Dan Bailey Lightweight Breathable Waders

[Petey]

Purchased a pair of these waders before I took off to Colorado back in July.

These waders are "made from a four layer construction nylon tricot, coating, laminate, and micro denier nylon taslon. The built in gravel guards adjust with Velcro to fit over any type of wading shoe. The side straps eliminate the need for a belt. Suspenders are removable and feature opposite end clasps allowing a quick conversion to waist high waders. There is a double layer of fabric at the knees and no inside leg seams. The right and left contoured feet are made from high density neoprene. There is an inside pouch for keeping small items and nylon webbing on the chest can be used to attach accessories...."

I love how these waders fit. The contoured feet are great. Better than stocking feet for sure. The only thing I am not sold on are the velcro strap gravel guards. With a low cut high top like the Chota's, the gravel guard slips over the top of the boot. I am sure with a true high top wading boot this would not be an issue. But if own a pair of chotas and are high on gravel guards you may want to take this into consideration.

I like the fact that a belt is is not needed with the side straps and I like how they will convert to hip waders when needed. Both of these features help with comfort.

I previously owned a pair of Orvis Clearwater Waders. I have a hard time paying 300 dollars plus on a pair of waders. So it came down to Dan Bailey's, Orvis Silver Labels or Hodgman Guide Lights. I don't think I could have gone wrong with either.

To me the Dan Baileys are a [glow=yellow,2,300]Elk Hair Caddis[/glow]

They are a better thought out gravel guard away from being a Royal Wulff.

www.dan-bailey.com/products_dbwaders.htm#lightweight

Petey

[coelacanth]

I don't know how the Dan Bailey's compare price-wise, but I sure do like my Simms Lightweights. The fit makes my old Cabela's breathables feel like the gunnysacks they are. Now if I could just get some time to FISH!

[Petey]

I checked out the Simms Lightweights. I liked them, but wasn't sure if they were what I was looking for or not. Let me know how they hold up. I have always heard good things about Simms waders.

Petey

[Tentwing]

Sean;

Cheryl got her Dan Baileys about the same time as you got yours. She loves them. Oddly she has had no trouble with her gravel guards, and she like you has a pair of Chota's wading boots

I have a pair of Orvis Silver Label 2 Waders; I also am very pleased with them.

Compare and contrast ........The Dan Baileys outer shell is a little thicker and sturdier than the Silver Labels; However the Silver Labels are a little softer and a little more breathable than the Dan Baileys.

The shoulder straps on the Dan Baileys are thicker and higher quality than the straps on the Silver Labels.

The Silver Labels have two inner pockets ( one with a zipper)both are constructed a little better than the Dan Baileys.

The pre-formed feet ( Cheryl loves these , and she has had both kind) on the Dan Baileys look far more comfortable than the straight neoprene booties on the Silver Labels.

I like the built in neoprene lace hook gravel guards on the Silver Labels better than the velcro guards on the Dan Baileys.

Cheryl likes the built in waist straps on the Dan Baileys; I prefer the wading belt provided with the Silver Labels. It has more room for us fat boys ... on the flip side it can be lost unlike the straps attached to the Dan Baileys.

I like the dark olive color of the Silver Labels better, but I thinks the Dan Baileys just plain look better...... of course that could be because Miss Cheryl's wearing
them.

Oh well much like you I would easily give them BOTH a rating of Elk Hair Caddis....

Oh Well ...two cents,......................Tentwing

I l

[Petey]

I have said before and I will say it again. There is nothing sexier than a woman in waders...

I realize that is wierd... but hey... we fly fisherman can be a strange sort....

Petey