06-24-2003, 11:36 AM
[cool][size 1]In several threads on the float tubing board we have gotten off the main idea and started discussing...and cussing...different kinds of waders. I thought it might be good to solicit the input of other fishing fans...tubers or not...who have opinions on the different kinds available, and their experiences...both good and bad.
I'll start it off by saying that I don't even use waders during the warmer months. I consider them to be in the same realm as insurance...something you need to have but would really rather not spend the money on.
During the milder times of the year, during transition from late summer to the coldest waters of winter, I prefer lightweight waders...adding layers as needed to keep up with comfort requirements of the falling temperatures. I do the same thing in reverse when the water begins warming in the spring.
During the winter...even in Arizona...neoprenes are best for bulk and comfort. You can wear several layers of "sweats" or wool, under lightweights, but you can still develop cold spots. Excess bulk can also put a strain on the seams of your lightweights, and can cause constriction in your feet, beneath your boots and fins. That only increases the effects of the cold water and you have to get out and do the "tuber's stomp dance" to get the circulation going and warm your feet up.
I mourn the demise of the Red Ball ultralight waders. In the 70's and 80's I bought a new pair about every two years. They were cheap...under $40...and they folded up into a very small package for packing or travel. They were well made and had ample space to accomodate as many layers as I needed to keep warm. I wore them in the coldest waters of winter, on several lakes in Utah and Colorado. Those were the days before good neoprenes become available and affordable. These waders disappeared from the market several years ago.
I am a big guy. I wear XXL in most of my clothing. It is extremely difficult to find waders big enough to cover me and to hold extra layers in cooler water. Many manufacturers have their waders made "offshore", and what the residents of some foreign countries consider XXL is only about a Large by US standards. So I always have to try my waders on, with full clothing, before I buy them. That's a good practice, regardless of what size you wear.
I still prefer lightweights for most of my fishing. For some reason, the neoprene waders are always cut more "form fitting", and are not designed for anglers with "ample proportions". But, they are definitely warmer when warmth is needed. Today you can find them in varying thicknesses, so that you can use them over a wider range of water temperatures.
Actually, the waders I have been using most, the past two years, are a hybrid of lightweight "breathable" material and neoprene in the foot portion. I have really appreciated the extra warmth in the feet, during cold water seasons, but I still can't give a good report on the breathable material. I have never been able to get a pair that does not leak...usually in the lower portion, where the seams join the neoprene and the breathable lightweight material. And, even though the breathable material is supposed to wick out perspiration, I still have damp clothing under my waders when I emerge from the water on many occasions...in addition to actually wet socks.
I have settled on the Hodgman ultralights...which usually can be had for around a hundred dollars...less if you watch for a sale. Important for me is that they come in my size...double extra gross. They are adequate, and do as good a job as many makes that are three times the price. They all develop leaks and let water through the material. And, even the higher priced Goretex still do not let moisture evaporate. If you work up a sweat, you will not get your money's worth from "breathable waders".
One bit of advice for those considering buying lightweight waders. Some...like the Cabelas...are made with very narrow ankles. You can't get them on over a heavy pair of socks, so they are not good for cold water fishing. I also had three pairs (of Cabelas) in a row fail at the crotch seams. It ain't like I tried to cram too much "equipment" into the crotch. They are just not a strong seam and come apart after little stress. Ditto for the knee areas.
When Xman was visiting in Arizona...two years in a row...we compared waders and outlooks. We both were using the Hodgman neoprene foot lightweights and both agree. We have gone through several replacements and have yet to find a pair that is totally watertight. But, there just ain't a really good set out there that meets all the requirements and is affordable by the average tuber.
So...let's hear it. What is everyone using...and why? Would you buy the same thing next time...or what would you change if you could? Maybe we can get some good input to put before some of the manufacturers. If nothing else, we can air our gripes in public.
TubeDude [/size]
[signature]
I'll start it off by saying that I don't even use waders during the warmer months. I consider them to be in the same realm as insurance...something you need to have but would really rather not spend the money on.
During the milder times of the year, during transition from late summer to the coldest waters of winter, I prefer lightweight waders...adding layers as needed to keep up with comfort requirements of the falling temperatures. I do the same thing in reverse when the water begins warming in the spring.
During the winter...even in Arizona...neoprenes are best for bulk and comfort. You can wear several layers of "sweats" or wool, under lightweights, but you can still develop cold spots. Excess bulk can also put a strain on the seams of your lightweights, and can cause constriction in your feet, beneath your boots and fins. That only increases the effects of the cold water and you have to get out and do the "tuber's stomp dance" to get the circulation going and warm your feet up.
I mourn the demise of the Red Ball ultralight waders. In the 70's and 80's I bought a new pair about every two years. They were cheap...under $40...and they folded up into a very small package for packing or travel. They were well made and had ample space to accomodate as many layers as I needed to keep warm. I wore them in the coldest waters of winter, on several lakes in Utah and Colorado. Those were the days before good neoprenes become available and affordable. These waders disappeared from the market several years ago.
I am a big guy. I wear XXL in most of my clothing. It is extremely difficult to find waders big enough to cover me and to hold extra layers in cooler water. Many manufacturers have their waders made "offshore", and what the residents of some foreign countries consider XXL is only about a Large by US standards. So I always have to try my waders on, with full clothing, before I buy them. That's a good practice, regardless of what size you wear.
I still prefer lightweights for most of my fishing. For some reason, the neoprene waders are always cut more "form fitting", and are not designed for anglers with "ample proportions". But, they are definitely warmer when warmth is needed. Today you can find them in varying thicknesses, so that you can use them over a wider range of water temperatures.
Actually, the waders I have been using most, the past two years, are a hybrid of lightweight "breathable" material and neoprene in the foot portion. I have really appreciated the extra warmth in the feet, during cold water seasons, but I still can't give a good report on the breathable material. I have never been able to get a pair that does not leak...usually in the lower portion, where the seams join the neoprene and the breathable lightweight material. And, even though the breathable material is supposed to wick out perspiration, I still have damp clothing under my waders when I emerge from the water on many occasions...in addition to actually wet socks.
I have settled on the Hodgman ultralights...which usually can be had for around a hundred dollars...less if you watch for a sale. Important for me is that they come in my size...double extra gross. They are adequate, and do as good a job as many makes that are three times the price. They all develop leaks and let water through the material. And, even the higher priced Goretex still do not let moisture evaporate. If you work up a sweat, you will not get your money's worth from "breathable waders".
One bit of advice for those considering buying lightweight waders. Some...like the Cabelas...are made with very narrow ankles. You can't get them on over a heavy pair of socks, so they are not good for cold water fishing. I also had three pairs (of Cabelas) in a row fail at the crotch seams. It ain't like I tried to cram too much "equipment" into the crotch. They are just not a strong seam and come apart after little stress. Ditto for the knee areas.
When Xman was visiting in Arizona...two years in a row...we compared waders and outlooks. We both were using the Hodgman neoprene foot lightweights and both agree. We have gone through several replacements and have yet to find a pair that is totally watertight. But, there just ain't a really good set out there that meets all the requirements and is affordable by the average tuber.
So...let's hear it. What is everyone using...and why? Would you buy the same thing next time...or what would you change if you could? Maybe we can get some good input to put before some of the manufacturers. If nothing else, we can air our gripes in public.
TubeDude [/size]
[signature]
vantages. No matter what I buy, nothing is going to fit right. I just got into tubeing but I've used the waders for my flying. Used my tube for the first time a few weeks ago and discovered I had a hole in the crotch. I had so much fun I didn't really care. Al
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]Leaky