I know this subject has been covered previously but I was hopeing on some more imput. I have switched from my neoprene to breathable from Hodgemen(wadelight II). I have had these for 7 months now and I have to replace them. I am looking for something around $220 or less. I have had my eyes on the Gore-Tex Colorado river fly from LL Bean for $215, any one try these ? and how are they? I really don't wanna another Hodgemens. I also like the Orvis guide weight, and how about the Cabela's premium dry plus? the Patagonia is a little to pricey and the Simms are very nice but too expensive too. Although the light weight from Simms is affordable but I am not sure if they will be warm enough for winter even with polar fleece. Thanks for any input.

[This message has been edited by Aerofly (edited 12-05-2000).]

I bought a pair of Redington Breathables this year for 179.00 5 year warranty....I love them, never going back to neoprene again...Which says alot because I thought I would never give up my Simms neoprines...When wearing the breathables its like wading in pajamas. I bought mine from Great American Tackle in Clackamas Oregon. Was going to buy the Simms but the guy talked me out of it said the Redingtons are about the same as the Simms but 125.00 cheaper...Hope this helps Jeff

In that price range i'd but the simms light weight gortex. I had the same problems as you with the hodgemans they are extremely comfortable but they dont last if you use them hard like i do. The simms should hold up well i have the guide model gortex and they are great, not s comfortable as the hodhemans but they are much mich much more durable, and with capaline andf leece layers they are just as warm as neoprenes

Same, Had hodgmans fell in love with the concept bought Simms Guide Weight and love them. I go back and forth in the winter between Neos and breathable because if fall in Neo helps you float and has less drag in the river.

thick

Santa's bringing me a pair of the Cabelas premium dry-plus,they back their products up.
They probably won't make it under the tree ....Os


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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft
Release all Wild Fish----<'))>>{

Good call, Os! I have a pair I've fished hard for a year and I love them. I seem to have the same problems with my presents disappearing before Christmas, too.
Greg

The Cabela's are get but the gravel gaurds have torn on both mine and my dads. It has not been a big problem but it is something they need to beef up on them.

Aerofly, got a pair of Cabela's dry plus this year and I like them just fine for spring/summer. I do think they are too light for winter or for heavy brush busting. Hope that helps. Dont have any experience with any other kind. thanks.

I bought some lightweight Simms recently and I haven't used my neoprenes since. I fished in my Simms this morning and it was 29 degrees when I started, the water was 38 degrees. I did not get any colder than I do in my neoprenes. I wear Waterworks undrerwaderwear pants with fleece pants over them and a windstopper fleece top over the Waterworks shirt. Keeps me plenty toasty. You have to insulate accordingly to keep warm in lightweight breathables. For my feet I use a pair of the Waterworks booties with polar socks over them. I am, however, an Alaska native so I have a different perception of what "cold weather" really is*JK*.

Justin
CEO, Sauk River Steelhead Ranch

I have experience with all of the above waders, not one of them compares to the Dan Bailey's. The Baileys are the best buy for the buck.

Thank you for all the help, Now I am down to 2, the Cabelas dry plus and the LL Beans Gore Tex Colorado, although I like the Bares too.

I have a pair of the Orvis Guide weight and am fairly happy with them. No beefs with the breathable material but the suspender set up seems a bit hokey too me. they do the job as long as you layer underneath in the cold. Tried the LL beans a few years ago and hated the models with the Gore-Tex foot, it felt wierd in the wading boots...maybe I'm just used to a neaprene booty. Do like the Bean warranty...it's totally bulletproof.

go with the Bares...I've fished them hard for three years now with no problems. There are a lot of stubborn people that are still wearing noeprenes and say that breathables aren't warm enough. To them I say...Layer! If you layer under breathables you'll be warmer and MUCH more comfortable that neoprenes