Ok, I asked this once before, but it got eaten by one of the MMT forum crashes...
Tell me the Pros/Cons of brands/types of boot-footed chest waders - neoprene and breathable - and how it fits to your body size. I don't want to hear what you own is the best because you own it - I personally have Redhead, Columbia, Hodgeman, Drake, and Allen that range from New this year to "still usable" condition (I suppose I could throw my son's old Game Winners in there too - ). Having bought "second hand", or "flea-bay" waders before, the negative reviews don't really reflect what to expect from a New set - especially since a lot of those are factory defects or warranty returns, although positive comments are certainly welcome.

1st off, I'm going to touch on the experience with my Drake MST's that I bought this past Spring - I just "thought" I needed a pair of these just because of the name- Drake. I have a light build of 5'8", 140-ish pounds soaking wet, and a small foot size of 8 - I ordered a pair of size 8 online and the 1st pair totally swallowed me (I really think me, my wife, and the Lab could fit comfortably in them - with some room to spare...), I contacted Drake and they sent me another set, to fit the same as the 1st... I have kept them to use as a "loaner set", and my son, who is on the "heavy" side and shoe size of 10 can wear them with some "body stretch", but the boot foot size fits him well, even with an extra pair of socks. (Of course this son of mine's 1st pair of waders in Mossy Oak... his body size stretched the oak leaf pattern to the size of sycamore leaves - even though he insisted they fit "perfectly"... )
Durable?, yes - they have been through some serious crap with my guests this season and no signs of distress yet - - I would highly recommend a 1st hand fit before buying though... The
"arm-pit" section is a little on the low-cut side, more of a "lower rib cage" depth. The ability to "tighten" the boot to your ankle seems to help, some-what. They are a little too "warm" to wear in our early season (water temps above 50*)...
Bottom line - I've bought waders for significantly less that fit better, and hold up as well as these...

Im also wondering about this.

Neoprene in Louisiana - ABSURD. Go breathable. You can't use them in teal season or for at least half the season when it get warm. They're stiff as schit. Being that they don't breathe, you sweat in them and your clothes are wet anyways, when the whole point is to keep you dry and warm. I've hunted/fished in Alaska with breathables in 40° water, so don't none of you cold blooded pansies tell me it's to cold for breathables - you just gotta wear fleece under them and dress properly with a 1/2 a brain.

I switched back to stocking foot. The rubber boot portion of my waders were always the piece to go bad even though the breathable fabric was still in good shape. Yes, the boots are easier to get in/out of, but also tougher to walk/run with in the mud with your foot wanting to come out the boot in a suction. Don't lace up too tight though!

Cabelas makes some breathables that are pretty decent. Usually can find them on sale for just over $100. Usually get 3-4 years out of them.


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