Simms is the only wader company that uses genuine Gore-tex material in their waders.  It isn't cheap, but it is the absolute best waterproof breathable material available today.  There are lots of imitations and at Red's we sell many of these, and some are a great value but none rival real Gore-tex.  Without giving you lesson on hydro molecular evaporation, let us explain why Gore-tex is better in a few simple words.  It is more durable, trustworthy, breathable, and the serviceability is a huge plus.  Gore-tex is easy to repair.

Why are Simms Waders Different?

Seam failure equals wader failure.  We have sold lots of brands of waders at Red's Fly Shop over the years, and our guides and shop staff have owned many sets. The number one difference between Simms waders and all other competitors is that Simms waders don't leak in the seams.  A leak in a seam in not repairable.  A leak in the material is.  Once water permeates the seam it travels up or down the seam and exasperates the problem.  The process of welding or stitching the seams together is something that Simms is far superior at than any other wader company period.  The result is an incredible set of waders that don't fail in the seams. 

We don't really have a favorite.  They all offer about the same value just in some different ways and you will get exactly what you pay for.  All are made with Gore-tex and feature a 5 layer Gore-tex construction.  The Simms G3 Wader is our best selling wader many times over.  The price is the main reason for this.  It features 5 layers of Gore-tex through the thigh which is where most of the abuse takes place on waders.  The Simms G3 Wader is also offered in the broadest array of sizes too.  The primary advantages to the Simms G4 Pro and Simms G4Z Zippered Wader is that they feature 5 layers of Gore-tex all the way through the pelvis and small of the back.  This provides greater protection for the angler sitting on the ground, straddling a log or fence, and giving the waders general abuse.  The G4 Pro is approximately $100 more than the Simms G3 Wader.  For that $100 you essentially get additional Gore-tex through the lower back and seat along with a better pocket system.  The pockets on the Simms G4 Pro zip shut and are built with zippers that are nearly waterproof.  This feature is very nice to have if you row boats because the oar handle tends to catch on the pocket of the Simms G3 Wader while rowing.  It is also a very nice feature to zip the handwarmer pockets shut during a rain storm to keep them dry.  Or when its cold and you want to put a warmer packet inside.  The Simms G4Z Zippered Wader is about another $170 more than the Simms G4 Pro.  It has the obvious, a zipper on the front.  We have never seen this fail, ever.  More and more people are beginning to buy this but it is expensive.  At $700 we'll be quite honest in saying we don't sell very many of these.  The zipper is a YKK that is bomp proof.  At Red's Fly Shop we have personally attempted to get this zipper to leak by twisting, prying, and pulling on it while wading deep.  It does not fail.  The shoulder strap system is deluxe and is built in a way that will never twist.  The wading belt is attached at 3 points around the waist line so you never have to let your belt hang.  It stays in place and is a nice feature.  The pocket system is the best there is with a total of 4 individual chest pockets that all feature zip closure.  It is also a perfect wader for anyone who has trouble getting waders on and off, maybe they are elderly, have a stiff back, or just like the ease of entry and exit.  The zippered wader also dries out inside (condensation) because you can unzip it and create greater air circulation inside the wader. In general, the Simms G4Z Zippered Wader is a stellar wader and yes it is worth the money if you are willing to spend it.  We haven't heard any regrets on this one.

Why so many customers choose Simms Gore-tex waders

Customers in our fly shop buy Simms Gore Tex Waders because they are the easiest to service and repair.  All waders, including Simms Gore-tex waders will eventually get some "pin-hole" leaks.  These leaks will result in some dampness but the hole will not be identifiable unless you have Simms Gore-tex waders.

How to repair Simms Gore-tex Waders

Simms waders are easy to repair because they are genuine Gore-tex.  If you wear your waders hard eventually you will get a small tear or pinhole leak, rare but true.  The process for pinholes literally takes about 5 minutes total!  At Red's, we have personally repaired waders in a matter of a couple of minutes right here in our shop.  Here are a couple of videos on fixing your waders.

Video on how to repair pinhole leaks in Simms Waders

Video on how to repair holes in Simms Waders

Simms G4 Pro Wader Size Chart -