Snickersnackers
Smolt
I've worn out my current pair of Redington Benchmark wading boots after two seasons so I'm in the market for a new pair.
Some considerations:
Thanks,
Dave
Some considerations:
- Lightweight - I fish quickly and cover a lot of ground. That and going down to the D with four friends means I have to make my own space. So a lighter boot seems to make sense to me.
- Durability - This may be in conflict with point one. I only managed a few seasons out of my current pair and as I understand it, that's a shorter life than one might expect. Admittedly, I am someone who wades recklessly so I'm often getting my boot wedged in between rocks and ripping it out.
- Price point - ~$200 would be great though I'd be willing to consider more for the right reasons.
- Sole type - The majority of my fishing is done in the western Washington mountain streams with occasional trips to the Yak and D. My current pair are rubber sole with studs and man, do I slip and slide a bunch. Again, I'm not a careful wader so maybe that's my problem but this has got me considering felt. For what it is worth, I have never once hiked around in snow though I do tend to make two November-February trips to the D so maybe I've been lucky to avoid it. I also have a desire to get into SRC fishing on Puget Sound so if there is any overlap in function on that front it may tip my decision.
- Redington Benchmark - I did really like my old pair even given the durability concerns. These are actually cheap enough that I would consider purchasing both felt and a rubber pair.
- Simms Flyweight - I have a pair of G3 waders that I love and Simms is THE brand to first consider when it comes to wading equipment. Can anyone attest to the durability relative to the Benchmark?
- Simms Flyweight Access - The marketing makes it seem that these could be perfect for slippery substrate without the concerns that come with felt. Though I usually don't go for new-ish products. Can anyone speak to this product?
- Korkers Buckskin - I understand Korkers divide opinion but it seems like they've greatly improved their product recently and I have a friend who is happy with his pair. These would obviously solve my felt vs rubber conundrum but these look heavy though that could be an optical illusion.
Thanks,
Dave