equaled put them through hell. Aquasure solved leaks, i concur with your synopsis, I've pretty much given up river fishing ,
Hi George, thanks for the video. I have had similar experience with breathable waders as yourself. It doesn't seem to matter the brand or the cost they all leak.l send my leaky waders to diver dave's waders repair and they reseal and reinforce all the seems and seal all the pin holes and tears better than new. I would recommend you check him out. You will find him easily online.
Good honest video Would you not try something made of a thicker rubber I always thought waders like your Orvis were too light for any degree of hard work Always looked a bit flimsy
I had a pair of I waders when I lived in New Zealand they are an ozzy brand they where brilliant and not to expensive 3 years I had them before they leaked and I done some serious miles in them
I have also very bad experience with Simms G4Z waders, after one week of use first leaks, doining nothing special. After that a very long story but after repair very soon problems again. The worst part was the service from the manufacturer, which really let it down! Where it was repeatedly stated that it was due to my own use, absurd! I will never buy anything from those guys again!
I’ve always said may Is my best month for fishing and this year I’ve hardly seen a trout rise . On the river tonight and funny enough I got my second leak of the year on my new vision waders I bought in March, I noticed it’s not a tear or anything it’s just weak sections on the neoprene sock ,Aquaseal will soon sort it tho !
I fish Scottish highland burns and rivers and put my waders through some heavy abuse. Best waders I’ve ever had Frogg Toggs from the USA 6 years from them. Best advice I was ever given was to NEVER leave your waders wet always hang them up to dry. If your waders leak at the seams majority of the time it’s mould forming and opening the seam. I also wash and prep my waders with tecwash start of every season. Hope this helps someone. Also I detest buying new waders the price is unjustified.
I’ve had two pairs of Frogg Togg waders. Great value. Hand warmers, big front pocket w/ zipper. They just started seeping in the booties. Maybe get one to two years. I went with Simms Freestone. 2 years,lots of fishing, fingers crossed. They all wear out sooner or later. 😑
@@kgilliagorilla2761 mine went in the same place Brilliant value. Also had a pair of Gander mountain waders bought in Houston Texas. They lasted about 3 years they went at the crotch. (Only my opinion), but I think the gear from the USA is better made due to the fact they do not tolerate poor quality or bad service. Rightly so
@@kgilliagorilla2761 I got them for 12 dollars They scanned as a gun cleaning kit Checkout girl just shrugged her shoulders. So I’m not shocked there no longer in business. That was a good day
Wading boots with orvis neoprene socks, and Simms guide socks under the neoprene socks..my Simms tributary waders have a small leak, but I only wear them in cold weather..I stopped the leak using flex seal.. just turn them inside out and spray on the flex seal.
Dirt Boot Company 22 quid had 6 dry seasons, now have two small pin prick holes repaired with shoo goo might get a new pair next season.
Wow, now there's value..
I don't know if they're available in Europe, but my experience with Dryft waders has been quite good. But, I'm more impressed by their customer service than I am with their waders (and that's a pretty high bar). For example, last year my Dryft waders started to leak after four years of use. I sent them back to the firm, which, after examining them, found them "totaled," and, to my surprise, offered to send me a new pair free. This was after four years of use. In my experience, no other manufacturer comes close to such customer service.
Must check them out..
Honestly George the only long lasting pair i had were a cheap set of Snowbee Nylon/PVC bootfoot waders. Got the odd hole from barbed wire but were pretty indestructible, and I'd be fishing the same terrain as yourself, covering 16-20 kilometres a day. I think i paid 70 quid for them. If you dont mind the looks of them then heavy Nylon/PVC is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing
I wear Vass-Tec camo waders nowadays.Then wet wade in warmer weather.I still get the odd hole to fix.I fish on rivers with hard terrain in Scotland.
I'll check them out..thanks.
There are materials available that become waterproof on contact with water and others that self heal after perforation. Of course if waders were made with these you would only need to buy one pair…
Exactly..
Have tried everything out there and they all leak sooner or later. I fish hard exploring forgotten little streams bushes brambles barbed wire everywhere. Guideline T zip are now into their 5th season. The material has worn paper thin but some how they're still water proof. I needed waders in a hurry and they were the only waders in my size in the shop so I bought them. I can normally quite easily get through two pairs of waders in a season. I always get waders a little bit larger than my size this way you are not pulling on the seems when removing them or walking to or more like mountaineering to a river climbing fences and all sorts.
Thanks for your input, tight lines.
Very important to get waders that fit. It helps to avoid leaks...if avoiding is possible. They all seem to have built in obsolescence
Fit is indeed important...
Patagonia swift currant expedition zip front. Put on and forget.
Must check them out..thanks.
