You know, it's a strange thing. After selling waders for quite a few years, and talking with other retailers who sell other brands, I can say one thing for sure. You just can't predict how waders will perform because there are so many variables. Do you rinse your waders? Hang them? Use them once, twice, ten times a week? Do you drive with them on? How do you put them on- do your roll them up your legs, or grab handfuls and PULL!? In the retail world we've seen brand new waders leak the first time they're used, the second time, after a month, after a year. I'm using a pair of neoprenes that have been leak free for over two years. My last pair lasted about half a season - same brand, same model. Some friends of mine owned cranberry bogs a few years ago, and part of the business required that they buy waders for the bog workers. They tried everything from the rubber/canvas cheapies to fancy neos from a company with which I have some knowledge (!). Their conclusion: When wad
ers are put in a real working situation, you're lucky if you get one season out of them. These things ain't iron-clad. I think Larry's equation is just about right. Spend your money on the middle of the line waders, get three or four years out of them, then chalk it up to the price of going fishing. Oh, and one other thing- buy them from a reputable dealer, whether that be you local tackle shop or a catalog that sells quality gear with a warranty like LL Bean or Orvis.