Waders?

[NJD Bassman]

Hi everyone. I was interested in purchasing waders. I was wondering what brand/style everyone uses/likes. Should I go with a pair that the boots are attached or get them separately? Felt or lug? I'm a tall guy, 6'6 so any info about size and fitting would be helpful too. Budget is around 200. Looking to use in the Raritan, Delaware, and maybe use for surf fishing in spring/fall. This is a pair I was looking at on Cabela's:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footw...3Bcat103926780

Any help is appreciated Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!

[Trevordog]

I purchased that same pair of waders two years ago for salmon fishing in NY and Jersey trout. Have not had a single problem. Boots are great too. For the price I am very happy. Probably used them 50 times so far. Hope that helps....

[AndyS]

I thought Wilson had found a good wader, the Hodgeman boot foot, come to find out they are garbage. Mine leaked all over after a few months. I got the White River stocking foot from BassPro and so far so good. Any cheap wading shoe will do. I always used the one piece waders but went to the stocking foot with a wading shoe, I really like it. I would stay away from felt sole as they tend to separate from the shoe in short order plus many states are making the felt sole illegal now due to the fact the felt holds spores of unwanted guests the get transported around the water ways. Just make a wading stick out of an old ski pole and you will be fine.

[briansnat]

I prefer stocking foot with a wading shoe. Avoid felt bottom shoes and waders. As good as they are for grip on slippery rocks, I suspect they may be outlawed eventually in NJ. Some states have already done so.

As far as brands, I really liked my LL Bean Flyweight waders. Under $100 and they are well made and a bargain. Very comfortable when the water is warm and when it's cold a pair of thick Polar Fleece pants underneath kept my legs plenty warm. I tore mine badly on a piece of sharp metal while climbing over a guardrail and miss them. I picked up a pair of FlyTech waders on Sierra Trading Post for $50 and they have served me well, however they aren't as comfortable or as easy to put on and take off as the Bean Flyweights.

[bigfishy]

Originally Posted by briansnat

I prefer stocking foot with a wading shoe. Avoid felt bottom shoes and waders. As good as they are for grip on slippery rocks, I suspect they may be outlawed eventually in NJ. Some states have already done so.

As far as brands, I really liked my LL Bean Flyweight waders. Under $100 and they are well made and a bargain. Very comfortable when the water is warm and when it's cold a pair of thick Polar Fleece pants underneath kept my legs plenty warm. I tore mine badly on a piece of sharp metal while climbing over a guardrail and miss them. I picked up a pair of FlyTech waders on Sierra Trading Post for $50 and they have served me well, however they aren't as comfortable or as easy to put on and take off as the Bean Flyweights.

I purchased a slightly higher end pair of LL bean waders....They are boot foot with built in cleats and adjustable tightening to the boot foots which is a very rare feature on boot foot waders.... Normally boot foot waders are slid on and pulled up with zero adjustments to the feet......Stocking foot waders with separate boots are preffered by many for the added ankle and foot support, however when I found a pair of adjustable footed boot foots, it was a match made in heaven.....The main reason I went with LL bean is the lifetime warranty....That's right , I said LIFETIME warranty....Their customer service is second to none....So you may spend a little more with their brand but with a warranty like that it'll be the last pair ill ever buy.....Had a similar incedent as you brian but I ripped them on some barbed wire...Didn't matter to the folks at LL bean, they replaced them without hesitation.....Just save ur receipt and your GTG....I believe they cost me just under three bills......Boot foots have always been my favorite because your only buying one product instaed of stocking foots and then separate boots , plus they are very quick to put on and take off, which if ur anything like me you cant wait to get in the friggun water and get to fishing when you get to the river....One step process instead of two or more with the alternative.....Hope some of this helps

Good luck with ur choice and happy new year!!!!!

[Bruce Litton]

I got an outsized pair of Simms w/stocking foot a year ago & only had occasion to use them three or four times so far, once in the surf at night. I lost 50 pounds over that time, but no matter; they really fit fine; I don't feel they're baggy. Since you're 6'6", get the largest you can find, I suppose. I use size 14 wading shoes, but forget the brand. They slip on easily & are snug. I think sometimes people have fitting problems. Yeah, everyone's moving away from felt soles. I like them because they grip well, but spores are a problem. They may not be good on sand anyway.

[EJS]

I use Simms headwaters waders w/stocking foot. I have the Headwaters boots with the stream tread w/ carbide clover cleats for great traction no matter what surface.

It really depends in how much you are willing to spend, $50 to $700 plus! For good waders that are inexpensive, I would recommend the Cabelas brand. If you are looking to spend more, then Simms, Orvis Sonic Seam, and Readington Sonic Seam Pro. All those brands are good quality.

Biggest thing to remember, size for extra length in the inseam and waist, so you can later underneath, climb over fallen trees, etc and not put stress on the seams.

[Lard Almighty]

Speaking from experience, if you are planning on using the waders for surf fishing, DO NOT get stocking foot waders! No matter what kind of gravel guards you use, you will wind up with 10 pounds of sand in each boot. I have a pair of Cabela's boot-foot neoprene chest waders, and they've worked well for a few years, overall I feel like they're the best value for the money.

[NJD Bassman]

Thanks for the advice guys, greatly appreciated

Lard Almighty - The neoprene, how r they in the summer? Not too hot?

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by NJD Bassman

Thanks for the advice guys, greatly appreciated

Lard Almighty - The neoprene, how r they in the summer? Not too hot?

I never wear waders in the summer. Nothing beats the summer heat like wading in jeans and tennis shoes.