Update 2009 -
I absolutely positively love these waders. I have never owned a fishing
product I value so much. They are better for 2009 with Gore-Tex Pro
Shell fabric. Still bad ass, 328 days in service I am going to buy
another pair, they finally started seeping on the seam on the lower
right leg, now that's performance! 
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Suspenders are much improved and the thick Gortex is softening up.
120 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Still not leaking, now that's impressive.
162 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Better in every way!
2008 Update: 5.5 out of 5 -
They lasted two full seasons and I am still not sure they are leaking.
2009 Update: 6 out of 5 -
$700 is no longer too much to pay for waders... if you want something proved to be the BEST.
Update 2008 -
This wader continues to win awards and it is because they are the new
standard for performance, durability and badassness!
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Suspenders are much improved and the thick Gortex is softening up.
120 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Still not leaking, now that's impressive.
162 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Better in every way!
2008 Update: 5.5 out of 5 -
They lasted two full seasons and I am still not sure they are leaking.
Preview Spring 2007
- I love to wear the latest gear, somehow it make me feel more fishy,
maybe it is because new gear forces you to examine your fishing IQ and
puts you on your best behavior for a new season. However, the price tag
on these waders makes me nervous, even at the discounted guide rate.
How can a wader possibly live up to this astronomical price tag? Trying
to improve on the already improved G3 waders that I and most of my
guides are currently wearing will take some work and with the
expectations attached to a dramatically increase cost they better be
good, no make that GREAT; is a zipper really worth the extra cost.
Cost: $699.95
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - Hard to fall in love with a $700 pair of waders no matter what the reps say.
First Impressions, Day 7
- The fit is much improved, slim but roomy at the same time. The new
front seams are also working well, much better that I thought after the
preview. I anticipate all waders will be made this way in the future.
The zipper is great for getting in and out of the waders. Anyone who
struggle getting into and out of waders will appreciate this, however I
still have not used the zipper as intended, I guess all those years of
training my bladder not to go has worked, so I'll get back to you on
that. Overall I like them so far but I'm still buzzing from the cost.
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days In
- I do feel like I am getting what I paid for because the Gortex is
noticeably thicker everywhere you may come in contact with a sticker,
rock or fence. It is so thick it felt almost to stiff right out of the
box. After 30 days it has begun to work its way in and I almost feel
like I am wearing a pair of thick jeans. The feet have been a joy. Easy
on and off no more struggling to get the neoprene stocking foot off at
the end of the day. The suspenders are much more comfortable and the
zippered hand warmer pockets have become my new stash for weights. The
neoprene gravel guards that are built in are also a dramatic
improvement over the mesh of the G3. I am beginning to stop buzzing and
starting to enjoy.
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Suspenders are much improved and the thick Gortex is softening up.
120 Days In
- I'm still not leaking and like all walk wade guides will tell you 120
days is an eternity to go without a leak. They have continued to hold
their shape well and to my surprise the front seams are performing like
a champ. The zipper does work for its intended purpose and I must admit
it is very nice when the weather is cold and snowy or rainy. Hold your
breath I'm upping the rating to a 5, these may be my favorite waders of
all time. Let's see if we can get to the end of the year without a
leak.
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Suspenders are much improved and the thick Gortex is softening up.
120 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Still not leaking, now that's impressive.
End of Season 162 Days in Service
- Finally found a leak somewhere around day 150 in the lower outside of
my right leg. I still have not fixed it because it is not enough to
really get me wet, I only saw it because it was way too cold to sweat
and there was a 3 inch diameter wet spot on my pants. So the verdict is
in and it reads "best wader I have ever worn and well worth the price."
I would rate it higher that a 5 but, at $700 it will take a little more
time to get beyond price no matter how good they are. I like them so
much they are reserved for fishing only, I have relegated the G3's to
stream improvement work.
Preseason Preview: 2 out of 5 - No love for $700 waders no matter what the reps say.
1st Impression, Day 7: 3 out of 5 - The fit is much better in the feet
and overall, the new front seams allow much greater movement.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Suspenders are much improved and the thick Gortex is softening up.
120 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Still not leaking, now that's impressive.
162 Days in Service: 5 out of 5 -
Better in every way!
mattieb