Waders

Anybody have any experince with Redington BarrierFlex Chest Waders?

Nope.  Through work I buy a LOT of waders.  Usually some where in the neighborhood of 20-30 or so pairs a year. I have seen what really lasts and is comfy, and what sucks. 

The most comfortable and durable combo we have found is Cabelas Dry-plus pr waders and Cabels Master guide wading boots.  These waders are breathable, comfy, with nice straps, padded knees, and outstanding built in gators and would last an average fisherman a LONG time. Impossibe to beat for around a $130.  Master Guide boots are EASILY the most durable and supportive wading boots made.  Most boots last my techs a few months, these will last a few years at work, which means a lifetime of fishing.

Bluefin17 would also be a good person to ask, he is also in the wader ruining business. 

Sean:

this is an area of relative ignorance for me, too.

I got my 1st pair of waders a couple years ago for steelheading.  neoprene sorta cheapies, I think.  They give me wet knees now.   I'm interested in the Cabelas you describe.  You would recommend them over the neoprenes, I take it?

the price does not seem to be "that much" more than I paid for my current waders.  After surf fishing theis weekend, I've been thinking about my next pair.

Thanks

Allen

  Master Guide boots are EASILY the most durable and supportive wading boots made.  Most boots last my techs a few months, these will last a few years at work, which means a lifetime of fishing.

Just to give an example of how durable these boots are.  I worked for Sean in summer/fall/winter 2001 and used those boots almost everyday.  I just threw them out last week, because a seem gave way.  I still can't believe I had those for 5 years.  I also don't use boots how they are intended to be used, ie. I'm a fisheries biologist. So basically they are my work boots half the year.  These boots are a little heavy, not bad, but the durability can't be matched.  Please DO NOT BUY Cabelas Ultra Light Wading Boots.  My crew got these boots last year and they hardly lasted 6 months then we sent them back, they replaced them and they didn't last another 6 months.  The seems are horrible.  The only other boot you might want to try is the Simms Freestone Boot.  They are made with one piece of material, so no seems to deal with.  They aren't a bad value for Simms gear, I think around $80.

The Cabelas Dry Plus are a great value at $130.  For the money you can't beat them.  For me waders last about a year before they get holes in them, but I absolutely thrash them installing traps, weirs, walking small streams, making my way through brush and of course steelhead fishing.  Don't waste your time with Hodgemans, they will end up falling apart/leaking at the seems. Just buy some cheap fleece to wear underneath the breathables.

Allen:

Breathables are the only way to go.  Much more comfortable, and they can be as warm or cool as you need depending on what you pile on underneath.

sean- good enough, then.  time to pull out the visa and bookmark cabela's

Thanks!

Allen

What's the recommended technique for finding a leak in your breathable waders and patching it?  I had a chum salmon run between my legs this weekend then pop the hook which came flying back into my waders.  I didn't think it was deep enough to cause a leak, but when I removed my wader there was an ever-so-small leak ... somewhere.   

-Allen

Thanks I guess I will stay with the Cabala's. I bought Cabala's Dry Plus and Neoprene's 6 yrs ago. The Neos are still going strong other than a few small leaks. The Dry Plus lasted about 3 yrs the feet wore out I guess they improved them. I'll try another pair. When I fish from a boat I prefer the neos If I walk I like the Dry Plus.

I have a pair of Cabala's felt sole but I like lug sole for most of the areas I fish. I just bought a pair of water skeeters that have a combo sole lug,Felt and cleats. Nice and light won't last last as long as the Cabala's but much lighter, pretty cushy too. From STP $ 47 including shipping if you use Google Checkout. I like em.      http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/171,72248_Water-Skeeter-Deluxe-Fishing-and-Wading-Boots-For-Men-and-Women.html

Polepole - The way I've used to spot a wader leak is to get in the dark with a flashlight and run it along the inside of your waders...you'll see any pin holes or more that are there. Mark them with a felt pen and do you're patching, but know, your waders are on their last legs. My Cabelas Dry-Plus are ready for replacement after 3 yrs. of shore fishin in the salt. Tom