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Post by biggatrout on Aug 29, 2006 12:12:35 GMT -5
Several years ago I decided to upgrade my Neo waders, because they were big bulky and hot. So I purchased a pair of Orvis Clearwater's, aledgedly they were a good bang for the buck. The only problem is most of the Clearwater waders, had leaking problems. I sent them back to Orvis for repair, and was told they were unrepairable, but was allowed to pay the difference to upgrade to the Silver Lable. Not a bad deal so I upgraded. Now less than 2 years later my Silver Lables, have a hole in the gravel guard that has turned into a tear. Again, the Orvis rep. said there was a problem and this pair could not be repaired, but I could upgrade. Because I did not want to upgrade but keep the same level (Silver) that there was nothing they could do. The tear is at one of the seams and the stitching is coming undone but that is not a manufacture defect. Instead it was normal wear and tear.
Just wanted to let anyone know Orvis dose not want to do waranty work. Instead they want to upgrade every customer. Looks like I am in the market for a new pair myself. Dont think they will be Orvis.
Bigga...
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Post by Petey on Aug 29, 2006 14:28:56 GMT -5
Bigga, I had the samething happen with some Clearwaters. I had purchased them through a local fly shop. They returned my first pair, and I haven't been back in sometime. So when the next pair started to unravel I contacted Orvis personally. Got absolutely no where. I went out and bought a pair of Dan Bailey's and have really liked them. There not near as pricey as Simms, but they have held up well. I would give them a look when you start your search for a new pair. The fit well, they seem rugged enough and have a nice design to them, so it doesn't look like you are wearing a burlap sack while on the river. Petey
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Post by stuart on Aug 31, 2006 20:43:53 GMT -5
I however had really good luck with orvis's warr. dept. I have always with lines, rods, and waders. I guess you need to be more upfront "grouchy" with them. I did return a pair of wader silver labels. They replaced them, that pair within a year started leaking so I tried to return again but they were outta stock. I got a refund instead in cask. That isn't too bad i think.
STU
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DarrinG
South Holston Wild Brown
Bonafied Smallie Addict!
Posts: 97
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Post by DarrinG on Aug 31, 2006 21:38:40 GMT -5
On a few "other" boards I have heard bad comments on Hodgman waders...however I have a pair of Hodgman Wadelites that have served me VERY well. I've crawled through laurel thickets, crawled over boulders in brookie streams, etc and they have held up wonderfully. Still bone-dry after 2 years of pretty hard use. Like Petey, I have a buddy who has been wearing the Dan Bailey Barebones waders for a couple of seasons now and he has had excellent service out of them too.
One other thing about waders and their longevity....I think how you store them has alot to do with it. Rolling them up wet or damp and stuffing them into a bag is murder on a breathable wader. I take mine after each use and hang them fully extended in my basement to dry and store them the same way. Mine has sewn-on gravel guards and I fold the gravel guards up so the neoprene bootie can dry well also.
Good luck with whichever brand you decide on!
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