Are $300.00 Waders Worth It? [Gear Review: SIMMS Freestone Stocking-foot Waders]

[@williamcourtney8593]

This is the first pair of waders I bought and I've had them for a little over a year. Couldn't be happier with them. There's a tiny abrasion on the outside of the boot cover from where it's rubbed against the lace hooks on my boots but it doesn't affect leak protection and they're pristine otherwise and I've probably used them 30-40 times since purchase. 10/10 would recommend for someone looking to invest a little more but not wanting to shell out 500+ for "guide" quality.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Yep, I’ve been wearing them for a year now and I have no complaints...

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I just bought a set of these today.

[@andreih1167]

I got simms freestone waders as a birthday present 1.5 years ago. They are comfortable and I really liked them until they started leaking in the seam knee area. I did a little search and it appeared that I am not alone with this problem, people do complain about seams leaking after 1.5-2 years of use

[@jamy41]

I have been a SIMMS dealer for 18 years and I can honestly say the FREESTONE are less likely to leak than the G3 or G4 waders.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Steve and I fished last Friday and his leg was soaked after we were done. He is pretty bummed about it. They are cheap as far as Simms go but not cheap for a set of waders.

[@surfcaster]

How about the freezone Z? Worried about the zipper leaking

[@Gulikk87]

I have sent back 2 freestone vaders in 1 year now. Leaking in foot.. So bad.. Going up for g3 or something else soon

[@Pancakefilm]

Had 4 of these leak within 3 trips. Bought a pair of patagonia swiftcurrents that lasted 3 years. Now im waiting for a pair of swiftcurrent expeditions🔥

[@bobdonaldson445]

I’ve been a fly fisherman for 30 years. Had all kinds of waders. My experience has been you get what you pay for. I go mid- grade. Typically, $250 to $300 bucks. Get them on sale when you can. My best experience has been with Simms or Orvis. Either brand is pretty good.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I have had Orvis waders for the past few years and had some issues but Orvis has been great about repairing them or replacing them. I have heard Simms is good about that as well. Thanks for watching Bob.

[@ktrigg2]

How long does a pair last generally?

[@soundbwoikilla764]

Yep, agree 100%

[@douglaskirk4698]

Have the exact waders. started leaking after the 2nd season, honestly used them about 8 times. Sent them back and they were still under warranty so they only gave me a credit, they didnt have anymore in stock ANYWHERE during Covid, Opted to WAY upgrade to the Z4 With the zipper in front, still haven't used them yet and still bought some of the old ones. Good Wadders but really really pay attention to how you clean, dry and store them.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Steve and I fished last week and his are leaking pretty bad. That's a bummer for sure.

[@Scovophoto]

I bought a pair of the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders and had them for 4 years or so. They starting leaking pretty bad eventually in the left boot and a little in the right boot. I sent them back to Simms and for $60 they replaced both feet and patched a some other small holes. I'm good for another 4 years:) Love my Simms.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I have heard that their repair and customer service is pretty great. Good to know that when they do fail they can be repaired and almost as good as new. Thanks for watching.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I just bought these waders today and was curious if they would fix them if they leak. How long did they keep them before sending them back

[@dynamicphotography_]

My Simms G3s lasted 9 years of hard wear & tear. My new G4s have the front zipper.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

That’s awesome. As much as we have been fishing, they should last about 20 years. Thanks for watching.

[@Badventurez]

Looking into getting some waders and your video really helped me out. I see you guys are in the JC area of the Chattahoochee! I'm a local myself, really enjoyed your video, hope to see more from you two soon!

[@pahuntnut]

the zipper at at the top is for different accessory pockets that you can add. Waterproop pocket for phone, tippet pockets etc

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Good to know. Thanks for the tip.

[@wvoutdooradventures1052]

Hey bud you said you’d do a 1 year review on these. How are they holding up?? I’m thinking about purchasing the same ones.

[@soundbwoikilla764]

I'm super cheap when it comes to fly fishing and hate how everyone would have you think that in order for gear to be good, it has to be expensive - except when it comes to waders and boots. While there are waders $100-150 range that will hold up, particularly if you don't fish much or don't hike, bushwack, boulder hop and steam crawl, I think the Simms Freestone at $300 strike the best balance between price and quality. Better to buy your first pair at mid-price ($300), than to buy a $100-150 pair which might fail in the first year and then another $100-150 pair to continue to try to save money. And certain sizes/retailers have the Freestone on sale right now for $225. I have/owned 6 pairs of waders, from Cabela's to Patagonia's, including the Simms Freestone so I've been there, done that.

[@bluegatormedia]

I tried them for duck hunting. Mine tore in 2 months. I sat in flooded timber 40 degree water and it sucked. I fell on a rock a few weeks back and they ripped right away. I wish someone would make a tough wader with sticking foot. I hate the boot foot ones … always slides off.

