Banded Gear

[cue772]

Couple of Quick Banded Reviews after 4 hunts:

Closer 2L Tech Insulated Jacket
Pros: Light, Warm, Waterproof. Spent a full day on a rainy hunt and the jacket kept me nice and dry.
Cons: Fit and finish- a few loose threads. The cuff closures are kind of weak.
Overall I might recommend. Feels as good as any I have had.. fit and finish is a concern long term.
 
Redzone Breathable Waders
Pros: Breathable, Side Zippers to adjust chest.. great to tuck in a jacket, lots of room. They fit high in the back for more coverage in deeper water. Super comfortable waders with good features.
Cons: Fit and finish- quite a few loose threads. Reinforced knee area (for durability) started to unravel, poor quality. Suspenders do not clip, you have to stretch them to fit. At 6'3", 285lbs.. the suspenders need clips. These are not going to last and are already showing signs of weak spots.
Overall I would not recommend. The fit is awesome and material is great. Features are great. Pattern is great. Quality stinks. Suspender design stinks. Had to exchange for a new pair after 4 hunts.

Banded set out " to develop the most comfortable, lightest, most practical, bad-to-the-bone breathable waders ever made". I would say they succeeded in doing just this as they could have been the best waders I have used. Unfortunately quality control was not included in their quest.

[h2ofowlr]

Since you seem to be a Chad Belding fan. You could come up and see him tomorrow at Skagit Arms.  I ran into his crew last night.   

[johnnyaustin44]

Since you seem to be a Chad Belding fan. You could come up and see him tomorrow at Skagit Arms.  I ran into his crew last night.   

id figure you would be there to tomorrow to show your support as well. 

[h2ofowlr]

Since you seem to be a Chad Belding fan. You could come up and see him tomorrow at Skagit Arms.  I ran into his crew last night.   

id figure you would be there to tomorrow to show your support as well. 

Only if I can get a real cool pic of Chad printed on a tee shirt and have him sign it!  I think their are a few floating around this site!  And one of his bandana's so I can strut my stuff.   

[johnnyaustin44]

Oh heck yeah. get it printed on a bandana then you'll have something.

[cue772]

Don't know who Chad Belding is.. and don't care.
I bought some gear at a local store and thought I would share some reviews.

[Tealer]

Don't know who Chad Belding is.. and don't care.
I bought some gear at a local store and thought I would share some reviews.

Seems like an honest review.

Chad has a few new lines coming out...

[NWBREW]

Thanks for the review cue. 

[CCurtis]

Cue,

Thanks for the great product review!  I wanted to respond to your concerns as listed...

On the Closer for 2013:  We are changing to a new style cuff closure for '13.  There have been several comments that are on the same line as yours.  Personally I like the molded closure but I do understand your concern and can completely see your point.  I am happy that you like the jacket other than that.

As far as the waders:  Again, we have experienced the problem with the knee patches that you described.  We are taking care of folks that had this problem as as you stated, it shouldn't happen.  For '13, we will be going with a double stitch line to ensure this doesn't happen.  As for the suspenders, the lack of buckles was my idea, I take full responsibility for that.  I felt that it would be one less plastic buckle that could possibly break.  However, I hear you and others loud and clear.  We are changing the strap system to include buckles.  I think these changes will address your concerns. 

I assure you we are working tirelessly to alleviate these concerns! 

Again, thanks for taking the time to write the review.  Feedback from hunters is priceless! 

[cue772]

Looks like the 2013 waders are out... still do not see buckles on the waders and no mention of double stitching. Were there any changes to them as outlined in your response?