Anyone have a suggestion for a decent pair of waders? I'm just getting into duck hunting and need a reasonably priced pair.
OT: Waders
- Thread starter Tbankerdog
- Start date
I'd love to tell you to spring the extra money and support the MSU alums with the MSU-supporting Mississippi company -- but to be honest, I had a bad experience with their waders and know 8-10 friends that have as well(all first generation waders -- so may have been "fixed" by now). I don't think any of us had a pair that survived 2 full years of hunting. Bad to leak around the inseam. Feature wise, they are the best out there by a mile(waterproof pocket, high handwarmer on the inside, etc). They just weren't at all durable for me -- and I initially treated them better than any other waders I'd had by a mile(you tend to do that when you drop $290+).
Hard to beat Lacrosse's when just starting out. I'd even recommend going with the 3.5mm versions instead of the 5mm versions. You think the 5mm will keep you warmer -- but my experience has been the inverse. The 5mms made me sweat on walks in(and are also about 20% heavier) -- which naturally turns cold later on. Have had 2 pair of Lacrosse 5mms -- a Drake 3.5mm -- and currently on the first year of Macks PW 3.5(can never give much info in year 1 IMO). The best pair was my first pair of LaCrosse's -- which never leaked in 3 seasons of hunting and in-tents four wheeler riding. Unfortunately, they decided they could fly the Saturday after the 2007 Egg Bowl somewhere between Columbus and Starkville.
I just got a starter pair of frogg toggs. I am very pleased with quality compared to the price. Most gander or academy ppl say frogg toggs are great. I agree. I got mine from wingsupply. They have lots of good duck hunting apparel and great price points.
I agree with what Engie said about Lacrosse waders. They are the best ones I have used over the years and I have been through a number of pair of all makes. I will say this, though. If you are looking for cheap right now, go to Academy and get their brand, Game Winner. I have had a pair of the 3.5mm Game Winners for 4 years now and still using them. They have just developed a leak in the inseam, but for less than $100 what can you expect. They fit better than any pair I have had as far as walking in them. However, the boot has very little Thinsulate and if your feet get cold easily you will need to compensate with very good socks. I really like the 3.5mm regardless of brand. But the kind of hunting we do is pretty tough and usually requires a lot of walking. The 5mm just get too heavy, hot and cumbersome for me.