[@gregjr63]

How are they holding up? And which korkers boots do you have

[@judygarton5871]

Pull to the side to set the hook not up, and that should help the mojo 😉

[@hillbilly_delux78]

I've had a pair of Simms G4 guide waders for almost 10 years now. I'll pay up for an American made brand that performs like that.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I'm starting to feel that way about my new gear.

[@bones549]

American made...sold

[@hunterdaylong401]

Hey i got the same waders and they are tough and comfortable and keep me dry i had them for about a year and so far they are awesome and i got a freind that is going his 10th year on his freestones.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Wow! That's good to know. Steve is pretty rough on his waders and falls in all the time if you haven't noticed in our other videos. Hopefully, they are a good clumsy man's waders. Thanks for watching.

[@gilmer4eaglesbrah]

Hi, does it have a designated spot for a simms retractor by chance?

[@hunterdaylong401]

@@gilmer4eaglesbrah no theres not a designated spot for a Simms retractor but i just pin my fishpond retractor to the suspender strap and it works great but you should really consider buying these waders there awesome hope the helps!

[@gilmer4eaglesbrah]

@@hunterdaylong401 thank you man. I do own the same waders you do. I love them. 👍👍

[@hunterdaylong401]

@@gilmer4eaglesbrah your welcome!

[@chadthiem8371]

the zipper on the top on the inside is for a separate waterproof pocket you can buy and have you phone or keys close to you

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks. Steve definitely needs it to be water proof as much as he falls in.

[@rugrboutdoors2491]

Always bought Hodgman waders, the cheapest kind they made. Lasted a long time and fit great. Upgraded to a mid priced Hodgman pair ( got as a gift) expecting better quality and features. Leaked in a new spot every time I went out. The leaks were all in the seams. Would patch up and get a new leak somewhere else next time. So disappointing. Went back to the cheap pairs..

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I've heard good things about Hodgman gear. Maybe we can review some one day. Thanks for watching.

[@iriana1189]

What do you think about the orvis clearwater waders or orvis waders in general?

[@pauldeakins9190]

Steve...I noticed that you're wearing Korkers...I had to chuckle since this year, I've inadvertently copied you on several fronts... I now own the Simms Freestone waders, Korkers Boots, and the Fishpond Cross Current Chest pack. :-) Love your videos!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

That’s awesome. That’s the stuff the BEST fishermen use...

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

Really good information. Thanks for sharing.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Our pleasure!

[@Theoffishial_Theo]

What in the heimler fishing??!

[@hb7030]

I just bought them on Moosejaw for $300 and a 30% credit (so effectively $210). Cannot beat that deal. Bought a pair for my wife as well.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

That’s a killer deal. Well done

[@hb7030]

@@GoodBuddyFlyFishing For $210, I don't think you are going to find a better pair of waders.

[@andrewfong9821]

I’m just learning now about waders. Does water go into your feet/socks with this? Or is it essentially a complete dry suit? I know your boots get wet which you need to fry afterwards.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

They will keep you completely dry. Unless you fall in or wade too deep. I’ve also heard it said that if you wading boots dry out, you’re not fishing enough.

[@diegonogales4153]

You should try to fish Vickory creek again

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I fished a couple times over the last two weeks. Caught 4 trout the first time then one the next. It's usually hit or miss but I love that it is so close so I keep going back.

[@TheSasquatchNation]

Diggin’ dat funky music

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Love it!!!

[@erth2ingrid]

What a pair. Great review fellas. One can only hope that baby jesus graces me the gift of gab as you two have

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ckitchens012]

I live in Decatur and just started fly fishing. Love the content, guys. Subscribed!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching.

[@hislairdship8961]

When it comes to waders and boots, I only buy Simms. Worth every cent.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I have never had anyone say bad things about Simms gear. It would be nice to have enough cents laying around to get them though. Thanks for watching.

[@riverratfishing9631]

How is everyone finding these waders? I had a pair of Simms waders that lasted me 4 years without a hitch, I just bought the freestones but recently found out, simms started producing them overseas since last year, so the freestones are no longer made in the US, only the g3's and up. Just wondering did they take a quality cut or are they still solid waders.

[@ahracho0525]

i heard their quality control is pretty strict on overseas production. plus important boots assemly is still done in the US. this is a pretty good wader for those who dont want to spend too much on top-tier styles like G3 or G4 but still want descent performance

[@shrek1648]

yay I love new posts!!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Glad you are enjoying them. More to come.

[@hannahldevries03]

Great video guys, breaks up my day nicely! You're always welcome over here in Colorado if you're looking for a vacation! Also, on those long drifts, a light strip set (like you're fishing a streamer) may increase your percentage a bit... its still not ideal, but something to try. Cheers!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks for the tip Hannah. We would love to fish and film out there in CO one day. Steve made it out last year and had a blast. It is definitely on the list of places to go. Thanks for watching and glad you are enjoying the videos,.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

You guys are so awesome, I love your videos!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks so much. We love having you here with us.

