The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Just got off the phone with that "other " wader company. After being a customer for about 10 years or more, I've decided to go with L.L. Bean.

They've expidited me a new pair of their "wicked tough waders". The other company wanted to charge me for repairs and for shipping them back to me after I only wore them twice since I got them back from repairs last time! I was going to order a new pair but they said my size was a backorder and I would have to wait 6 weeks! Not to mention the returned wader jacket, bootfoot guide waders, a pair of polartec unerwear, a pair of wading boots and a mesh vest. They do make a good hat!

I am already astounded with L.L. Beans service! give them a try. I will report back with how the waders hold up.

Odd, I assume you are talking about Simms? If not then disregard.
I have had nothing but great customer service from them. I had some old guide model waders they repaired for a nominal fee, I have had them for 8 years, they returned them repaired with a like new warranty condition, I had one pair of light weight boots, the threads came out at the toe, they replaced them without question. None of the other gear I own, boots, rain jacket, fleece jacket, vest, and other misc stuff have ever had an issue.

I've never owned any LL Bean, but I have heard good things about their gear.

ps This was my first post on the new board.

Berms,

I can only agree with you about Beans service. I had some trouble with a "mid-Price" pair I bought from them. Leaked in the seat seam. They replaced 'em. Replacement leaked in the seat seam. They repleced 'em. Third pair was just fine for about a year, then I tore a big hole in them, and after I patched it, the seat seam started leaking. Didn't have the audacity to send the waders back with a big hole and complain about the seat leaking, so I tried Pata Guccia. So far, I really like them, but I am sure I'll be back at old LL's store.

Yep, Simms customer service sure has changed as they've gotten bigger. Their product quality has suffered as well. My G3's leaked right out of the box. I sent them in for repair and they told me "Congratulations, your waders qualify for our first repair is on us program!" Sheeeeet, I hope so! They're brand friggin' new! They stamped a little fish on the tag which means I'm gonna have to pay for the next repair. My first repair is on us was to make my defective waders right. Don't e-mail them either, you'll never hear back. Call! I have a pair of the LL Bean GQS waders with the gortex feet. I haven't used them very much but haven't had any problems yet. LL bean stands behind their stuff like nobody else too. I ripped the rain cover on my Bean backpacking tent a few years back. My fault, no biggie. I called and asked if they sold the rain covers separate. They told me to send the whole tent back and they send me another. I told them it was my fault and the tent was 5-6 years old and they said send it back anyway.

death, taxes, and leaking waders

Paul

And most of the leaks occur around the crotch area!

and, hope that two don't cause the third!

Paul