Anything that cost a lot of money so the cool kids don't make fun of you. I've tried them all and always wind up with Simms. Grundens came out with waders but I haven't tried them. Gulf Coast Waders were decent but tore within 2 years, Magellens are ok but also don't last too long. You can save the box and Academy will replace but I'd rather not show up to a leak in cold water. Orvis fit funny to me but they are good.

 

Not sure how good these are, but I know everything else they sell has been really good quality.

Dive Bomb Industries

Dive Bomb Industries

www.divebombindustries.com

 

Why are you on the market for new waders if you already have Simms? Do you just want something different, or is the size an issue (mine are tighter than they used to be)?

I know some people's size/gate is an issue, but they're the best fitting waders I've worn and with their lifetime warranty, should last you forever.

I bought a pair when I was 18 years old, wore them hard for 10 years (fishing & public duck hunting on the coast) before a seam started leaking. I sent them in for a warranty repair, but they decided the seam couldn't be repaired, so they sent me a brand-new set for free... I've now been wearing that set for 8 years without a leak or issue to speak of.

 

I'm in the same boat I've had my simms waders for 10 years with no complaints. I'm only in the market because I need to size up from my original set. I was just asking out of curiosity before I go out and get another set. Figured it would be a whole lot cheaper to ask people's opinions on others then to go out a try a bunch of different ones. Even though I probably will go with simms again was just seeing what else was out there and what people thought about them. Thanks!

 

Oh, I forgot about DRYFT Waders. Those were really good and not expensive. Only reason I don't have them anymore is because they flew out the boat. I'd get another pair in a heartbeat if I needed a new pair right now.

 

5 years on my Dryft and still dry.

 

Paramount outdoors has a couple really nice breathable stocking foot waders with the front zipper. My old man has a pair and he really likes them. It’s what I will be getting when my froggtoggs start leaking.

 

I started out with a set of Magellans from Academy. They lasted me about 2 years then would leak at the knees. After 2 sets of those, the wife got me a set of Gulf Coast Waders. Those lasted the last 6 years but finally started leaking at the foot seam.

My next set, ordering next month, going to be a set of Simms G4’s.

 

Those G4's are pretty stiff. I have a pair of G3 Guides that I have been wearing for 15 years, rough wear too. I bought another pair on sale ( some wierd camo pattern ) JIC but still like my old ones. Sent them back to Simms several times over the years to have them ck the seams, the last time I sent them in they replaced the stocking feet / no charge.
Noe, have you worn any of the G4's ? The zipper would be nice.

 

I tried them on at Tackle Town.
I can’t say I recall them being stiff, but it’s been a while now.

I’m definitely looking forward to having the zipper.

 

Simms gets my vote

 

G4z the zipper is a game changer

 

Wow, I didn't realize that this forum was for lottery winners only.

I have used a pair of Magellan Outdoors stocking foot waders from Academy for 4 years now for both October flounder fishing in Galveston as well as 3 tips to the Kenai River in Alaska for the sockeye salmon run (glacier fed river). They do everything I could ask of a pair of waders - they are comfortable, keep me dry, and have a few places for a little fishing gear. I think I got them on sale for ~$60 (now regular price is $99).

 

I've used Gulf Coast Waders for five years, would buy again.