chrism
Bullhead
The clueless canoer...
Posts: 73
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WADERS
Mar 8, 2014 9:36:32 GMT -6
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Post by chrism on Mar 8, 2014 9:36:32 GMT -6
So, It is time to purchase some waders as I'm sick of sitting at home and watching the ice melt and waiting for warmer waters. Any wader recommendations?? I'm trying to decided between Orvis and LL bean right now...
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WADERS
Mar 8, 2014 19:06:35 GMT -6
Post by BFA on Mar 8, 2014 19:06:35 GMT -6
I'm a Simms fan when it comes to waders and haven't tried the orvis or ll beans. I have, however, heard great things about the orvis and ok things on the ll beans. Both have great warranties but I suspect the or orvis ones would be easier to do an exchange on since there are local retail locations. So, if choosing between the 2, orvis gets my vote
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WADERS
Mar 9, 2014 18:55:27 GMT -6
Post by sully99 on Mar 9, 2014 18:55:27 GMT -6
LL Bean has two local locations, Skokie and Barrington. I have the light weight waders and they have served me well.
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chrism
Bullhead
The clueless canoer...
Posts: 73
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WADERS
Mar 9, 2014 21:03:01 GMT -6
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Post by chrism on Mar 9, 2014 21:03:01 GMT -6
I went to llbean and tried on the emerger II today. Not a bad fit. And I can return them for any reason ever... Like even if they fail at the end of the season.. Seems like a good deal to me @150. As much as I would love to buy Simms right off the bat, I don't think I can' quite justify it... They sure are nice though! And if my ll bean waders fail me and I decide I don't want them, I can use that 150 credit towards the purchase on a pair of Simms at ll bean... That are warrantied by ll bean and Simms.
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WADERS
Mar 9, 2014 22:53:19 GMT -6
Post by BFA on Mar 9, 2014 22:53:19 GMT -6
Oh nice. I didn't know that there any ll beans locally.
Go that route for sure then
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chrism
Bullhead
The clueless canoer...
Posts: 73
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WADERS
Mar 10, 2014 7:51:16 GMT -6
Post by chrism on Mar 10, 2014 7:51:16 GMT -6
Don't ever go to the Skokie location...its a joke. One of the sales reps on the floor referred to the fly rods as "fishing sticks". He was being serious too. The South Barrington location is nice though. Ill probaby be making my purchase next week. Ill put up a good gear review when i actually get some use out of them.
Also, Apparently theyre having some sort of a demo day at the S. Barrington loclation next weekend. I may check it out as i guess theyre doing casting clinics and i want to start teaching my G/F how to cast this year. I think its Friday-Sunday (14-16th).
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WADERS
Mar 11, 2014 22:05:35 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by TheWoz on Mar 11, 2014 22:05:35 GMT -6
I'm super rough on my gear and Simms have been awesome! Going on year two with no issues!
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chrism
Bullhead
The clueless canoer...
Posts: 73
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WADERS
Mar 11, 2014 22:56:50 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by chrism on Mar 11, 2014 22:56:50 GMT -6
That peace of mind would be really nice... Well see how these LLB's hold up. Worst case scenario I'm already half way in on a pair of Simms.
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WADERS
Mar 11, 2014 23:55:46 GMT -6
Post by plunc on Mar 11, 2014 23:55:46 GMT -6
Have had a few different pairs of breathables. Currently have a pair of simms G4s & guideline Alta v's(European brand). My next wader purchase will most likely be from LL Bean.
I have come to the conclusion with breathables that rather than have 1 high-end pair, I see more value in having 2 pairs of mid-range waders (i.e. LL beans, cabelas guide series). Even the best breathables are pretty easy to compromise, and will eventually leak with enough use. Nothing worse than getting in the water to find a leak, or accidentally puncturing/tearing your waders, and not having a back-up pair at the ready. Easy enough most of the time to repair on the spot with aqua-seal, but seam-leaks and tears sometimes need more attention than can be provided on the bank, not to mention waiting to find if the repair took or not. Much easier to throw another pair on and deal with repairs later. Dont get me wrong, I love my simms, and my guidelines even more, but if I was going about it again, Id be more inclined to buy 2-200$ pairs, vs 1-400$ pair to help ensure at least 1 leak-free pair at all times. I can personally attest to LL Beans liberal handling of returns, & have no reason to believe they wouldnt treat waders the same.
Of course, if $$$ is of no concern, by all means feel free to splurge on 2 pair of high end waders...
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