CHEAP vs EXPENSIVE Waders - Which one should YOU Buy?! [Review]

Here is a review of cheap vs. expensive waders, hopefully you can use this as a helpful resource to help you choose which one is the right one for you to buy!

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Expensive Wader Options:

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[soundbwoikilla]

I'm super cheap when it comes to fly fishing (like don't spend over $50 for a reel 5wt and under). The exceptions I found are waders and boots. I classify cheap waders as around $100-150. It really depends on how hard/conditions you fish and how often. Do you walk 25 ft from the car and step into shallow water? Or do you hike, bushwack, boulder hop and stream crawl? Now I can't imagine anything under $100 lasting for long even under light conditions. I fish very hard and tough conditions and this is what I've found. Cabela's are the best at around $120. The Compass Deadfall ($150) are junk and lack durability. I slid on a rock, nothing dramatic, and got a leak and the outer shell didn't even tear. Very evident that the fabric is not durable (and not covered by warranty). Replaced with Compass Ledges II ($170) and these are a beast! I fished/hiked 40x this year alone in demanding conditions and these held up well. Unfortunately, I think Compass might have discontinued them. At this price point I'd go with Simms Tributary ($200). I bought a pair of Simms Freestone ($300) but haven't worn them yet cause the Ledges II are still going strong. I have a pair of Patagonias that cost around $300 a few years ago but I blew the seams on them. Were fantastic up until them. A few caveats and notes: a lot of waders will begin to leak around the boots, Cabela's and Compass 360 included. Sucks when its cold out during the winter and that is when I'll switch to my new Simms. Second, look for sales: I got my Cabelas for $100 on sale, a 2nd pair of Ledges II for around $100 on sale and the Simms Freestone are on sale right now for around $225. Simms Tributary are on sale for around $140!

[daveveon]

Thank you. I would be interested in Seeing a comparison between the Compass Deadfall at $140 and Simms Tributary at approx $180 for example.

[youngun]

Great video. I ended up buying the Dark Lightning waders after watching your video. They have been good waders for keeping me dry. My problem with them has been I get blisters on my big toes every time I use them. Now I'm watching YouTube reviews again to try and find some better ones. For the price that I paid for them I've been happy with them but I'm sick of getting blisters.

[kevinramponi]

I have the tailwater. The pockets still get wet. Those zipper pockets are just an addition. There is still the same fleece passthrough pocket as the deadfall included. Its not a huge deal breaker for me but would definitely like it to be addressed.

I personally like the compass360 brand and feel the pros outweigh the cons. Great video bro! Im sure it will help a lot of people.

[jamesfrost]

Perfect!!! The first pair you showed with the boots built in look like they will be perfect as rain gear while riding my motorcycles! That's why I'm watching this video, I need rain gear for my motorcycles.

[lawrencelymanii]

Thank you for another great, informative video. I'm hoping to get by this season with Keen water shoes, and booties, with waders.

[paula.]

Excellent review! What a pleasure to watch a proper, informative review...compared to so much garbage some people are posting. Thanks for your efforts. Much appreciated 🙏

[mrevan]

I Did a cheap 80$ pair for my first time. Upgraded to the Frogtoggs Hellbender 2 for my 2nd pair. Blew both out in the neoprene bootie after about a year and a half each. I fish a couple times a week and usually do a mile or two of walking, so I wasn't too upset about it. Ordering The patagonia expedition swift current wader. Hoping to not have to replace every year and a half

[Parekoy_Adventures]

Hey Benjie, another great video brother with very valuable and insightful information. Since I am new to the surf fishing hobby and probably will be going out to fish once or twice every month I’ve decided to give a cheaper brand (FishingSir) a try. Based on my first try out in the surf I can definitely tell you that comfort on the boots was missing. To help with that issue I added a Dr Scholls gel insoles. That helped a bit but still a bit loose and my feet are sliding inside. I can see why getting an actual boots/shoes would be the ideal comfort for you and pairing it using a more expensive waders would be the way to go. Anyway, looking forward to meet you at Pismo in three weeks🤙

[csmats]

I'm real lucky that the $40 waders I got are very comfortable on my feet. I frequently do long sessions covering several miles both Saturday and Sunday with no problems at all. My son has the same waders and gets hot spots on his feet when we fish over long distances. Come summer I'll ditch the waders, though, so a pair of wading boots are in my future because as much as I like fishing barefoot I've seen several surfers get stung stepping on stingrays.

[leocam]

I just started surf fishing since I moved out to SF from Jenner (which is all rock fishing) - the information you provided was perfect in getting me some waders and catch me some fish. Thanks man!

[CastNreeL]

I’ve used cheap ones only.
I think it’s time to jump up to better ones. I still have no issues but I’m tired after walking miles.
To money is always the matter but not for this item.
Thanks for details of explanation. Made me move to better ones lol
Thanks bro 😎

[jerrywenzesr]

I have had questions for a while on waders thanks. I can now look with knowledge.

[noahfarmer]

So soft and comfortable, yet they provide great support. I would highly recommend

[diabetichoneybee]

You might want to check out waterproof hip packs or sling packs. Fly fishers use them. Pricey, though.

[gerardperlas]

Got a great deal on the Simms Freestone waders -paid less than a $100 ( on line retail made a mistake $89 in the am. Then went back to $250 in the afternoon ) the SIMMs FS boots at their website had it on sale at $130 a week ago …. Haven’t tried them out yet ….need to go Surf fishing with you Benjie

[Photowrm]

Not sure if you monitor these old videos? I'm in the market for waders. Seems that the styles change somewhat over time? Would you still recommend these? Also if money were no object which are best, (toss out the high$ and the low$)? So many choices. After reading some of the reviews a lot of brand name players in this field leak. I'm liking the stocking foot option for comfort and sure footing. I'm getting too old to tough it out on chilly mornings. Thanks!

[Imjoshuabailey]

I use the compass deadfall and love them! Currently using frogg togg boots. My boots are ok. Would like to upgrade to better boots.

[theoldsurffisher]

You need to try the basic Redington "escape" (not the "zip" escape) waders. They come in a size large (size 10+ boot) in the short length. The shorth length fits an average sized person's inseam great. Pair them with a Shimano Evair wader boot/sandle. Sandles are supper light, draining and dry quickly as they are composite material.

[chrisnakaishi]

I have the same Simms boots. I do like them but I recently switched over to Duck&Fish Neoprene Wading Shoes which are much lighter and easier to get on and off. I only paid $35 for them. So far they have worked very well. I am a fan of FrogToggs waders but they are a bit pricier. Having breathable waders is key for me as I sweat easily.