[BlueDun]

I've read a lot of posts on various forums regarding people's experiences with waders, but none of them have focused on the length of time a pair lasted without major repair.

So, just curious, how long were you able to use your longest lasting pair of waders? Also, what was the brand/model?

I've had a pair of Cabela's Dry Plus for 2-1/2 years, but that is also how long I've been fly fishing.

[shorthaul]

I used a set of Red Balls big ole heavy boot foot waders for about 5 years without any repair and gave them away after falling 2 times in 2 days because the treads were worn out

[Davo]

I have had a pair of Dry Plus for 3yrs and they are on their last season. They are more Aquaseal than anything else by now.

The longest lasting pair I ever owned were Orvis neoprene waist highs I bought in 91. they lasted till 2004 before they were beyond repair. I would not go back to neoprene though. Way to hot in warm weather.

[fyshstykr]

A pair of Simm's 'Guide weight' breathables, goin on 8-9 yrs and still goin strong.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi to all,

You guys and gals are going to find it hard to beat me. I have a pair of Hodgen stocking foot waders I bought in 1954. I used them until I moved to Alaska in 1974. I still have them but they are starting to deteriorate. I use them ever once in a while just for the fun of it. I have a pair of neoprene waders that I bought in 1974 and used them in Alaska for 15 years. I used them for another 15 years in the lower 48. They are still in top shape. In 2005 I bought a pair of Simm's Guide Pants and that is my currant pair of waders. I have a pair of Ranger hip boats that I bought in 1976 and they just split this month beyond repair. I used them all over Alaska hunting and fishing. For the last 10 years I have use them when I loaded my boat so they didn't get a lot of use. Ranger made the best hip boats for years but they are now out of business.

I will try and get some pictures.

Frank

[Fly2Fish]

I've got an old pair of LaCrosse Duralight bootfoot hip waders that I bought in 1991. Although they got very little use since I wasn't fly-fishing for the following 15 years, amazingly they held up very well (with the exception of the rubber belt strap and a canvas knee brace partially eaten through by a critter) even though negligently stored in my "hot-&-humid-as-Hell" Gulf Coast garage, in fold-down position to boot (no pun intended)! Unfortunately, LaCrosse no longer makes these, but I was able to obtain an aftermarket replacement belt strap. Now I need to replace one felt sole that came off in my last Wyoming trip (any suggestions for glue?). Absolutely no leaks, however, even on what should have been a crease line where folded down.

My primary wader is a Cabela's lightweight traveler Guidelite Plus II, but I've only had them for a year or so with only a week's wear so far.

[fyshstykr]

Frank,
I'm thinking that we need to make you the "Star" in a magazine ad.......

[BlueDun]

I think Frank should post a photo of the Hodgen's!

[BigCliff]

Originally Posted by fyshstykr

A pair of Simm's 'Guide weight' breathables, goin on 8-9 yrs and still goin strong.

I'm still using a pair of Simms Guides I got in 2001 and I haven't even had to patch a pinhole YET! Simms needs me to fish cold water more if they're gonna make much money off of me.

Actually, I got those waders the same time as a pair of Simms Guide boots I've used more often (also while wading wet with Simms guard socks) and they're still going strong too!

Side note- based on the Simms adv's I've seen, Frank's not nearly ugly enough to star in one.

[HuronRiverDan]

I have a pair of Hodgens? stockingfoots that I bought in the early 90's, still using them...

Dan