Simms Freestone Waders - 1 Year Review

[@fishon9stoffal938]

Just got these! Thanks for the review👍

[@gilmer4eaglesbrah]

Is there a designated place for simms retractor that you use?

[@oleg9634]

Didn’t think medium regular size (inseam 33-34) fits well 5' 10" tall person, but looks great. Thanks for the useful review.

[@jp410]

I'm 5'10" 175lbs, totally average build, and had to get the large long of the Freestones. I sent back two smaller sizes because I couldn't crouch down on my heels without stressing the seams. For me, the Simms sizing charts were way off - my inseam measures 29 or 30. The large long is perfect, with enough room to squat and lean over from a sitting position.

[@BendItFishing]

So weird, glad you could return it

[@alexanderj4545]

Did you try the ML size? It seems that the leg length on these are a bit short.

[@jp410]

@@alexanderj4545 I don't remember, but I think I did. However, the LL are perfect, enough room for layers underneath in cold weather, but good with just a t-shirt, too. Very happy with them.

[@alexanderj4545]

@@jp410 Thanks for the reply.

[@AlanpittsS2b]

I’m 6,1 and 175 and I have the medium and they get somewhat tight but not bad

[@garyadamson4844]

First off I am a huge Simms fan but my one year review is I’m on my second pair already and they’re leaking also. Going to give vision a try.

[@BendItFishing]

1.5 years for me and they leaked at every seam. I sent them into Simms expecting to pay 60 to have them fixed and they sent me a new pair for free.

[@robertlynn7332]

Nice review. I bought these pre runoff this year and (so far) I agree with your comments. I would say yes since I finally upgraded from the $150 level to the$300 level, I'm probably taking better care of these. I'm 5'10 and a little over 200lbs (30" inseam). The large size is perfect in the pants. Could use an extra inch in the belly...or maybe I should just lose 15lbs). I would have opted for the LS ,(large/stout) size, but Cabelas didn't offer it and I wanted to use my card points. Quick question, does anyone know what makes the G3 GUIDE waders $200 more? The only difference I see is the neoprene gravel guards.

[@BendItFishing]

Looks like the G3 use Goretex instead of Toray. Must be a more expensive material. I am taking better care of these as well rinsing both inside and out after a hard wading day.

[@robertlynn7332]

Also, I've just realized that they make the GoreTex ones in the States and the Toray ones are made abroad, which would also explain the price jump.

[@BendItFishing]

@@robertlynn7332 that makes sense maybe that will be my next upgrade. I do like USA made

[@robertlynn7332]

@@BendItFishing I'd prefer it as well, but I'm too rough on waders to justify that kind of money.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Great review on the waders

[@Srvtecej]

Great report. I’m amazed you got the M to work. At 5’11” with a 31/32 normal inseam I had to get the ML. Crouching low was just stretching the seam in the crotch too much.

[@alexanderj4545]

Had the same issue. What is ML? (I changed from medium to large and the large ones are just so wide around the waist!)

[@CiekursFishing]

Hey! Could you please tell me your opinion about them “material breathability” wise? Im thinking between the Simms Guide Classics and these. As im buying them in europe the Freestones cost 400€ (430/440$?) and the Guide classics cost 600€ (630/640$?).. Would you pay the difference? Or can you honestly say that the freestones breath good enough in summer/stay warm enough in winter (relatively, of course.. Counting the fleece underwear etc) If you could give your honest opinion that would be greatc thank you!

[@BendItFishing]

They breath well enough and all waders leak. I would go with the freestones

[@CiekursFishing]

@@BendItFishing thank you so much! I will take your advice and run with it!

[@Polythinker]

Do they have inside pocket in the chest for phone and keys?

[@BendItFishing]

No they don't. You have to buy that separate unfortunately.

[@gilmer4eaglesbrah]

Hi, where you you attach a retractor on those waders?

[@BendItFishing]

I have mine on my sling pack but you could attach them to one of the straps if you wanted to

[@johnbreen5988]

Warm enough for winter trips?

[@BendItFishing]

Yes while layered properly, fleece wading pants from Redington and pants over that from LLbean and I've fished down to 20 deg f out in them.

[@414_angling5]

@@BendItFishing awesome thanks man for the quick response much appreciated!

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Would you shell out 300 again for these waders knowing what you do now?

[@BendItFishing]

Nope

[@jdsmeak]

@@BendItFishing What would you buy instead then? If only a small leak with good use, why wouldn't you buy again?

[@BendItFishing]

Shorty after this video all the seams failed and it leaked everywhere. As if the glue that holds it together failed. I havent looked at other brands yet as Simms fixed these for free

[@dmitriyvakulchik]

how tall are you? im 6ft tall and can't decide between the M short or M regular.

[@BendItFishing]

I am 5' 10" and I bought the regulars

[@aegiDiusMrChef]

Maybe try the ML size for u i'm 183 cm / 6ft - tall and slim with a little muscle.

[@Jfldhr]

The simms wader ML is slim design in the leg area , if you wade in the cold water , buy one size up not size down I suggest, but still try it on before purchasing

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Wish they came with a simple mesh bag included for transporting in small bush planes in Alaska. Also wish they were made in USA!

[@BendItFishing]

I agree, I try to buy USA made but it's really tough for some things

[@alexryherd9810]

The American made simms waders are upwards of $599, I live in Central IL so I'm not fly fishing for trout and unfortunately can't justify the price for a slight chance of a good white bass run in the summer given it doesn't flood.

[@BendItFishing]

Makes sense, even these $300 dollar pair leak at 2 years old.

[@alexryherd9810]

@@BendItFishing is it a small seep or a legit day ruining leak? Just wondering because I fully agree with what you said in the video, all waders leak sooner or later. I think the game changer is a company that acknowledges that and will service them for you during the off season. I think high n dry do that still same with sitka but their warranty and service are an expensive mess I hear

[@BendItFishing]

It's just a small seep at the knees, I didn't even notice it until I took my waders off. I'm going to try and patch it my self with aqua seal.

[@h.aguinaldo]

How are they holding up now?

[@BendItFishing]

The knee seam, seems to have a very tiny leak. I have not bubble tested it but I'm sure some aqua seal will fix it.

[@BrankoFlyFish]

Is that on your second pair ?

[@BendItFishing]

I am on my second pair now. The first ones ended up leaking everywhere after 1.5 years and were replaced for free by simms

[@BrankoFlyFish]

@@BendItFishing how’s the second pair doing ? Past a year already ? How many outings so far ?

[@BendItFishing]

Second pair is doing very well. Not sure how many trips but no holes yet

[@oneoff5573]

Wasn’t it from USA why made in China? 🤔

[@BendItFishing]

Hard to make that stuff in the USA