While my overall rating is 4, I rounded off. Its more like 3.5 stars.
Im normally a size 9.5 M shoe and 57, maybe 58 on a day my spine cooperates. I bought these waders fully knowing the price, at 29.99 thanks to a coupon on . This review may change as I use them for surf fishing, but as of now, Im reviewing only its fit as received. I went a size or two higher so I could wear warm socks, so I did at a size 11 M shoe, but the 10M and 11M shoes have the same body measurements according to the chart. The box came with:
/ warranty card that allows you to redeem a gift pair of socks
/ a customer service card that gives an address and website to contact, as well as thanking you for your purchase (the site doesnt work, so no free socks which didnt impact my review)
/ a release belt buckle to wrap around your waist
/ a release buckle to hang the waders upside down from a closet
/ the waders themselves
/ patch kit with adhesive and two pieces of fabric of the same kind as the nylon
First off, they look great. I like the number of pouches in front for tools. The fly patch is a plus for fishing, but I dont really fish with flies. I could probably use them as hook or jig holders which is still handy. The pouches and middle zipper pocket will see a lot of use and thatll put them to the test. Having forceps on hand to remove hooks is something I will definitely use them for, so poky metal will really test them. Cannot comment further on that for now. The actual material doesnt feel bad when worn.
The weight of the waders is pretty spread out, with the boots/feet being the heaviest parts. I think the seams are pretty nicely molded, though the boots have bits of plastic flash (just little strings of plastic sticking out) from the plastic molding process. There is a distinctly plastic smell that will probably go away with use.
The most notable issue is the fit of the actual waders around the body. The boots fit just fine, they are 11M as advertised. However, despite sizing up, I still feel the knees are wonky. I dont expect to be able to climb in these things, but I do expect to be able to bend down on a knee or to be able to squat. Despite the good feet fit, the area just above the rubber of the boots cause strain on the nylon just where the knee bends when I raise my legs. Its a noticeable tightness that affects the right knee more than the left for some reason. The belt fits low on my waist and I tried to adjust the crotch area to sag lower than my crotchline or just on it, and it doesnt seem to help too much with the knee tightness. I expected that being a bigger size up would solve this issue, but I hesitate to get a smaller size for fear it would exacerbate this. Dont expect to climb any rocks taller than knee height, but if theyre above the ankle they will do fine. I can lunge well, but getting down on one knee or squatting are things I hesitate to do because of the aforementioned fit. Otherwise, above the hip, it feels great and roomy. I could fit a hoody under there and the adjustable drawstring for the chest is handy. The shoulder straps fit just fine as well.
I think for my use, surf fishing, this will be fine. However, I think the lack of ability in kneeling and squatting to reach fish on the beach below me will prove difficult despite the larger and supposedly more roomy size. I expect to be bending over a lot to reach the ground if I want these to last. I am rating this at a 3.5 for now, but if my first trip becomes a success with no issues I may give it a solid 4. Otherwise, that will drop my score to a 3.
Good for the price, knees questionable
While my overall rating is 4, I rounded off. Its more like 3.5 stars. Im normally a size 9.5 M shoe and 57, maybe 58 on a day my spine cooperates. I bought these waders fully knowing the price, at 29.99 thanks to a coupon on . This review may change as I use them for surf fishing, but as of now, Im reviewing only its fit as received. I went a size or two higher so I could wear warm socks, so I did at a size 11 M shoe, but the 10M and 11M shoes have the same body measurements according to the chart. The box came with: / warranty card that allows you to redeem a gift pair of socks / a customer service card that gives an address and website to contact, as well as thanking you for your purchase (the site doesnt work, so no free socks which didnt impact my review) / a release belt buckle to wrap around your waist / a release buckle to hang the waders upside down from a closet / the waders themselves / patch kit with adhesive and two pieces of fabric of the same kind as the nylon First off, they look great. I like the number of pouches in front for tools. The fly patch is a plus for fishing, but I dont really fish with flies. I could probably use them as hook or jig holders which is still handy. The pouches and middle zipper pocket will see a lot of use and thatll put them to the test. Having forceps on hand to remove hooks is something I will definitely use them for, so poky metal will really test them. Cannot comment further on that for now. The actual material doesnt feel bad when worn. The weight of the waders is pretty spread out, with the boots/feet being the heaviest parts. I think the seams are pretty nicely molded, though the boots have bits of plastic flash (just little strings of plastic sticking out) from the plastic molding process. There is a distinctly plastic smell that will probably go away with use. The most notable issue is the fit of the actual waders around the body. The boots fit just fine, they are 11M as advertised. However, despite sizing up, I still feel the knees are wonky. I dont expect to be able to climb in these things, but I do expect to be able to bend down on a knee or to be able to squat. Despite the good feet fit, the area just above the rubber of the boots cause strain on the nylon just where the knee bends when I raise my legs. Its a noticeable tightness that affects the right knee more than the left for some reason. The belt fits low on my waist and I tried to adjust the crotch area to sag lower than my crotchline or just on it, and it doesnt seem to help too much with the knee tightness. I expected that being a bigger size up would solve this issue, but I hesitate to get a smaller size for fear it would exacerbate this. Dont expect to climb any rocks taller than knee height, but if theyre above the ankle they will do fine. I can lunge well, but getting down on one knee or squatting are things I hesitate to do because of the aforementioned fit. Otherwise, above the hip, it feels great and roomy. I could fit a hoody under there and the adjustable drawstring for the chest is handy. The shoulder straps fit just fine as well. I think for my use, surf fishing, this will be fine. However, I think the lack of ability in kneeling and squatting to reach fish on the beach below me will prove difficult despite the larger and supposedly more roomy size. I expect to be bending over a lot to reach the ground if I want these to last. I am rating this at a 3.5 for now, but if my first trip becomes a success with no issues I may give it a solid 4. Otherwise, that will drop my score to a 3.