For $1,200 a pair, they better honor a warranty. Otherwise, it’s just robbery. But their business model isn’t a warranty. It’s selling overpriced schit to guys who wanna be known as the guy who buys expensive stuff and buys another pair instead of even checking to see if it’s under warranty.

I could buy a new pair of frogg toggs every year for the next 7 years for $1200.

I don’t understand people spending $1k+ on waders either.
I hunt with several guys who wear Sitka ($1k). I guess I don’t get it.

I understand what you're saying. I don't own a pair. But, as someone who previously replied to this thread said, all waders are going to leak eventually. For the guys who hardcore duck hunt $1200 waders with a lifetime warranty like that could pay off very quickly. But yes, there's always the people who buy the biggest and the baddest because its the biggest and the baddest. Who cares, spend your money how you want. Its yours after all.

All my duck hunting friends said they’d never spend $900 for a Beneli SBE in the early 90s too. They all went thru several Remington etc… and my SBE still hammers. Once repaired for an ejector which I’d assume for the volume of heavy loads thru it. Cases upon cases of heavy loads have run thru her. They all have SBEs and paid more than $900

My Banded lasted 2 years at $500 or so and I’m SOL. Im considering Chene because of the warranty and performance. My Banded were comfortable and sucked at the same time but way more comfortable than previous neoprene waders. I bought the first neoprene waders in our group and punched a hole in the boot 15 minutes into their first hunt, again SOL.


Actually the name is a drawback for me because of the association with price. It makes me hesitant since I’ll still be sporting all my15 yr old Drake to go with it. I checked out Sitka because I could get it at a discount. Friends that had it when it first came out said they leaked. Supposedly the newer is much better I don’t know.

I was set on gator waders but can’t find them in my size. I really liked the looks of them and everyone wearing them have had for several years with no issues.

Thanks for the input gotta make a decision soon cause it seems my size is popular and selling out.

I’ve got the Drake Eqwader breathable with removable liner. Mine will be on their 3rd season this year and so far, so good. I have been very pleased, even with the insulation liner. It Velcro’s in place on the ankles and at the waist, so bunching isn’t an issue. I went up 1/2 size to allow extra room for thick socks, and I don’t like mine tight. Boots are bulky (wide) which is good and bad. They are a little heavy when walking a lot, but also don’t sink as bad due to the width

For you guys with leaky waders, if you've never tried SG-20 adhesive sealant--it will change your life. When I was hard core hunting the pacific flyway, we were ripping waders all the time. That stuff is legit - BUT you have to follow the directions to a T. No affiliation, just passing it along. Also--work quickly.

Glad yall are discussing this bc I'm in the market for waders.

Bit the bullet. I’ll know how the boots fit in a few days

I had a pair of Cabelas highest priced, at the time, neoprene waders that I know I used for 10+ years in the 90s. Only reason I threw them away was the velcroe just quit working. And like all other things that are good, they quit making them. I need a pair or waders now, but since we have no ducks here, it is hard for me to spend the money.

My Son had a bunch of Sika gear because of the 40% off he got through my BIL military discount. He put most of the gear through hell for three year around here and ND and still sold it for nearly what he paid for it. Gosh that stuff is expensive. But, you can do that when you still live at home. LOL.

I’m blown away at the comfort these Chene waders have. The boot is the snuggest 11s I’ve put on. I wear a 10.5 wide work boot for reference. 1 pair of darn tough wool work socks. They’ll handle 2 pairs nicely but may not need them as they are warm. The wader is warm, I put on a pair of felt pants and the fit was there. Won’t take much to stay warm I bet. Very welll thought out design straight forward and no gimmicks.

I’m 5’11” 200 lbs I wear a 36-38 waist pant depending on CC.

Ordered XL size 11 boot

If these things hold up I’ll be more than pleased.

I also got two federal duck stamps so that’s a bonus.

Good to hear.

I bought a pair of banded aspire last year from a guy who bought them and then didn't like them, still had tags. They are OK. The boot is amazing. When they go out, I'll probably go to either sitka or chene.

I tried to order a pair of Chene waders last year, but my size was on backorder. Needed new pair quickly so ordered a pair of Gator waders and have been pleased so far, but only worn couple times. Hope they hold up better than Banded since they are very similar. Everyone I know that owns Chene's have been happy with purchase.

https://www.gatorwaders.com/collect...d-breathable-waders-mossy-oak-bottomland

I kept
Trying to order gator waders since last year. No boot size 11 so I’m assuming supply chain problems. I did like the look of those waders. I bought the Banded red zone 2.0 elite and thought they were great but as constantly fighting then when wet, the outer shell would pull downward constantly no matter how tight they kept the belt.

Best way to describe the fit and of the Chene, when you put on a pair of Brooks Brothers slacks for the first time, that’s what I thought of.

Carter- I think I had exact opposite experience as you. Can't remember if I wear 10 or 11 in waders, but I couldn't get Chene's and had Gators in 3-4 days. I had the Banded as well and they started leaking year 2. The Gators are very similar, but better fit. Time will tell on quality of waders, but I have a pair of their camp boots that I really like.