Anyone have these, any thoughts on them

Chene Gear? I have no experience, but boy I thought my drake guardian elites were expensive and they’re half the price of the Chene’s.

Do you like those? I’m looking since my Banded leaked terribly by the end of the season. Some of the guys had Gator waders and loved them. I have a ton of older drake waterfowl gear but I’m trying to figure out some waders. Don’t care for the system like Sitka but not opposed. However heard leaky tells from their stuff too

Waders were meant to leak, thats why they still make them. If you get 3 to 5 years of regular service you’ve got your moneys worth. I just buy whatever is comfortable and expect them to leak eventually.

Yea I didn’t get that from my top of the line Banded waders.
I started in canvas Redball waders so I can attest to the progression of wader quality and comfort. My last pair were Drake neoprenes that still leak just a little but are now where as near comfortable as breathables. If I can a get a 3-5 years out of breathables I’d be tickled since my Banded didn’t last a season and everyone I’ve talked with didn’t get the warranty that was supposedly guaranteed

My guardian elites have been great. I refuse to buy banded waders. Everybody I know personally that has worn banded waders has had a leak by the end of the first season.

If you don’t mind how long have you had those Drake and downs the insulated insert cause issues. Hats the only reason I didn’t buy those last year. I figured they’d eventually be uncomfortable at times due to bunching up

I have a a lot of insulated wader pants, I’m looking for quality and comfort and if I can get that for half the price event better.

I have a pair of Chene. The fit is awesome and very comfortable. The boots are prob the best part to me for like a glove. I love the uninsulated because I can layer as I need and as warm as it was in Mississippi. When it did freeze the next to last weekend I wore a fleece style pant and was as warm as I need to be. I went to the shop in Memphis and got mine and the customer service is top notch. Zero leaks and I’ve broke ice and made a few falls in some pretty rough timber spots.

I got the Guardian Elite breathables around the time they first came out. Maybe 2019 or 2020? So far no leaks. I don’t think I’ve ever worn the insulation except once maybe. A pair of long Johns and a good pair of insulated wader pants is plenty warm for 95% of Mississippi delta mornings for me. I think they now have a guardian elite front zip but idk anything about them.

Thanks input guys

Take a look at high n dry waders. They were made for industrial use on the oyster/ clam bays of va. Suppose to be the cats meow.

Are the boots true to size?

I wear a 10.5 and usually wear 11 in waders. Some are much bigger in size than others

When you find the answer, let me know. A few pairs of sitka and chene did show up at duck camp last year. I like them. Waiting to see how they hold up.

Chene says theirs is true to size. White Oak is known for sparing no expense to duck hunt.

The lifetime warranty has my attention

I know the Sitka are as well but I’ve heard from friends they’re not impressed, most started leaking and turn around was after the season. I do know several that love their Sitka though. They’re wearing everything Sitka when I see them.

I don’t mind paying for quality and comfort.

Yes Chene fit true to size and are really comfortable. I wear a 10.5 in work boots and shoes. I have a pair of frogg togg in 11 and the boot is way too big. I went with a 10 in Chene and they fit me perfect with no slippage.

I wear 2 wool socks usually how many do your wear

I wear regular socks with all so my feet don’t get to sweating

I had a pair of neoprene drake boat pants that didn’t leak for four years. When I went to buy another pair, they discontinued them. Must have realized that they can’t make money off schit that lasts.

As far as socks go, you need to wear a 100% thin wool liner socks and put another pair of boot socks over those, the first pair wick the moisture and the second pair insulate the heat.

Two of my buddies bought Chene waders as soon as they were released. Only one of them used them a good bit last year and he sent them back to Chene this summer to do their leak test and repair any tears or leaks that may have developed after using them all season. Chene called him while they were working on them on the table and asked him a few questions to make sure they were going over everything he wanted them to check. Said they would get them back to him as soon as possible. He got a box in the mail a few days later from Chene with a brand new pair of waders in it. That's all I know about them but clearly their warranty is legit.