08-25-2009, 11:58 PM
Ok, This is my experience. Hope it helps and isn't too late,maybe other viewer can be helped or comment. [
] I'm, 75 now and do a lot of stream. river and tube fishing along with foot soldier duck hunting that involves hoofing it thru weeds, brush, fences, etc sometimes. I always bought Hodgeman 3-5 mil neoprene waders and had to throw them in the trash every 2 yrs. because I couldn't keep up with the punctures and leaks. Well, I got tired of it and did some research. I finally decided that if I bought some Simms Gortex and got more than 3-4 yrs. out of em I would break even, not considering the in between trouble of buying etc.
Well. I ended up buying some Simms Lt. Weights for a little less than $200 at Cabelas. It's been 3 1/2 years now and I'm still using em and happy. This hasn't come without some side effort to keep em going. I have developed leaks, but, -----------------------. so far I've been able to deal with it. [
] The key for me was to view a web site on Simms/Gortex leak repaire and do it. Sorry, I don't have the Web site handy, but if important, I can find it. It involves Turning them inside out, Spraying with Isopoyl Alcohol, viewing the dark spots and applying Aqua seal. I have never developed a leak in the stocking foot area. I attribute this to wearing the plastic bags your paper comes in over the foot foot area when wearing my wading boots to reduce friction and wear. How about that for creativity? [] Previously my repairs to neoprenes just didn't work after a while. My Simms, since they are breathable and repairable seem to be well worth the extra $. If you are worried about warmth, just buy em big enough to wear warm stuff underneath when you need to.
Eventually, I'll be looking for replacement and will be looking for some Simms. Problem is, they apparently don't make the Lt. Wt. any more and may have to spend more $, but for right now, I'll do what I have to do to buy Gortex.
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] I'm, 75 now and do a lot of stream. river and tube fishing along with foot soldier duck hunting that involves hoofing it thru weeds, brush, fences, etc sometimes. I always bought Hodgeman 3-5 mil neoprene waders and had to throw them in the trash every 2 yrs. because I couldn't keep up with the punctures and leaks. Well, I got tired of it and did some research. I finally decided that if I bought some Simms Gortex and got more than 3-4 yrs. out of em I would break even, not considering the in between trouble of buying etc.Well. I ended up buying some Simms Lt. Weights for a little less than $200 at Cabelas. It's been 3 1/2 years now and I'm still using em and happy. This hasn't come without some side effort to keep em going. I have developed leaks, but, -----------------------. so far I've been able to deal with it. [
] The key for me was to view a web site on Simms/Gortex leak repaire and do it. Sorry, I don't have the Web site handy, but if important, I can find it. It involves Turning them inside out, Spraying with Isopoyl Alcohol, viewing the dark spots and applying Aqua seal. I have never developed a leak in the stocking foot area. I attribute this to wearing the plastic bags your paper comes in over the foot foot area when wearing my wading boots to reduce friction and wear. How about that for creativity? [] Previously my repairs to neoprenes just didn't work after a while. My Simms, since they are breathable and repairable seem to be well worth the extra $. If you are worried about warmth, just buy em big enough to wear warm stuff underneath when you need to.Eventually, I'll be looking for replacement and will be looking for some Simms. Problem is, they apparently don't make the Lt. Wt. any more and may have to spend more $, but for right now, I'll do what I have to do to buy Gortex.
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