Cheap Waders

[bigbassin']

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find the topic.  As the title says, what's a good pair of cheap waders? The coldest water temps I'll be wearing them in is probably the lower 60's, maybe upper 50's, not sure how cold the creek I intend to fish gets during the winter but it is flowing water in Florida so I'm imagining it can't get too cold.  Air temps will be in the lower 40's, but I'm assuming I'll be able to just wear layers underneath so that won't be an issue.  I'll also need some sort of boots due to the amount of rocks.

[OkobojiEagle]

1 hour ago, bigbassin' said:

a good pair of cheap waders? 

an oxymoron if I've ever read one...

 

oe

[Brayberry]

I've had good luck with the basic wader from Walmart, think they are around $60 - $75.  Worked well for me for the 1 season I used them for

[bigbassin']

On November 7, 2016 at 3:47 PM, OkobojiEagle said:

an oxymoron if I've ever read one...

 

oe

That's what I was worried about... I feel like I've seen someone on here say they use a pair of $25ish waders that have worked very well for them, but I might be wrong. 

[WRB]

Pair of blue jeans and old tennis shoes, watch out for gators.

Tom

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

40-50* isn't really wet wading conditions. A pair of breathe able stocking foot waders with wading boots is the way to go. There are several buyers guides available through a Google search 

[TheRodFather]

I got a pair of Hodgeman H3 breathable stockingfoot waders during summer that were $100.  They have fleece lined hand pockets, a mesh chest pocket, and an inside pocket for things you don't want to get splashed.  Gaitors to keep the gravel out.  They feel like a quality product, and are repairable.

So far I like them a lot, the temps you describe are what I am wading in the last few weeks and I have worn shorts under the waders and been fine.  

The chest pocket looks different than this picture, (it's mesh now), not sure why their site isn't updated.......

http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-waders-chest-waders/hodgman-h3-stocking-foot/1347867.html#start=3

[Hot Rod Johnson]

Lacrosse Aerotuff 1500G Insulated Wader - Men's Realtree Max-5 12

 

Wader Care & Repair:

Care and Cleaning

The outer surface of most laminated waterproof-breathable fabrics is treated with a durable water-repellent coating (DWR). This chemical treatment forces water to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric improving the overall performance and comfort of the garment.

 

DWR coatings will begin to degrade after extended use and as the garment becomes soiled. The degradation will inhibit the DWR coating’s ability to bead water and cause the garment to “wet out” as the face fabric material absorbs water.

Although the garment is still waterproof, the water saturated face fabric will hinder the garments ability to breathe, increase interior condensation and produce a cold, clammy feeling for the wearer. It is important to clean your garments regularly to help avoid this situation.

 

http://www.orvis.com/s/fly-fishing-waders-care-repair/744

 

http://www.guideline.no/Washing+your+waders.9UFRnGYy.ips

 

[Preytorien]

On 11/9/2016 at 5:01 PM, bigbassin' said:

That's what I was worried about... I feel like I've seen someone on here say they use a pair of $25ish waders that have worked very well for them, but I might be wrong. 

I've tried them all across all points of the price spectrum and waders are really one of those things you get what you pay for. Now that said, I am in the river a couple times a week through the summer and once a week or so until it's too cold to be safe, so I wear them a LOT. If you're only occasionally using them, a budget pair should do alright. I would really shoot for getting the best your budget can allow, you'll be happy in the long run. I am currently really impressed with the Orvis Silver Sonic series. Not just because they're good waders, but I had an issue with one of the boots, and they replaced them immediately in-store, no hassles. They really take care of their customers. My dad however, uses the least expensive pair of Cabela's house brand waders, and has no issues with them. He goes out with me about twice a month, so not heavy use. 

As OkobojiEagle said, "good" and "cheap waders" aren't usually found in the same sentence, but you can find deals now and then.