| Name: Roy Parks |
|
| E-mail: rg.parks@verizon.net |
|
Experience:
I have been fishing on the East Coast (mostly saltwater) for 50 years. At this stage of my life recreation is a priority which means traveling to flyfishing destinations for Caribbean bonefish, steelhead in British Columbia, Atlantic salmon in Quebec and various species in Delaware and the Chesapeake Bay. |
|
Product Being Tested:
The product being tested is the Simms G4 Guide
Waders. These are high end waders with waterproof center-front zippers, fleece-lined hand warmer pockets and multiple gore-tex layers; five below the waist, three above. It has two chest pockets for fly boxes, a ring in the suspenders for attachments and built in gravel guards. These waders weigh 51 ozs. |
|
Snapshot of your experience with products of this sort:
I have owned and used waders for at least 30 years and I currently own Cabelas waders which replaced Orvis waders. The waders were used in the Atlantic surf,Delmarva Bays, Pennsylvania trout streams and British Couumbia rivers. |
|
Date of Test:
The tests took place from April 20, 2007 through June 12, 2007 under various conditions. |
|
Place of Test:
The waders were tested during all day fishing excursions on the San Juan River, the Atlantic Ocean surf, several Delaware bays, and the York, Dartmouth, and Grand Riviere Rivers in Gaspe, Quebec.
|
|
Test Condition:
The water temperatures ranged from 45 to 65 degrees and the air temperatures range was 42 to 80 degrees. The product was used in both fresh and saltwater and the bottom ranged from sand in Delaware to rocky bottom in Quebec. |
|
Relevant related equipment or products:
These are stockingfoot waders. The boots worn were the lightweight Orvis boots. The only clothing worn under the waders was a long sleeve shirt and khaki pants. |
|
Your experience with the product:
The first thing that I noticed was how easy it was to put on the waders. The center-front zipper which was smooth at all times made the experience more like pulling on blue jeans. The stretch suspenders were easly to adjust and there are no left over flopping straps. The waders were comfortable at all times in different wading conditions including a 38 degree temperature range.There are extra layers of Gore-tex but the waders remain breathable. I was comfortable throughout the temperature range during my review.The chest pockets held my two 3 by 5 inch fly boxes. The fleece lined hand warmer pockets were not needed during my review but will come in handy this fall during steelhead season. Despite three upper layers of Gore-Tex and pockets the waders were not stiff and movement was not restricted in any noticable way. This product also fit better than any waders that I have used. |
|
Qualities you liked about the product:
I very much liked the ease of putting on and taking off the waders. The extra layers probably mean increased duribility and provided increased comfort in cooler waters. The booties are shaped for left and right feet and removable belt system was useful to me since I use a backsaver wading belt. I found that I like the vertical zippers on the chest pockets and the comfortable fit was better than any waders that I have used. |
|
Qualities you didn't liked about the product:
Although I did not notice the difference on the water this product is 10 to 12 ounces heavier than my existing waders. The $699 retail price is considerably more than I have paid in the past.
|
|
Summary Comments
This is an excellent product. These waders are top of the line and are suitable for fisherman who appreciate the best and are willing to pay for it. |
