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Anyone tried Mack's Big Ditch Wader. I was thinking about getting a lighter wader than my Lacrosse 5mm waders for those warmer days or the long walks. Looks like these have some good features but don't know how well they hold up.

Mine worked great for two years of use, but not tough use. Easy hunting conditions. This year they fell apart under light use. The entire seam in the crotch has begun to leak. I tried repeatedly to contact Mack's and never received a call back. That will be the last Mack's labled product that I purchase.

I have recommended them on this site before, but I rescend that recommendation. I have not put them through anything extraordinary and have taken great care of them in the off season.

If you are looking for something lightweight perhaps try the alpha swampfox from Lacrosse.

Joe Kain wrote:Anyone tried Mack's Big Ditch Wader. I was thinking about getting a lighter wader than my Lacrosse 5mm waders for those warmer days or the long walks. Looks like these have some good features but don't know how well they hold up.

Got them this year and 2 weeks in they had a slow leak in the crotch but every pair i ever had did this so no big deal but I did break one of the buckles and rip the pocket on the front... I'm VERY hard on equipment and hunt more than I should. They are very comfortable and will be getting them to send me a replacement pair

My firsr pair i used for 3 years, held up though very rough conditions(ice,buck brush,briars) got them hung on a nail in my cousins chat booty blind. bought a new pair before this season, held up great in same conditions. i would recommend them, but to each his own

Joe Kain wrote:Anyone tried Mack's Big Ditch Wader. I was thinking about getting a lighter wader than my Lacrosse 5mm waders for those warmer days or the long walks. Looks like these have some good features but don't know how well they hold up.

I just sent a pair back to them this week. Mine tore on the top of the boot, about a 1 inch slit. Don't know how it happened....they were only a year old...
My back up lacrosse have held up for 3 good seasons...

If I'm not mistaken, the Macks waders are actually Hodgmans. I think Macks bought the Hodgman co, or vice versa. Ive got Cabelas and LaCrosse waders and have never had a leak. My son had some of the Big Ditch/Youth and they made it 4 weekends before splitting open at the crotch. They might be having a quality control issue at a manufacturing facitliy far away from the new ownership that will take time to cure. Everything else we've bought from Macks has been of very good quality. Hopefully they can sort out the wader issue.

Lacross makes a 3MM wader that is pretty good. You thought about them?

Macks is one of the few that have a 3mm wader that has a durable facing. For years, I used the LaX 3 mm with no facing and just patched them up with shoe-goo or other sealers. You can't go in buck-brush with them, though.

I am thinking of getting the Big Ditch, too. I may just go with a lightweight breathable nylon wader and wear heavier clothing underneath.

Dang, that neopreme sho do keep my tootsies warm!...my feet, too!

crow

I have a pair of the Big Ditch's and so far no leaks. I know I will never buy a 5mm wader ever again.

i had a problem with a boat blind from Macks and called Mack. His return call to me was 5 days later, he was in NE pheasant hunting. He took care of my problem personally, and a really nice guy. I understand they are under new ownership, but call the owner or store manager. I beleive you will get good results

Deltamud77 wrote:Mine worked great for two years of use, but not tough use. Easy hunting conditions. This year they fell apart under light use. The entire seam in the crotch has begun to leak. I tried repeatedly to contact Mack's and never received a call back. That will be the last Mack's labled product that I purchase.

I have recommended them on this site before, but I rescend that recommendation. I have not put them through anything extraordinary and have taken great care of them in the off season.

If you are looking for something lightweight perhaps try the alpha swampfox from Lacrosse.

I have looked at the alpha swampfox waders and they are nice and light but I was thinking they may not be enough to keep me warm on those cool days. I am going to keep them in mind and have not ruled them out yet.

Buckwabit wrote:Lacross makes a 3MM wader that is pretty good. You thought about them?

Yes, actually I have a pair of Lacrosse 5mm waders that have held up to 5 years of tuff hunting with lots of walking, brush, and briars. I was just curious on the Mack's brand.

I bought a pair of the Grand Praire waders this year. I used them a lot and really like them. I believe that the Big Ditch waders have the same features.

havent tried them......... but I tried Mack's Big Dick Waders.......for us "big" guys:)

Go over to Bass Pro. They have got a pair of waders that are their equivalent of the Alpha Swamp Fox by Hodgman. I *think* you can pick them up for around $105 in Max4. A friend of mine has had them for 2 seasons and I used them this past season. We've run 'em through briars, brush, you name it. No leaks.

They are light and you can wear 'em for September Teal through all but the absolute coldest weather. I think I wore my heavy neoprene waders 3 times this year.