neoprene waders ?

[dixiedogger]

i am fixing to but some new waders and i am leaning towards neoprene but i was wondering how hard they are to get on compared to regular waders and any other sugestions anyone has for choseing what type of waders to get

[Jeff]

Make sure they are thick and absolutely at all costs make sure they are covered w/ some sort of cordura lining, COMPLETELY. I bought the brush tuff from Lacrosse when they first came out and they are junk! Not completely, but pretty close. They built them w/ three spaces w/ no cordura covering them and I have patched these areas so much that they are almost unfixable as most all of the areas is all glue. So I would NEVER EVER NEVER buy neoprene waders again that didn't have a complete outer covering in something. The areas that are covered by neoprene are very durable and haven't had a problem with them yet. So I think the covering works, just gotta have full coverage. Also they are some kinda warm which is a plus, but if ya hunt in much hot weather they are almost too hot. But in the big time cold they are awesome. Just my thoughts.

[Dutch Dog]

I completly and totally agree with Jeff on this one. I too bought a pair of brush tuffs and they inevitably got punctured where the cordura was not covering the neoprene. I bought a pair of backup waders this year off ebay for $30.00. they are cordura/neoprene, but they are missing the cordura in the exact same place as the brush tuffs. I ain't complaining though because cordura over neoprene waders are quite expensive and I only "plan" on using them as a backup set. I can tell you as far as being able to get them on and off that is not a problem at all. What you need to do is keep them stored the way firemen keep their bottoms stored. When you take the waders off, kinda pull them down all the way to the knee. at that point you fold them about the crotch area which should put a fold in the waders about the sole and the top part of the waders that covers your chest will be pulled up and should come up roughly to the original spot you stopped pulling them down to. I am trying to explain this as best i can...i don't think i am being too clear however but maybe it will give you an idea. when you go to put them on simply step into the boots which should be like stepping in to knee boots. once your feet are in the boots, grab the "upper" part of your waders and start pulling them up. they should pull up easily and there you are.

[Wingman]

That's the way I do mine when I take them off, but I am sure to let them air out every few days. Don't leave them pulled down to the boots for a long time while being wet; I would think this would promote wader decay.

Wingman

[gadwall2]

You can go back a couple of pages and look at the "best wader" discussion. I am goin with Cabela's ultimate wader with armor flex. Good protection from snags, 5mm, and the big factor was the 1000 grams thinsulate in the boot. Shipped to your door for $170. The LaCrosse brush tuffs will cost you about $270 plus shipping.

[Bigpoppa]

To me it depends on the type of hunting you do. I have some flooded timber holes that you have to walk about a mile through the woods to get to. Neoprene is a bad choice altogether for flooded timber(in my opinion) and I would recommend anything but neoprene. Basically I hate neoprene and have found that no matter how tough they say it is or if it has brush tough or kevlar it will not hold up to the style of hunting I have been known to do. If you are doing light duty hunting neoprene would probably be ok. They are more comfortable.

[GulfCoast]

I have abused the ever living snot out of a pair of spandura covered strecth Rocky Neos, hunting in both saltwater and timber/beaver ponds, hopping over barb wire fences, and never had a problem.

The only reason I would ever consider a non-neo wader is a situation like next week where it will 80 degrees on opening day. Neos are MUCH warmer than the old canvas and rubber junkers I used to buy. I may leave the waders at home on opening day and just wear a bug suit, instead.

[Blackduck]

I just bought a set of Hodgman neoprene waders with some type of Lycra/nylon strech covering (DuraStretch I think). The boots are monstrous. They fit well. The things I like are the straps and not suspenders; the fit and ease in walking. I also like the fact that they have small handwarmer pouch in front and that the lowest point on them is directly under my arms. A good 4 inches taller than my old canvas. I think that they are easier to put on than my old suspenders/canvas because pulling those suspenders over a large hunting parka is a pain in one's rump. By the way the jacket fits nicely inside of the neoprene and doesn't buldge too much. I wish that they had a cooling system because it looks like 50 degree temps for opening weekend.

[Jeff]

Another thought on waders is that I bought a pair of breathable waders for hunting down here. Man they are awesome. Don't know how far norht you are hunting, but if it's hot most of the time there things are the bomb. I got waist highs and they are so light weight it's like wearin' pants. I wear them down in the truck they are so comfy. Then they aint hot at all, and instead of getting the wet but w/ hip boots your bottom is covered. I have been real pleased, but at the same time I have some noeprene to fall back on when it gets cold. Anyway just a differnt take on it.

[MALLARDBUSTER]

LAST YEAR I BOUGHT A PAIR OF LACROSSE BOUNDARY SUPERTUFF WADERS AND THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT. THEY ARE COMPLETELY COVERED WITH CORDURA. I SAID I WOULD NEVER GET NEOPRENE WADERS, BUT THESE HAVE CHANGED MY MIND. I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO EVERYONE.PRICE IS FAIR TOO, I HAVE SEEN THEM AS LOW AS 149.99

[Meeka]

Well, having experienced the same problems described above with my LACROSS waders (can't locate that pesky crotch leak), I've been looking for replacement pair. Yes, I want the $269.00 LaCross pair, but they cost too much. I comprimised and got the Red Ball (same ownership as LaCross). They were 15% off at Mossy Oak.

The dif. is they do not have as much insulation in the boot, 600 g's thinsulate as opposed to a whopping 1200, and are 3MM instead of 5. The neoprene, cordure and build are the same. The boot is pretty comfy in the store.

These will no doubt be a better wader on the majority of my hunts since they are thinner, thus more comfy and not as hot. But nothing is like the top of the line LaCross when it gets in the teens! I guess I will start having to wear fleece under my new ones.