07-12-2004, 11:14 AM
[cool][blue][size 1]Hey OEJ, I still own and use the Hodgman waders...temporarily. I love them until they get some miles on them and began to seep through the "breathable" membrane. Sometimes that only takes a few trips. My current set has lasted over a year, but I have not been fishing as much this last year, due to family situations.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]Like yourself, I am a big guy...6'3" and over 250#. I found some XXL Hodgmans that were a true XXL and had the room I needed to add additional layers in colder water, so I got them. I have gone through several pairs since. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Many of the wader manufacturers seem to think that there are no big fishermen who want waders that fit. They either cut them to fit an anorexic angler (too skinny to wear clothes under the waders), or their sizes are way off. Of course, many of the waders we buy from known US companies are actually made "offshore". In some of those countries, XL means anybody over 5'10". A XXL sometimes does not even fit a slender 6 footer.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]That brings up a good point. In the writings I have done on float tubing, I always advise folks to try before they buy. And, don't try waders with street clothes and dress socks. Take in your bulky pants and heavy socks to try on the waders. If you can't slide into them comfortably, and still have some mobility, then you need to get a bigger size or a different brand.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of the biggest complaints I have with wader designs is in the ankles. Some brands have tight fitting ankles that do not allow you to get into them while wearing anything thicker than pantyhose. Now, I do not wear pantyhose. I tend to wear a set of nice wool socks, so I need to be able to get in and out of my waders with those on. If you have to fight narrow ankle construction, you will get a hernia trying to get out of your waders at the end of the day, and your seams on the ankle will get a lot of extra wear...and seam failure.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]That problem does not seem to be nearly as common with neoprene products as with lightweights...with or without neoprene booties.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]Like yourself, I am a big guy...6'3" and over 250#. I found some XXL Hodgmans that were a true XXL and had the room I needed to add additional layers in colder water, so I got them. I have gone through several pairs since. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Many of the wader manufacturers seem to think that there are no big fishermen who want waders that fit. They either cut them to fit an anorexic angler (too skinny to wear clothes under the waders), or their sizes are way off. Of course, many of the waders we buy from known US companies are actually made "offshore". In some of those countries, XL means anybody over 5'10". A XXL sometimes does not even fit a slender 6 footer.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]That brings up a good point. In the writings I have done on float tubing, I always advise folks to try before they buy. And, don't try waders with street clothes and dress socks. Take in your bulky pants and heavy socks to try on the waders. If you can't slide into them comfortably, and still have some mobility, then you need to get a bigger size or a different brand.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]One of the biggest complaints I have with wader designs is in the ankles. Some brands have tight fitting ankles that do not allow you to get into them while wearing anything thicker than pantyhose. Now, I do not wear pantyhose. I tend to wear a set of nice wool socks, so I need to be able to get in and out of my waders with those on. If you have to fight narrow ankle construction, you will get a hernia trying to get out of your waders at the end of the day, and your seams on the ankle will get a lot of extra wear...and seam failure.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]That problem does not seem to be nearly as common with neoprene products as with lightweights...with or without neoprene booties.[/size][/#0000ff]
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