Chest waders - which ones last the best?

[saltyshores]

I need to buy a new pair of chest waders and wading shoes soon. I have heard lots of complaints about waders leaking far too early in their lifetime.


What have your experiences been and what waders seem to hold up well?
Thanks!

Jim C. -- I look forward to your input as I know you wade a lot!

[kevinmaine3]

I got a pair of frog togs for a last minute trip to the salmon river 4 years ago. And they are still perfect. Used them a lot.. For 65$ or so then, I thought they would last a week.. I like the fact they are not neoprene and you can layer under them as needed.. I'd recommend them..

[TightLinesMaine]

Ive heard a lot of people say Simms makes the best, but they are very pricey, $350, $400+ a pair i think

I use ll bean waders (kennebecs), very comfortable but they don't last long, don't bother buying them unless you want to return them once a year. 

[44 Degrees North]

Don't know a thing about chest waders but I'll tell you about a product you can use for repairs. When I was diving a century ago we used a tube of Aqua Seal on our dive suits. I carried it over and used it on my hip boots digging clams. Mussel beds would tear the patch off eventually but up high on the boot it would last a long time. Being a diver you probably know about Aqua Seal. The stuff is very pliable and conforms to corners like the back of the boot down around the ankle. Since China bought out LaCrosse boots lucky to get six months out of a pair. I would imagine China makes all the waders now.

[Baydog]

Simms are without a doubt the absolute best......I beat the living crap out of mine, never ever worrying when I jump/slide down off a rock to help a client net a fish, or driving through alders to get to a favorite run. They are huge money, but the warranty and quality are all that and then some.

[Jim C.]

I put a lot of miles on waders.  So far, I  haven't had a pair I've fallen in love with. I've had OK luck with the Bean's Kennebecs, meaning no patching needed for 2 years.  I have a pair of Simms for which the jury is still out.  I'm hopeful. 

[TightLinesMaine]

I put a lot of miles on waders.  So far, I  haven't had a pair I've fallen in love with. I've had OK luck with the Bean's Kennebecs, meaning no patching needed for 2 years.  I have a pair of Simms for which the jury is still out.  I'm hopeful. 

please tell me your secret Jim, I;ve gone through 3 pairs of Kennebecs in that time

[boondox]

Have had luck with cabelas brand products I have had a pair of hodgemens wade lites turn to dust...form deet in the insectaside branded as off .. so just be careful also had a pair of cabelas brush tuff neos with the condura nylon bonded to the neoprene had the seem on those start to separate but got 85%of my money back on their prorated warranty...had them for 5 years I think cabelas at time the warranty was life time..you will be replacing them in  2 to 5 years at that point don't sink or put all eggs in one basket. And over spend on simms..