720 – I’ve been down the same road too. When I first started fishing I bought Hodgman’s and returned and replaced them 3 times under their “life time” warranty. It just got old having to deal with leaks at the worst possible time (usually in the winter). In Hodgman’s defense, I’m pretty sure the leaks were due to sticks, hooks, rocks, etc, but the leaks were usually in the knee and butt area and due to not being reinforced. Since then I’ve started buying Dan Bailey’s and have been getting 2-3 years out of them (100ish days) before they start leaking at the seam where the neoprene meets the breathable material (always at the same place). The difference is, the leaks in the Dan Baileys are usually slow forming and therefore, give you a little time to deal with it (i.e. send them back under their “life time” warranty.) The high end DBs are around $200-250, have a built in gravel guard, reinforced knees and no seams on the inside of the leg (nice when walking long distances). After a number of days on the river fishing and duck hunting, I haven’t found a better wader for the money.
BTW, IMO I would not buy any Simms other than the Guide Series. The rest of them leak. Yes they will replace them, but why spend top dollar for something that leaks?
FWIW – I don’t have any experience with Cableas or Patigucci and ALL waders leak. Period.
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