I’m not a fan of chest waders, anything higher than my pocket money is basically swimming. I do the same fishing as yourself, usually lost along a stream or small river seeing nobody. I always use wading boots and I’m now just shopping for a new pair after 10 years. Due to my own encounter with some barbed wire. If nothing else it’s old style value for money! Hope the fishing picks up for you soon. Sláinte, Jim
Couldn't agree more about waders, in fact I wet wade as early and as late as I can stand it. I'm a once or twice a week fisherman mainly in rocky canyons in Colorado which means a lot of underbrush and scrambling over around and through boulders. I take good care of my gear but do not baby it and am happy to say that the Patagonia waders purchased a little over a year ago are holding up well through a full four seasons. Hope the conditions improve for you at home.
Thanks for the visit...
I use Vision Koski and they the only ones that has worked out great for me, another tip to avoid the seams on the boats to come loose like that is to buy wading neoprene socks and wear over it then put boots on, it helps them last longer.
I've heard great thins about them too so caught a pair last season looked after them hung them up dried inside and out after each session and stepped into them this year for the first time and they were like a seve lower leg backs of both knees thigh and lower back I have sent them back to see if vision will do anything for me I don't have 24 hours fishing done in them yet very disappointed.
Great advice John, thanks..
I fish similarly to you. Brush, briars, stones, rocks. Only 5 years though. Started with a pair of Patagonias. Lasted one year. 👎. On my 3rd pair of Orvis Pros. Most recent pair have been ok for about a year. I also bought a pair of Skwala Carbons. They’re lighter than the Orvis Pros. For warmer weather. They fit better than the Pros & overall are holding up pretty well. If the Pros fail I’d consider trying the Skwala Backeddy which is heavier. Fly fishing in Maryland has been good. I fish the Gunpowder River. Wild browns, some stocked rainbows, and wild brook trout I’ve been told. Never caught one. I nymph & fish other wet flies. Haven’t fished much with dry flies.
Best,
Tony
Woodstock,MD
Good to hear from the US, unfortunately Skwala waders aren't available in Ireland.
I fish mostly “in and out of boats” and can’t get more than a couple years out of them.
Says a lot about them..
Waders are a necessary evil thing. I started with Dan Bailey waders. Lightweight, good summer wader. Then I got Frogg Togg. A step up, good value. Hand warmers, big chest pockets. Inside zipper pocket. I owned two pair. After 1-2 seasons, they start seeping in the neoprene bootie. I tried turning them inside out and coating with silicone. Maybe worked a bit. I have had my Simms Freestone for three years going on four. I fished mostly just walking into the river, not busting trails. I go out probably 15-18 days a month in summer and fall. Still got my fingers crossed. Busting trails in the Driftless all week would probably wear them out lots faster. Cheers from Chicago!
Thanks for the visit..
George im suffering the same thing myself at the moment vision koskis giving me trouble. I was talking to a guide the other day that puts allot of hours into her waders all over the world and she recommended patagonia as they have served her really well and the coustomer care is second to none. I also have had simms g3 my first pair did 6 or 7 seasons and i abbused them the second pair like yours barley lasted a season and i babyed them as the pirce was hard to swallow but i baught them thinking id get another 7 seasons, shocking for the price. The old ones felt like they were made of heavier material i wont buy simms again
Many saying the same thing..
Greetings from New England George, I enjoy your channel and thank you for your efforts to create these videos. IMO there are only 2 kinds of waders, those that leak and those that will. I own a pair of Orvis Pros and after 2 seasons no issues at all. I fly fish roughly 150 days per year and I would say 75 of those days require waders. Some of my local trout streams are not easily accessed, often there is no pathway to reach the areas of the stream where the trout are. The only option is to push through brush. I do use care to avoid brambles. The Orvis Pros are the best waders that I’ve had in 20 years of fly fishing.
My experience to a T..
G’day George …Excellent summation mate …I’ve had a pair of Orvis Pro waders just finished two seasons..they take a bit of a battering at least two or three times a week through the season ..no leaks “yet” …my experience of many high end manufacturers is they are much better at “marketing” and not so good at manufacturing Fly Rods …Fly lines and so the list goes on ….Thanks again mate 👍
Thanks a million..
1 or 2 seasons at the most with waders. My friend has a very cheap pair and they lasted longer than my expensive pair. He finally got a leak when I snagged them with my fly.😂
Lol...
Been very happy with the Reddington Sonic Pro HD. You can find them on sale for around $350. Had them a year, I fish around 50-60 days a year. I’m not as hard on them as you, but I wade fish exclusively, so they take a fair amount of abuse.
Shredded a pair within a month..
Well George, I'd be fairly hard on the waders meself, I do my fishing over here in Thurles so a lot of navigating too . I have a pair of Kenitic X5 waist waders, used them all last year and a fair bit this year so far and I think they might be starting to get a leak in the crotch area have to check properly, I did have to repair the heal of the sock but that was down to it getting worn from putting me foot in and out of the boots.
I'll check them out..
Not a comment about waders, but can't help thinking the more I watch your videos, the more I think global warming is kicking in big time. Still managing a few up North though, in leaking waders. So not all doom and gloom 😊
Thanks for sharing
I have a pair of half waders made by DRYFT. Putting them through it now. So far, so good. They make full waders also. May the weather greatly improve for you!!!
