Opinion on Expensive Waders

I use these fishing and they work well: Hodgman Caster Neoprene Stocking-Foot Wader

$80.00 at Academy

quote:

---

All wader company return policies are alike.

---

False. LL Bean's have a lifetime warranty, or at least had a lifetime warranty when I bought mine. Sitka also has a lifetime "service" warranty and they'll fix them for you.

No, not tried all three. Had a buddy wearing the LaCrosse Aero on the same trip using, same stool. No problems with his.

Looks like LaCrosse adds a tougher material up the inner leg and across the butt.

If you’re shopping for a pair of these for Christmas. Make sure the butt is protected like the knee.

I will not pay a ton of money for a product that comes from a trendy apparel company that slaps their name on a set and charges double or triple.

I have had great luck w Hodgeman.

If you clean and store dry and cool they last for a long while

The big thing for me is that I have to find Waders for 15/16 size feet.

quote:

---

All wader company return policies are alike. No return

---

You obviously didn't buy them frickers at Academy. I get a new pair of Magellan breathables right before teal season. Keep the box and receipt is critical here. When the inevitable leak happens in December or January, I go back and return. No issues or back talk. Now the downside is that the supply gets gutted at Christmas and they might not have my size but I wear a 10 so they usually will have that size and if they don't, they give me a giftcard and with H-town having an Academy on almost every street corner, I usually get my replacements. Then I keep the box and receipt and start the process over the following Sept.

The only monkey wrench thrown was when they switched from Game Winner to Magellan.

Banded waders suck.

If you got a leaking seam, that is covered as manufacturer defect. If you puncture a hole in the boot on a sharp stick underwater or catch them on a piece of metal in the pit blind, then that’s on you.

I didn’t have much hope but I talked to Banded and they said no coverage. Honestly, I do understand this point cause they can’t cover everything. But then that brings up another question - who the hell they have field testing their clothing? What quality is in a $600 pair of waders? Again, I’m 48, sitting in the cattails and ain’t as mad at em as I used to be. Still managed to tear em.

Question is rethorical. Companies like Banded have made their “name” some time back. This all comes from China and probably from the same plants. They’re clamping down on input costs and maximizing profits.

Damn glad I won these and didn’t decide to spend my money on them. If it’s coming out of my pocket I’ll stick with LaCrosse or try Acadamey. That’s good info to keep in mind.

My advice to the fine folks of the OB - buyer beware on the Banded Black Labels, especially if you hunt hard and in tough conditions.

Smart man.

I buy a new pair of $50 waders from Academy before every season. Seen too many $300+ waders shite out after only like two seasons