09-22-2004, 12:20 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Field testing means I buy them and try them. Over the years, I have dumped a lot of money into researching tubes, fins, waders, sonar systems and other flotation fishing accessories. Some of the purchases turn out well, and remain in my rotation until they are worn out or "downloaded" to family members. Others do not meet with my hearty approval and either gather dust or get "specialed out" to unsophisticated newbies gullible enough to take them off my hands.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Actually, I try to be careful in what I buy. If I do not think it is a good value, I will not go for it. I have been fooled, both ways, but for the most part I do okay. I prefer to buy quality, even though the initial outlay is greater. The long term value and service outweighs the low cost of the cheaper and lower quality stuff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Those two sets of waders I bought were the first I have acquired in a couple of years. Like many tubers, I have tried to get by with the Hodgman Wadelites. They are attractively priced, compared to Simms and other better brands. However, many of them leak right out of the box, and virtually all of them develop leaks after a few uses.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The "breathable" fabric of the Hodgmans are designed to let air and moisture wick out away from your body while you are in the water, without letting water in the other direction. Good concept. But, whenever you pay less, you can expect to get less, and Hodgmans do not dissapoint. My last and FINAL set of Hodgman Wadelites have so many Aquaseal patches (over tiny pinhole leaks) that I look diseased when I wear them...and they still leak.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On the plus side, Hodgmans guarantee their waders and will replace them if you take them back to where you got them. I know guys that get a new pair every month or so. To me, I would rather do it right and not have to keep making the exchanges. And, in cold water, I don't like having to end my trip early to get into warm dry clothes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Costco does not stock all kinds of fishing gear on a regular basis. They get in batches and when it is sold, it is gone. I have no idea how long the Stearns waders or the price will last, but I would recommend them as a good deal. They have reinforced knees and other features that are worthwhile. The only thing I don't like are the suspenders. They are not the stretch kind, and the buckles are touchy. Other than that, they are well worth the price.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]"Tubing wadeless in cold water is good for the circulation and is the sign of a real tough guy."? No thank you. I think it is a sign that you are (A) a terminal masochist (B) cheap © trying some new form of birth control.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Actually, I try to be careful in what I buy. If I do not think it is a good value, I will not go for it. I have been fooled, both ways, but for the most part I do okay. I prefer to buy quality, even though the initial outlay is greater. The long term value and service outweighs the low cost of the cheaper and lower quality stuff.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Those two sets of waders I bought were the first I have acquired in a couple of years. Like many tubers, I have tried to get by with the Hodgman Wadelites. They are attractively priced, compared to Simms and other better brands. However, many of them leak right out of the box, and virtually all of them develop leaks after a few uses.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The "breathable" fabric of the Hodgmans are designed to let air and moisture wick out away from your body while you are in the water, without letting water in the other direction. Good concept. But, whenever you pay less, you can expect to get less, and Hodgmans do not dissapoint. My last and FINAL set of Hodgman Wadelites have so many Aquaseal patches (over tiny pinhole leaks) that I look diseased when I wear them...and they still leak.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]On the plus side, Hodgmans guarantee their waders and will replace them if you take them back to where you got them. I know guys that get a new pair every month or so. To me, I would rather do it right and not have to keep making the exchanges. And, in cold water, I don't like having to end my trip early to get into warm dry clothes.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Costco does not stock all kinds of fishing gear on a regular basis. They get in batches and when it is sold, it is gone. I have no idea how long the Stearns waders or the price will last, but I would recommend them as a good deal. They have reinforced knees and other features that are worthwhile. The only thing I don't like are the suspenders. They are not the stretch kind, and the buckles are touchy. Other than that, they are well worth the price.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]"Tubing wadeless in cold water is good for the circulation and is the sign of a real tough guy."? No thank you. I think it is a sign that you are (A) a terminal masochist (B) cheap © trying some new form of birth control.[/#0000ff]
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