Waders are a subject close to my heart as from March until October I pretty much live in them. I have seen many pairs come and go. The main thing I look for is, of course, durability. I always get that sinking feeling when I get into the river for a day's guiding and I start to get cold and wet from a new leak.
I’ve looked at waders two ways. I buy a cheap pair, run them for the season and bin them or go the expensive route and hope that I will get more than a season out of them. The latter option has sometimes worked but not always.
My ears always prick up when a new pair hit the market and although I have been pretty happy with the waders I have been using, the option of a pair of waders with a zip is something that I have been giving a lot of thought to these days as I am finding coffee, my age and cold water means I have to take a comfort break a little more often than when I had a cast iron bladder.
So this is why the Redington Sonic Pro Zips and I got acquainted in March. The big sell point on these waders is the sonic seams. This means there is no stitching on the seams. All of the sections are welded and I think this makes the big difference. I get the feeling this is where a lot of waders fail as the stitches stretch and the damp starts getting in so with zero stitches we stay dry.
I always like to check the amount of layers of fabric too as I spend a lot of time sliding down banks on my backside to reach that good pool. These have 4 so I can slide with no fear of getting up and wearing a pair of waders that now resemble a pair of chaps.
As I am standing next to clients, not fishing myself, I need somewhere warm to keep my hands, especially when I am guiding grayling in winter and these have hand warmer pockets. Big tick.
There are plenty of other pockets too both interior and exterior that will hold a bunch of stuff if you need it. I always keep a few spares like nippers, forceps and a thermometer which fit in no problems.
The zip is a big plus for the reasons I have given above and I have found I don’t need to completely disrobe to answer the call of nature. It is all very discrete and saves blushes for both me and my client. There is nothing more embarrassing than my client hooking a big one while I am shouting encouragement whilst running back to the river doing some sort of weird running and dressing motion that usually ends up with one of those stumbles that you try and make look like you meant all along. With a zip this isn't going to happen!
It is now August and I have been wearing these waders for 6 months and my half year report is that they are without even the slightest hint of a leak. I have really beaten the hell out of them and they haven’t whined once. They get thrown in the truck at the end of the day still damp and are still ready for action the next day.
The thing I really like is that you can buy these waders for £299 which puts them at mid-level price range but with durability that would stand up with the most expensive of brands.
So if you want comfort, great quality and bullet proof waders you really need to take a look at these.
More from the Redington Website
I bought my waders from Fly Fishing Tackle UK