Yep, got em. I've had them for 6 years. I am pretty darned hard on them and finally got my first hole in them last week from ramming my leg into some barbed wire. Hole sealed up great and they are still going strong. I got them when I was a student and didn't have the money to keep buying a new set ever year. Glad I got them. Plus, being able to roll down the top in warmer weather is great. I highly recommend them if they fit ya.

 

Forgot to tell you, if you've looked at Cloudveil they seem to have some pretty decent gear too. Sierra Trading has them for a pretty smoking deal of less than 250$.

 

:thumb::thumb: Good Stuff :beer2:

 

great gear, great company to deal with.

 

I haven't used their waders. But given the quality of everything else they make and the fact that they guarantee all their stuff, I'd say you shouldn't worry too much. I love my SST jacket from them. Very well designed.

 

all of the above with a no-questions-asked warrantee.

 

I've been using my Patagonia waders for the past three years and no leaks yet. I'm not soft on them either. I used Simms Guide waders before that and am just as happy with the Patagonias as I was with the Simms. Great product. If you can get a pair at a good price, I'd say go for it.

Steve

 

Very durable so far... have the watermasters and the SST jacket. So far, no problems. I'd been an LLBean wader fan for a long time with their warranty. But I had to send in so many back to them and there is a lag time to the east coast, so I figured Id rather deal with the company as they're right on 1st Ave. Its spendier stuff, but IMO worth it.

 

Wow, sounds like I've got nothing to worry about here. I tend to be really hard on gear even though I try to be gentle so it's good to hear that others put the stuff through the ringer and they don't break. Think I'll have to get me a pair.

 

I've had the SSTs and then the subsequent Watermaster... excellent fit, I really like the attached suspenders and the easy conversion from chest- to waist-high. They eventually developed pin-hole leaks over the course of a year, but take them into the Patagonia store and they make it right. That alone is worth going with the brand... no downtime (same goes for Orvis, they guarantee their waders unconditionally).

 

I've got a pair of the Patagonia Watermasters. I have only worn them a few times. They seem really well made. They are heavier and stiffer fabric than my Dan Bailey's, so seem to be a less comfortable fit in the same LL size. I don't have enough mileage on them to rate them for durability.

Sg

 

I've had mine since 2000. I had a few issues w/ my first few pairs. My first pair wore holes all along the edges of the seam tape, especially in the region of the inner knees after just a few months-- clearly some sort of defect. I've had grommet hooks or whatever you call the hook that anchors the gravel guards to your shoe laces pop off for unknown reasons. I returned a pair that the stitching was pulling out from the hem of the gravel guards within a year of use. I use my waders often and I don't expect them to be indestructible, but most of these issues were occurring too soon. The nice thing was, if anything fell apart I took my broken waders into the shop and left with a brand new pair no questions asked (however, the guy behind the counter was not pleased about a muddy stinky pair of wading boots I returned on the way home from the coast once). The down-side is that the nearest shop is about an hour from my house and if you call a hotline they're much more suspicious and demanding (...please send them in and we'll evaluate... just doesn't work for me during the prime season(s)). Of the defects, the only thing that's gone wrong that could potentially ruin a nice remote vacation (should I ever be so lucky) was the holes along the seam tape and that was on my first pair. Each replacement pair seemed to be improved, and I haven't had any vacation-ruining problems since the first pair (who cares if they give you a new pair when you get home from the [Kenai] with a leaky pair of waders-- small consulation). The pair I have is now what they market as the lighter weight of the two currently offered. Once again, the stitching on the hem of the gravel guards is coming apart, and has been since about year one. With that said... the waders work great and I'm very satisfied. I recently purchased a pair of the new heavier duty Patagonia waders for my girlfriend and I'm jealous (steal-of-a-deal). My current pair has been going (leakless... knock on wood) for about 2 1/2 years. Assuming they only improve with each iteration and the fact that they've stood behind their product I would highly recommend them... especially if you're looking at a good deal.

 

I have a pair of the Pat WM's. I would prefer a different approach to their gravel guards and boot as the stiffness of the material doubled with the material of the gravel guard attach point makes it difficult to get in and out of. After a year of medium wear usage both legs are leaking at the boot. I think that's another reason to drop the guards as it adds more stitching, and what I believe are more failure points for leaks.

Chris

 

So my question is WMasters or the new Simms guides? Hard decision..

 

I've had a pair of Water Masters for about two years. I love them, and would buy another pair if I ruined these. I think the Simms with the Zipper (G4) are better, but considering the price I would get the WM. :thumb:

 

I have had 2 pairs of the WM's. I pretty much destroyed the 1st pair after 2 seasons guiding. I live in them and I like them. I have also had Simms G3's. My original pair of G3's were not even close to the Patagonia's.
I am not a huge fan of the Newer WM's. They changed the sizing and how they fit. I liked the 2 tone pair from 2 years ago.
If you have an issue with the waders, Patagonia will give you a new pair or fix your original pair. It is up to you. No questions asked.

 

I got a pair of the lighter ones Patagonia makes, love them, but I got a couple of leaks half way through the season in Alaska. Just sent them back and got a brand new pair, so I can't really complain. Patagonia is a great company, one you can't really go wrong with in my opinion.

 

Love these waders! I had a leak in the first pair I bought right out of the box. Patagonia sent me a new pair no questions asked. I've fished for 2 years in the new ones with nary a problem. I love the snap down suspenders, truly a brilliant feature.

Cheers,

Karl

 

I've got a pair of WM's and after 5 years of hard use I am only now starting to suspect leakage. They designed the suspenders to attach at the waist, allowing the top 10 inches or so to be rolled down to the waist - makes 'em a bit cooler for long walks in. That a pretty priceless feature for me.

 

My watermaster IIs lasted about 3 months of the usual fishing. The way I fish the longest I expect any wader to last is 6 months.

I went with Patagonia because they have a reputation for replacing their waders and that is definitely the case. I am into my second pair of Watermaster as of now and they are the newer upgraded ones so I can't complain.

IMO, if you fish hard, hike a lot, et cetera, there is no other choice than Cabelas or Patagonia, they will replace their waders no questions asked.

 

i'll never buy another wader. Its too bad they dont have more selection of fishing gear but everything they make seems to be solid and the company, as far as i can tell, is the best i have ever encountered to work with.

 

digging one up from the past eh? didnt even notice before i posted.

 

I have to recommend Wright & McGill waders http://www.wright-mcgill.com/guidewear/wright-mcgill-essentials-mens-waders.php#

As far as I can tell, they're the only company that makes waders big enough to fit me so they're the only breathables I've ever owned and I must say, I love them. Very comfortable and durable.

 

Used 'em, loved 'em.

 

My wife has a pair of the Water Master- Light waders and loves them. Madison River Fishing Company (mrfc.com) has them on clearance for $150, marked down from $250