Description We got together a group of people who guide for a living and asked them what they've always wanted in a vest. The result -- the ultimate fly fishing vest. Machine wash/line dry. Water repellent, made ...
Summary: As I will be fortunate enough to go and fish the Henry's Fork and a number of the other famous US rivers in October, I decided that my old cheapo fly vest will not suit the occasion. Following extensive research on which fly vest to buy that will not only look classy, but be functional and last a lifetime as well, I eventually decided on a Filson Guide Vest. It's classic look apppealed to me and it was being punted as this exceptional high quality garment that had no equal. As it was quite pricey (in fact, the most expensive by far of all the leading brands (Simms, Hodgman, Orvis, etc.) I took a week or two to make the decicsion, but once decided placed my order over the net to Cabela's, whose service as usual was exceptional.
BIG was my disappointment when my purchase arrived. Although the vest looked as stylish as on the photo, it was clearly not of the standard I expected. The quality of the sewing was dismal with a number of spots where the thread was about to unravel. There was also a lot of pieces of loose thread clinging to the material, the same as you would see on some cheap eastern version that you would buy for $24. The D-ring at the back was a lovely, shining, (gold-plated?) cheap looking thing, that just as well could have been plastic.
After cleaning off all these threads and carefully trimming off the poorly finished parts with a flytying scissors, I loaded the vest with all my kit and tried it on.
My second nasty surprise...The yoke (quite nice looking, made from felt) is far to rigid to distribute the weight, and I ended up carrying most of the weight of my vest on my lower neck, rather than my shoulders. After 5 minutes I could feel the strain and realised if I had to wear this for a day, I will be stuffed! It is with great disappointment that I now have to return my purchase that I awaited with such excitement to Cabela's (fortunately they have an excellent return policy). My repacement purchase? Probably the Orvis Battenkill Pro Guide Vest. At least I know what to expect.
Similar Products Used: Orvis "easy-entry" vest, which other than being to big for me, is a great product.
Review Date May 2, 2001
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Reviewed by: Anonymous User(Unregistered User)
,
30 days a year
, from Hudson
Price Paid:
$100.00
Body of Water: Grand
Favorite State: oh
Favorite Country: usa
Summary: Top notch. Good vest for Fall, Winter, and Spring Steelheading. Every concern I had with the vest was fixed in the newest version. If I had to buy a replacement vest, the Filson Guide Vest would be it.
Strengths: Outstanding quality, in fact I have bought several other Filson products because the quality was so high. Enough pockets for everything and they are easy to access and are the right size for their intended cargo. Just by inspecting it you can tell it will last a long time.
Weaknesses: Vest is a little heavy for summer wear, but I don't mind, at least it doesn't feel cheap and flimsy.
Customer Service: Top notch - I lost one of the leather pulls from a zipper and they sent me several to replace it - no questions asked.
Similar Products Used: Most of the Major Manufactures
Review Date March 18, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: Anonymous User(Unregistered User)
,
50+ days a year
, from Merrimack, NH
Price Paid:
$150.00
at Filsons
Body of Water: Miramachi River
Favorite City: Doaktown
Favorite State: New Brunswick
Favorite Country: Canada
Summary: a very good vest if you like a substantial feel and high quality and are willing to pay for it
Strengths: High quality fabric with cushioned collar, good load distribution, large rear cargo compartment for rain gear and lunch, large sturdy zippers and snaps that are easy to open with one hand, plenty of pockets that are properly sized, eye glass pocket has moelskin lining to eliminate need for glass case, will last forever
Weaknesses: vest is a bit heavy due to fabric, especially when loaded and is bit pricy
Customer Service: always easy to deal with
Similar Products Used: Orvis Guide Vest, Filsons Strap Vest
5 of 5
5 of 5
3 of 5
3 of 5
2 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