[@alltroutdout7746]

im planning to get this waders for winter, anyone have bad reviews on em?

[@glennolsen3358]

Well how did the 1 year work out for you?

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

They leak like crazy.

[@coastaltexasangler5781]

I just realized that this is Heimler!

[@RworldKM]

Because of international shipping, they cost close to USD$1K to me. I can't even...

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Now that you have had these a little while what do you think about them? I know you said you’d do a review in a year or so, and I’m sure that’s better for the product, but I’m needing some new waders now and I need to know what to ask Santa for lol. Also, I need to know for those of us that are non dancers. And of course I have no mojo either so if you think they helped with that I’d love to know! Thanks guys, I love this channel

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

This is Jon by the way. I can’t necessarily tell you how Steve feels about them, but he isn’t soaked every time we fish. They look solid and he did catch some fish on our annual trip a couple weeks ago. So maybe they help with the mojo just a bit. Thanks for watching.

[@chillipphi]

You can get a waterproof fly zipper installed. No joke

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

That's crazy. I would be afraid they would get screwed up but thanks for letting us know and thanks for watching.

[@greenbaby1902]

dont put phone in front pocket cuz if u dip in pocket fills up fast cuz of the inside layer

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I’ve soaked my phone in the front pocket before. Fortunately, it was waterproof enough to not break it.

[@frankcolucci3657]

They still not leaking bud

[@davidfeng6120]

I have a pair as well - fantastic waders for the price

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

They look real good and seem pretty durable. I assure you that Steve will put them to the test. No one falls in as much as he does.

[@davidfeng6120]

Haha 😂 amazing customer service as well

[@billpeirce7127]

My nephew jst baight a pair. 1st time out the leak.🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@chinch4584]

Ok, where the 1 year update?

[@anderberg32]

You guys are awesome. I would watch you two review dental floss! Although it is nice to see a fish 1 out of every 4 episodes haha!

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Just posted a new review video. Wasn't dental floss but we may go there if we run out of ideas. Thanks for watching.

[@emecata3919]

Sweet

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks

[@willblevins5112]

Don't wear jeans under your waders! The material tends to cause the waders to rip which causes leaks.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I’ve always worn jeans. That’s good to know. Thanks for the help.

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I wore Simms Freestone's for 4 seasons until the fabric failed and I kept getting wet. I purchased Simms Flyweight Waders in August 2022 and within 3 months they were repaired by Simms for holes everywhere and they added a few patches. That's normal wear I wasn't walking through thorn bushes. I just bought my wife Freestone's. I may try Patagonia next for myself.

[@denellewhite586]

Lookin sexy Steve in the new waders !

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I am sure that made Steve’s day. It’s a major goal for Steve to fall in the sexy category.

[@NickFlores_Music]

Fuck yeahh New Video !!

[@jamesmccreery250]

No thanks, I'll stick with my Allens that I paid $49.95 for. They have 2 wading belt loops! 3rd year fishing 2 times a week minimum. No leaks. Year around fishing (Bend Oregon) no problems.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Never heard of them but I like the price tag and if they are as good as you say they are I may just have to check them out.

[@jamesmccreery250]

@@GoodBuddyFlyFishing I'm not sure how widely available Allen products are, but here in Central Oregon they're sold at BI-Mart as well as Sportsman's Warehouse and possibly Walmart. Mine were on sale, I think they usually run at about $60-$70 range. 18165 is the model numbers. Allen is based in CO. I think they actually are a hunting supply company. Allen Company, not Allen Fly Fishing, that's a different outfit.

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Thanks. We will check it out.

[@greenbaby1902]

hes talking about how he keeps his weed in his front pocket......

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

Steve doesn’t smoke weed. I think he is referring to accessibility to take a leak.

[@rustyknott-W.D]

NEVER walk around on the dirt without your boots on! Good grief.

[@michaelwalp8032]

🤝

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

🤙

[@billpeirce7127]

Simms waders are no longer good. They all leak. Me and my buddies hv switched to Patagonia waders. No leaks. Pluss Simms customer service sucks big time!!!🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@GoodBuddyFlyFishing]

I hate to hear that. I (Jon) have been fishing in Orvis waders for several years now. They leak often as well but have had good customer service experience with them. Thanks for watching.

[@Fishingrunner]

Yup I bought a pair of G3’s 3 years ago and they’re already starting to leak, plus the tape on the neoprene footing is already staring to come off. And I religiously take care of my fear. Contacted Simms about it multiple times and they won’t cover it… last pair of Simms I’ll ever own…

[@soundbwoikilla764]

That's all good if you can afford Patagonias at $700-800, I can't justify that (or paying more than $50 for a 2-4wt reel for that matter). Before Patagonia went to the $700-800 and had the mid-range stuff, my buddy who works at Patagonia hooked me up with $300 pair as gift. Loved them until my wife got tired of them stinking up the laundry room, put them in the dryer and blew out the seams.