Simms Waders - I am Done

[Letort]

I have owned probably 6-8 pairs of chest and waist high Simms waders over the past dozen years or so.

Bought the high end waist high waders last year with the zipper. They had light use last year, probably wore a dozen times or so, as I used either hip waders on the spring creeks or my Skwala chest highs on bigger water. I always turn them inside out after wearing to dry and never step on stones, etc., when putting them on.

So wore them first time today for the year and both neoprene booties are leaking at the seams. Now I don't expect 5 years out of a pair, but I do expect 2-3 and certainly more than one. This comes after questionable wear in some other recent Simms waders.

No more Simms for me, again. Skwala, Orvis, Patagonia or Grundens for me here on out. In waist highs, it will have to be Patagonia or Orvis, as only they offer them.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Ive owned 3 pair of waders and boots over the last 13 years. 2 of which were Orvis. The 3rd is a pair of Cabalas neoprene boot foot for when its very cold out.

I do take good care of my waders though. Always hang them to dry, they never sit around in a wet ball. I put them on over a floor mat, I don’t kneel down on the knees etc...

 

[joebamboo]

Can't beat the Skwala Chest waders.

 

[wildtrout2]

Ive owned 3 pair of waders and boots over the last 13 years. 2 of which were Orvis. The 3rd is a pair of Cabalas neoprene boot foot for when its very cold out.

I do take good care of my waders though. Always hang them to dry, they never sit around in a wet ball. I put them on over a floor mat, I don’t kneel down on the knees etc...

Those measures of care make a big difference. I do the same with mine, but I admit, I don't clean/scrub mine. Them being dirty doesn't bother me, and I don't think it hurts them, does it?
I ALWAYS put a towel down to stand on when putting them on. My booties never touch the bare ground, ever.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Those measures of care make a big difference. I do the same with mine, but I admit, I don't clean/scrub mine. Them being dirty doesn't bother me, and I don't think it hurts them, does it?
I ALWAYS put a towel down to stand on when putting them on. My booties never touch the bare ground, ever.

I also do not clean mine.

 

[Letort]

Simms and others do recommend washing from time to time to extend life. The dirt can impact the waterproofing. There is a specific way to wash them, however

 

[Letort]

Can't beat the Skwala Chest waders.

Agreed. Wish they made waist highs

 

[wildtrout2]

Simms and others do recommend washing from time to time to extend life. The dirt can impact the waterproofing. There is a specific way to wash them, however

That's interesting, I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

 

[CRB]

I have owned probably 6-8 pairs of chest and waist high Simms waders over the past dozen years or so.

Bought the high end waist high waders last year with the zipper. They had light use last year, probably wore a dozen times or so, as I used either hip waders on the spring creeks or my Skwala chest highs on bigger water. I always turn them inside out after wearing to dry and never step on stones, etc., when putting them on.

So wore them first time today for the year and both neoprene booties are leaking at the seams. Now I don't expect 5 years out of a pair, but I do expect 2-3 and certainly more than one. This comes after questionable wear in some other recent Simms waders.

No more Simms for me, again. Skwala, Orvis, Patagonia or Grundens for me here on out. In waist highs, it will have to be Patagonia or Orvis, as only they offer them.

I recall, where you store them could be an issue. co2/ gas emissions from hot water tank, furnace, or fireplace leak in a tight environment would degrade the neoprene . It could even be coming out of a floor drain if there is a gas leak underground.
If that's the case it would not matter whom made your waders.
I've sent waders back to simms for new booties in the past. If both sides and only 3 years old with light wear they could be under warrantee. Mine were 6 years old and costed about $50 to replace got 5 more years out of them.