Pete Tyjas gives a two for the price of one review on a recent purchase of the Redington Sonic Dry Waders and Redington Prowler Wading Boots.
I spend most of my life in waders and so when I am buying a pair I want to make sure I get it right. Top of the list is durability. I need waders that I can walk through brambles without fear of a wet leg just a few moments later and I can throw them in the truck at the end of the day and I know that when I get them out the next day they will still be fit for purpose.
I’d love to say all waders are created equal but they are simply not. I’ve tried just about every brand and know the good points and the bad points on many. A hefty price tag doesn't always mean you’ll stay dry for a long period of time.
I decided I’d try the Redington Sonic Dry waders as I have had a pair Sonic-Pro Waders that I got two seasons out of and I still use them as a back up from time to time. This is a long time in my world.
The Sonic Dry Waders use the same technology as my Sonic-Pros, so instead of sewn seams the waders are welded meaning you’ll get no seam wear or stretching over time.
This model is made from a better, more water repellent and better breathing fabric than its cheaper stablemate that will wick away moisture evaporation five times quicker. The 3mm booties on the stocking foot waders I bought means my feet will stay warm.
Sonic DRY WADERS
Non zip version £329.99
Zippered Version £429.99
The material is four layers thick throughout so despite the improved “breathability” of the waders there are no thin areas that the brambles I worry so much about will find a way of breaking through.
One thing I suffer with is cold hands especially early in the season. The fleece warmer pockets are a nice touch and I can stand in the appropriate guide stance while my client fishes and look both cool and have warm hands ready for a fly change if they get hung up in a tree.
There are two external pockets, one with a water resistant zip and one internal too. I can carry some spare tippet and nippers in these in case I lose them although I haven’t tried car keys or camera in them yet.
I am an awkward size and found the medium short model fits me perfectly and there is plenty of room to crouch down without fear of popping the welded joins.
This may seem a small detail but the thickness of the belt is encouraging from a safety point of view but also that I can store a net in it and haven’t found it falling out once, despite wading in some lively spots when fishing alone. In the past I’ve found some wading belts lose elasticity over time and granted some of this might be due to me stretching them a little but I have also found this with the shoulder straps too, in the past and again, it looks like I won’t have to worry about that either.
So, I am a couple of months into wearing them and so far have zero complaints. I am both a happy angler and even happier guide.
I also bought the Prowler Wading Boots also from Redington and have been wearing them for the same period of time.
I decided on the sticky walnut rubber sole and also bought the optional studs.
The first thing I noticed about the boots is that they appeared a little wider. This has been a part of the design process as it offers a wider surface when wading and therefore more stability.
It makes them look a little heavy but there was little need to worry as the upper is constructed from Polyurethane and mesh making it light and quick to drain and dry too.
The ankle is really well padded and comfortable too and I really like the red inside of the boot that contrasts well with the exterior colour. A small detail I know but I notice it every time I put the boots on.
Prowler Wading boots
Sticky Walnut Rubber Sole £149.99
Goat head sole spikes £19.99
The extra width of the boot is only marginal but means I can wear super thick socks without the fear of them becoming tight and uncomfortable.
In the past I have needed to go up two shoe sizes for winter boots but just one size higher than my normal shoe size is perfect.
Again, after a couple of months wear I am really happy with them and look to give them a serious work over in the coming months.
Good job Redington.
More info from the Redington website
Redington is distributed in the UK by Guide Fly Fishing