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Post by henben on Feb 15, 2021 13:23:35 GMT
I need some new wading boots for the forthcoming season, all other things being equal!
I fish the Towy and Cothi and my preferred boots have felt soles into which I insert studs.
That style is what I want to continue with but I am also looking for lightness - given my age!
Any suggestions with reference to the detail above would be much appreciated.
p.s. Simms G3/4 Pro and Patagonia boots are out of my price range
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Post by weatherman on Feb 15, 2021 18:18:29 GMT
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Post by henben on Feb 23, 2021 10:14:04 GMT
Thanks Geoff.
I ended up buying some Orvis Clearwater felt soles for less than £100. £50 off full price.
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Post by daiben on Jul 18, 2023 15:12:31 GMT
At the beginning of last season, I was looking to replace my well used Simms Freestone boots with something lighter in weight. To avoid paying G3/4 prices, I decided on a pair of Vision Koski boots with felt sole to which I fitted a set of studs. Yesterday, after a day on the river and returning to my car, I crossed a field and suddenly the felt sole of the left boot became half detached so I completely removed it with a view to gluing it back on later at home. However, once I got back to my car, on taking off both boots I found that I'd already lost the felt sole of the right boot whilst fishing!! I wasn't impressed but, there again, they only cost me £130. Still, was hoping for a bit more durability, even at that price. So unless anyone can recommend anything better at a similar price I shall be returning to Simms for my next pair. I see they've introduced a new 'Flyweight Boot' to their range at a price of £249 (vibram) and £229 (felt). Should I opt for Vibram Soles with Studs or Felt Soles with Studs? Never used studded vibram soles before so might give them a try.
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Post by sewinboy on Jul 18, 2023 21:03:54 GMT
Hi Daiben
If you want a pair of wadding boots, Simms are the way to go. You can pay a hundred quide or so for a cheaper pair, but they just don’t last. It’s a false economy. For me, it’s Simms every time. I have had a pair of Freestone boots with vibram sole and they lasted many many years of heavy use. I have now bought another pair.
Felt are slippery on grass. I don’t like studs because of the noise they make on rocks when I’m wadding. I just feel that Vibram are a good all round sole, but other may have a different opinion.
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Post by daiben on Jul 22, 2023 15:13:57 GMT
After much deliberation, I've decided to go from one extreme to the other and ordered a pair of Simms G4 Pros with Vibram Idrogrip moulded rubber outsole with non-corrosive threaded receptacles for cleats/studs.( a useful option as I prefer to fish without studs, but they are an essential requirement on some rivers). At £299 I'm hoping they'll give me at least a few seasons' service !!
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Post by henben on Aug 15, 2023 14:47:42 GMT
Good decision. In the absence of fish what else do we do except upgrade our kit?
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