Hello Forum Members.

I haven't used this forum in quite a long time and I now have a question. I have a gift cert. to Orvis and am in the market for my first pair of breathable waders. I am trying to decide between the Tailwater XT and the Pro Guides. I'm looking at stocking foot model in each. I do most of my fishing in Michigan streams. Please let me know your thoughts on these waders. Any thoughts on the durability of these two and their overall quality would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bink

I would agree with GRN but, Orvis change the design on their Pro Guides and in my opinion address the main problem.
The Pro Guide II Have a seam down both outer sides of the leg. The stitching isn't the problem, it's the weld (that 1/4" flap that is welded to the wader). That ridge from the weld wears out way too quickly and they leak bad.
I had my pair for two years and I was guiding so they got used a lot. Second summer they started leaking infact you could see daylight down the weld. They sent me a new pair and I put AQUASEAL down the weld. Now as far as the warranty goes, they prefer you TRY to fix them so, I don't see that as a void.
Anyway, in the new line up, the new PRO GUIDES have one seam down the back, so I do believe the problem is solved.
But, this is not to say Simm's are a bad choice, but an answer to your question.
FG

Flygoddess has it right. The pro guide 2's aren't great because they wear out at the knees more quickly than they should. The Pro Guide 3's won't have this problem.

That having been said, between those two, I would pick the pro guides. If they are the 2's, make sure you are buying them new with warrenty so you can take them back if the knees wear out.

I talked to Orvis a lot about waders. Of course Joni knows more, but this is what I got from them. As has been said the Pro guides have been redesigned to be like the Tailwaters in seam construction. The Tailwaters are a softer material and more comfortable. I thought the Pro Guides were stiff. The Tailwaters convert to waist high waders better than any waders i've tried. including Simms.

Now here's the best part of the Tailwaters. I'm not sure if it's the truth, but Orvis told me the Tailwater waders have never been returned to them for repairs. Pretty impressive if it's true, and I don't think any other waders can claim that.

My .02 anyway.

A good selling feature there Pete. Of course, Customer service can only tell you what they have been told. I do know of one pair, but ch*t happens and I am not saying that because I (how did you put it) find something to disagree with you about. I have just been there in person, instead of talking to a receptionist.

However, you bring up a good point. The Tailwater plus's, they are now less expensive than the Pro Guide 3 and it is a fair price. Make great waste highs, Softer..?! Agreed on the older ones but we are talking the Pro 3 and it is lighter and softer. The chest feature rides low, and is a different material to make folding it in nice. The advantage to the new PG3 is they are a comfortable waste high as well, and the chest piece a little higher for deeper wading or rainy days. Worth $50. more? $298. for the stocking foot tailwater is a nice price. I never got them cause at the time they only came with the built in boot, and not only could I not find a good fit due to the fact they are made for men, but I wear waders out faster than my boots and vise versa.

Actually, I was talking to the one who runs the wader department. I think her name is Donna.

I've had the Orvis Pro Guide and switched to the Simms G3 and I have the same gripe about both, they are too tight in the calf. I admit to being an old fat guy, but didn't think my calves were that big. Anyone else with this problem?

I have BIRD LEGS so no problem here. I have heard Simms has a slimmer leg and the guys at the store said the Pro Guide II was a slimmer cut then the old GREEN Pro Guides.
My problem is I am 5'8" and a 36" inseam.

Joni, you're all legs. I'm 6'2" and only have a 34" inseam.

Ah So, maybe that's why I have a problem with waders. I'm 4'6" tall, weigh 245 lb., and have a 20" inseam.

LOL...My problem is my big feet. I'm 6'2" 190 lbs with a 32" waist, but wear a size 13-14 boot. The wader companies think anybody with that boot size must weigh 300 lbs. I look like Bozo the clown in most waders. Orvis is the worse. They make their waders kind of big. The best fit so far are the new Simms G3's.

So, Pete, did you buy some G3?
I do know Orvis makes their clothing for the MATURE bodies. So I figure I am just not mature enough and that is fine with me, he, he, he.