Fingers crossed..
hiya George good to meet ya last week in golden. Regarding waders , i’m yet to own a good pair. I’ve been through most brands at this stage and still end up wet before the season is out , my latest pair are three weeks old and i’ve already used up the patches supplied with them! Producers need to spend a day river fishing in Ireland and try take on our bryers gorse white and blackthorn, the river isn’t the problem it’s getting to it 😂
Cheers Stephen, good to meet you too.
The only pair that lasted me a full season on the river bank ,hard fishing was a cheap pure rubber pair , never again will spend big money on a pair , plus I got them stolen 🤦🤦 or I would still have them I think lol
Sweaty rubber ha ha..
@springerspanielful hahaha , well I know what your into now , 🤣 😅
Fished with you last summer in ‘that’ brands waders. I think they’re still ok but now I’m worried.!! My backup pair are Vision trouser waders that I’ve had for years. Great video George. I think your beard is getting longer!
Tis growing on me...
I had a pair of orvis pro’s myself for two years now. Doubt I’m as sore on them as you though. Best of luck with the rest of the season and keep the videos coming.
Fingers crossed!
Used barbour studded waders rubber 1990s never equaled put them through hell. Aquasure solved leaks, i concur with your synopsis, I've pretty much given up river fishing ,
Thanks for the visit..
Hi George, thanks for the video. I have had similar experience with breathable waders as yourself. It doesn't seem to matter the brand or the cost they all leak.l send my leaky waders to diver dave's waders repair and they reseal and reinforce all the seems and seal all the pin holes and tears better than new. I would recommend you check him out. You will find him easily online.
Sound advice, thanks..
Hundred percent agree with you, total rip off, it's pot luck
Indeed..
Hi George, do your waders have to be breathable stocking foots?
Would an ordinary pair of PVC boot foots for under a hundred euro not do ?
No David, too hot for my fishing conditions..
George are expensive fly rods worth the money? Some nearly the price of an old second hand car 😂
I don't think so, an expensive rod although a thing of beauty won't make you a better angler..
Slightly off topic, but can anyone recommend stocking foot waders for saltwater?
Good honest video Would you not try something made of a thicker rubber I always thought waders like your Orvis were too light for any degree of hard work Always looked a bit flimsy
Rubber is too heavy and you'd sweat too much..
Agree 100%. They are way overpriced
For sure..
Why not call these companies out ? Never going to change till they get hit in their pocketbook !
I think it's already "hitting them in their respective pocketbooks".
I'll check them out, thanks.
I had a pair of I waders when I lived in New Zealand they are an ozzy brand they where brilliant and not to expensive 3 years I had them before they leaked and I done some serious miles in them
Brand name?
I wadder is the brand name
I wet wade in the north of Ireland. waders are expensive and the cold waters good for your balls haha.
Whatever rings your bell eh..
@@springerspanielful haha very good. keep the vids coming, love the channel. all the best
I have also very bad experience with Simms G4Z waders, after one week of use first leaks, doining nothing special. After that a very long story but after repair very soon problems again. The worst part was the service from the manufacturer, which really let it down! Where it was repeatedly stated that it was due to my own use, absurd! I will never buy anything from those guys again!
Apparently you're not alone with that experience..
@@springerspanielful Although they claim otherwise!
Taimen seem to be very good for the money
I have no experience with Taimen..must check them out..
I’ve always said may Is my best month for fishing and this year I’ve hardly seen a trout rise . On the river tonight and funny enough I got my second leak of the year on my new vision waders I bought in March, I noticed it’s not a tear or anything it’s just weak sections on the neoprene sock ,Aquaseal will soon sort it tho !
Still awaiting a decent rise, frustrating..
I fish Scottish highland burns and rivers and put my waders through some heavy abuse.
Best waders I’ve ever had Frogg Toggs from the USA 6 years from them.
Best advice I was ever given was to NEVER leave your waders wet always hang them up to dry.
If your waders leak at the seams majority of the time it’s mould forming and opening the seam.
I also wash and prep my waders with tecwash start of every season.
Hope this helps someone.
Also I detest buying new waders the price is unjustified.
I’ve had two pairs of Frogg Togg waders. Great value. Hand warmers, big front pocket w/ zipper. They just started seeping in the booties. Maybe get one to two years. I went with Simms Freestone. 2 years,lots of fishing, fingers crossed. They all wear out sooner or later. 😑
Top advice..
@@kgilliagorilla2761 mine went in the same place
Brilliant value.
Also had a pair of Gander mountain waders bought in Houston Texas. They lasted about 3 years they went at the crotch.
(Only my opinion), but I think the gear from the USA is better made due to the fact they do not tolerate poor quality or bad service. Rightly so
@@longy-zu6yb Gander is where I found the FTs. Gander has closed around here for maybe 10 years.
@@kgilliagorilla2761 I got them for 12 dollars
They scanned as a gun cleaning kit
Checkout girl just shrugged her shoulders.
So I’m not shocked there no longer in business.
That was a good day
Weather is abysmal George. No sign of improvement either 🤦♂️🇮🇪
Not for the foreseeable anyway..