Over the last few years Redington has built a solid reputation in the wader market. Users are bragging about how durable they are and provide a very comfortable fit. Yes, they are imported. All waders that we are aware of are imported with the exception of the Gore-Tex line of Simms Waders. Is that really a big deal? Maybe but it's not like you are buying a New Fly Rod or New Fly Reel. No one argues the fact that the best waders are still made in Bozeman Montana by Simms. View our
Wader Survey Results to see how popular Simms Waders are. But many ask if I have to budget should I save a few bucks on a cheaper fly rod or save a few bucks and buy imported waders? Personally I want the best fly rod I can afford since I plan on having it a long time and it will bring me great joy. I don't hear anglers talking that way about their waders.
I wrote an article a while back that I think did a pretty good job of highlighting the pros and cons of USA vs Import waders. View...
Wader Comparison - G3 Guide Vs. Sonic Pro
I'm not writing this to convince anyone to buy this Redington brand of waders over the skilled labor USA made Simms Gore-Tex Waders but if you're going to buy imported waders anyway for any reason then I think it's fair to say Redington is providing a very good product in this market and I can honestly say that from 3 years of personal use.
Sonic-Pro - "The Workhorse" - Updated for 2017
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| Sonic-Pro |
While you can buy a more expensive Redington wader the Sonic-Pro is the the workhorse in the lineup. It's designed to be a feature rich wader, built to last and be price attractive.
Features:
- Ergonomic 3.5mm neoprene bootie with 4mm bottom for additional comfort and increased durability against punctures
- Slim wading belt compatible with majority of pliers and staffs
- Flip out pocket with zipper and mesh tippet pocket
- Two-sided fleece lined hand warmer pocket
- Anti-corrosive hardware
- 4-layer, 100% nylon waterproof/breathable DWR coated
- Sonic Welded Seams
At about $200 less than the USA counterpart what you DO NOT get is Gore-Tex. Warranties differ a little and are subject to change. So rather than write the said warranty I'll just provide the links for you to do your own research.
Simms Wader Warranty
Redington Wader Warranty
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| Palix River Wader |
Revised in 2016 - Carry Over for 2017
The Palix River is the sleeper wader (not meant to sleep in). What I mean is it falls into that category of must not be worth much for the price they are asking when in fact this little wader offers surprisingly good performance.
Three layer construction with all the usual features such as hand warmer pockets, flip out pocket and gravel guards. Buckles oppose for conversion to a waist high. Same Redington Warranty as others.
A few major differences between the Palix Wader versus the Sonic-Pro Wader are 3 layer construction versus 4 layer, web belt instead of neoprene belt and less available sizes in the Palix River Wader. For those that fit in and use these waders they report good comfort and durability.
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| Sonic-Pro HD |
Some anglers are just tough on waders so here is your heavy duty version of the popular Sonic-Pro. All the same warranty and features in a heavy duty design. At this time of writing these waders are not even out yet. While I cannot comment anything from experience I think I can safely say if you live in your waders the extra cow these waders cost should pay you back in longevity and still provide all the comforts and features we've come to know from the original Sonic-Pro.
Features:
- Ergonomic 3.5mm neoprene bootie with 4mm bottom for additional comfort and increased durability against punctures
- Two-sided fleece hand warmer pockets
- Large water-resistant chest pocket
- Anti-corrosive hardware
- Slim wading belt compatible with majority of pliers and staffs
- Flip out pocket with zipper and mesh tippet pocket
Sonic-Pro HDZ Zipper - "Once You Go Zipper, It's Hard To Go Back!"
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| Sonic-Pro HDZ |
New for 2017
Built with similar construction as the HD version with incorporating a waterproof TIZIP zipper.
A big difference in any brand zipper wader is the front has to take on some different characteristics. Most notable is the lack of the pass through hand pocket. Winter anglers all agree that taking a warm up break with both hands in a pass through pocket is an advantage with non-zip waders but is that alone enough reason to give up ease of in and out as well as other occasional bodily requirements. This HDZ Wader still has fleece lined hand warmer pockets like the non-zip counterparts.
I was around when Simms introduced the G4Z Zip Wader. We all pretty much thought they would be a bust. Once a few anglers got into them they all agreed that they would not want to go back to a non-zip wader. The little extra convenience was worth the extra money. You do have options in this area. First I personally think that if you are willing to spend the extra money for a zipper then go all the way and get the top line Simms and plan on having them for a long time. Even if down the road they get a leak Simms can fix them and longevity will eventually pay off for the investment.
If you still want zipper waders for less besides the Sonic-Pro HDZ's you also have the choice of the Simms Freestone Zipper Wader. The Freestone is Simms import version of a zipper wader.
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| Crosswater and Crosswater Youth |
Updated for 2017. The Redington Crosswater Wader can get you going for less and provide your basic needs. If you are going to budget a wader to the base level make sure you are getting built in gravel guards, opposing buckles to convert to waist high, a flip out zippered pocket and an included wading belt. Crosswater has all these features. The Crosswater waders also make a good backup option. If your trip is taking you outside of civilization it's a good idea to have a back up pair of waders. Available in basic sizes Small through XXLarge.
Also the Crosswater wader comes in a
Crosswater Youth version. It includes all the same features as the adult version. Available in two sizes: K8-10 and K12-14.
Women's Siren and Willow - Still Going Strong
Also offered from Redington is two different models of women's waders. The Redington Siren takes a new approach in sizing for women offering sizing appropriately named "Kate" and "Marilyn". The Siren is a better fitting, better looking, and more comfortable wader built exclusively for women.
The Willow is similar to the Palix River men's waders but styled and sized for women.
When you don't need a full on chest wader the Palix River Pant has you covered just were you need it. Great for skipping around small streams and creeks.
No matter what brand wader you choose to purchase the bottom line is they need to keep you dry and provide all day comfort on the water that will allow you to enjoy your time fishing. Redington is doing a very good job providing just that.
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Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
