Need new chest waders.

[Jim Sr.]

Need to replace the old ones, prefer 5mm, 1200 gram boots with the Velcro shoulder straps. Would like to stay at or below $200.
Has anyone here tried the Drake EQ waders and can you rate them? I found them on sale for $174 + shipping.
Much obliged in advanced...

http://www.wingsupply.com/closeout-closet/closeout-footwear/drake-waterfowl-camouflage-eqwader-lst-waders-tall/

[BigGoonTuna]

i have a pair of those that i picked up in the bargain cave at cabelas a few years ago(i paid $100 iirc, marked down from around $300).  i haven't worn them since i bought a lighter pair last season.  they are very heavy, but very warm as well, as they are fleece lined.  the muck straps on the boots are kind of worthless(it's tough to pull them tight as they're kind of flimsy and the boots are thick), and the shoulder straps are a little weird, i'm 6'2 and they don't pull snug all the way on me.

if you're sitting around in really cold weather they're pretty comfortable, but if you have to walk around much i'd look for something lighter weight.

[Brad Harshman]

Good recommendation - 5mm neos are heavy.  I sweat terribly in mine if I'm hiking gear in.  End of this season I'm getting breathables.   

[washingtonmuley]

The 5mm are nice to have right now but for most of my season they are way too warm so I am going to add a pair of breathables as well.

[full choke]

Need to replace the old ones, prefer 5mm, 1200 gram boots with the Velcro shoulder straps. Would like to stay at or below $200.
Has anyone here tried the Drake EQ waders and can you rate them? I found them on sale for $174 + shipping.
Much obliged in advanced...

http://www.wingsupply.com/closeout-closet/closeout-footwear/drake-waterfowl-camouflage-eqwader-lst-waders-tall/

If you have never had a pair of Drake waders before you should really try some on before ordering, or at least make sure you can return them. They have a weird sizing. The legs are super short compared to the torso. They just seem to fit weird. I have a pair I bought super cheap. LST's I think- built tough, plenty warm, but just fit weird.

[Jim Sr.]

Great replies folks.
I will also be using them for winter steelhead fishing & I like the 5mm & 1600g boot insulation option, I'm older and standin nut deep in a cold azz river for hours at a time I really do need to be as warm as I can be.
As for hunting, I mainly boat hunt on an open sled so the cold wind & rain affect me also.
When you get to be over 55, warmth is hard to come by in the harsh winter elements.
Thanks & keep em coming. Jim Sr.

[GrampasGuns]

Today I bought Cabelas Super Mag 1600s. Holy crap these are the best purchase I've ever made for hunting. Spent the afternoon in a frozen marsh and got two greenheads. So happy I got the better boots, I was originally looking at the northern flight series.Get the super mags!

[sakoshooter]

Check out the Cabelas Ulitimate waders. All the features you listed and I'm still wearing mine after 5 years. I really like them.

[Jim Sr.]

Wow just found these reviews on the Drakes:
http://www.wingsupply.com/clothing-accessories/drake-waterfowl-clothing/drake-waterfowl-eqwader-5mm-neoprene-1600gr-thinsulate-lst-waders/
Drakes are out...

[cue772]

I just got a pair of Macks Prairy Wings Breathables. The waders are nice.. I just layer what I need and do not get cold. The boots on those things are incredible. 1200g Thinsulate.. there is a wool sole that really keeps my feet warm, and its removable for warmer days.

For me.. my feet are the only thing that seems to get miserable due to cold, I have really enjoyed hunting in these so far this year.

[JJD]

I will never own anything but breathables.  Bought my first set over a dozen years ago.  On set 3 now and they may not holdup quite as long as neo, but the comfort makes them worth it.
When it's cold, wooly bears under the waders and toe warmers.  Just keep some Aqua seal around to patch pin holes
.

[Patarero]

Check out the Cabelas Ulitimate waders. All the features you listed and I'm still wearing mine after 5 years. I really like them.

Only thing I don't like about these is the velcro straps.  Mine seem to have become less sticky with time.

[Jim Sr.]

I've had 2 sets with Velcro straps & have not had a problem, the key is to not get them dirty or muddy when putting them on or while takin em off...
I like the added warmth and less cutting into the shoulders like the nylons do.
Goin to cabelas today to try on some different brands.

[bknilvr00]

I went with Cabelas 3mm light mag neo's last season. And I'm really liking them. I stayed fairly warm when it was 12 degrees out, but I'm not totally sweatin to death when its above 40.

Sent from my space modulator.

[Jim Sr.]

Went to Cabelas Sat. during their big 5 hour rip off sale. The availability of waders they had on sale was pathetic and the $149 special had none over size 9!!!! They didn't even stock the shelves, I was in there Wed. and had the same boxes on the shelf... What a disappointment it was!!!!

I didn't buy the cheap ones, I got the Ultimate waders with the Velcro straps (like my old Hodgmans) they don't cut into the shoulders) they were $240 out the door and they better hold up or I will Boycott Cabelas 4-ever...