Description Orvis brings you the very best value ever in breathable waders $129! A price that’s quite simply unbeatable. They also feature a chest pouch, and Hypalon soled neoprene feet.
Review Abstract These “light,” “comfortable” and “easy to put on” waders are a “great value.” The “roomy” Orvis Clearwater Breathables are perfect for warm or cold weather and allow for “easy movement” in water or while walking. “Durable,” “breathable” and “inexpensive,” the Orvis Breathables “keep you dry” even after hours in the water. Anglers like the “maneuverability” of the waders, which “pack to a small size” and “stand up well to use.” The “great warranty,” “great value” and “excellent performance,” along with the Orivs name, all add up to an “fantastic” product.
Summary: After reading many of the other reviews for the Clearwater Waders, I'm amazed mine lasted as long as they did. If you had asked me last summer what my opinion of them was, I'd say they were a great value. They were very comfortable, not bad looking, breathable, and never once leaked on me.
That was last year. I put them on for the first outting this season, laced up my boots, and stepped into the water. Fifteen minutes later I was wondering why my feet felt wet. For no known reason, both neoprene feet decided they were sponges at the same exact time. I was always very good about drying the waders before storage, and never ever abused them. I was very careful to not walk around without boots on, so I know the neoprene leaked due to any fault of mine.
I called Orvis and they gave me a Repair Claim number and told me to send them in. That was June 23. After 6 phone calls to Orvis, they finally confirmed that the repair department received them on July 12 (3 weeks later, for those without a calendar). Today, July 27 (yet another 2 weeks) they called me back to tell me what I already knew. The waders weren't repairable.
They also told me something I didn't know. They would only give me 50% back in credit on them. The fact that the waders malfunctioned due to a manufacturer's flaw yet the company was still going to make me pay extra to have them replaced. L.L. Bean would have covered them no questions asked!
Ok, so they also gave me a 20% discount toward a new pair. Other people here have mentioned the same thing. I guess that's their standard policy when they screw up.
So, I did the math and decided to pony up for a new pair of Silver Label waders, the step up model. The service rep said that they now provide a lifetime guarantee toward manufacturer flaws, so I'm reasonably sure the next time the waders fail, it won't cost me anything. So, it's 6 weeks after I sent the Clearwaters off for replacement, and I'm waiting for the Silver Labels to arrive.
Bottom line: they were good while they lasted, but I don't consider 3 years an acceptable period. And it seems I was luckier than most. If Orvis hadn't offered me a discount and credit toward new waders with a Lifetime Warranty, I would be ordering Simms waders this afternoon. But I'll give Orvis one more chance. Don't screw it up this time, guys.
Strengths: Good fit, very breathable (despite what others have said, mine worked great). Went 3 years without any leaks. Very lightweight (good for warm weather.. in colder weather, just wear long underwear)
Weaknesses: Sudden failure of neoprene
Customer Service: Polite, but extremely slow. Read that any way you want.
Review Date May 22, 2003
Overall Rating 1 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Reviewed by: Vinny Dick(Unregistered User)
,
50+ days a year
, from Boyertown, PA usa
Price Paid:
$130.00
at Yellow Breeches Outf
Body of Water: anywhere fish roam
Summary: These breathable waders are hardly breathable. I have had problems with the seams in the feet leaking. I am on my third pair. These waders suck. Save your money and purchase a high-end pair of waders. They will last longer, and save lots of grief. Granted, Orvis has replaced the wader 2 or 3 times. But that is besides the point. They are hot and they leak alot.
Strengths: good wararanty
light in weight
Weaknesses: seams in feet seem to leak after a little use, not too breathable
Customer Service: outstanding......8 bucks and you have new pair of waders
Review Date November 4, 2002
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: mardin56(Unregistered User)
,
30 days a year
, from New Jersey
Price Paid:
$175.00
at Harry's Army Navy
Body of Water: Atlantic
Favorite State: NJ
Summary: These waders lasted all of one hour before leaking. After reading Orvis's promotional material on their web site about their extensive quality control process to ensure their waders don't leak, I would have to say Orvis has better writers than quality control experts. I took them back the first day I wore them, with the puddle of ocean water still inside the boot. The price was reasonable if the waders had worked out.
Strengths: Comfortable and very light.
Weaknesses: Waders are designed to prevent fishermen from getting wet; these don't meet the bill.
Review Date July 19, 2002
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: mortengray(Unregistered User)
,
20 days a year
, from Norway
Price Paid:
$149.00
at Mountain View, Ancho
Body of Water: Kenai River
Favorite City: Soldotna
Favorite State: Alaska
Favorite Country: USA
Summary: Good value for the money. Used them in the Kenai for about a week. No leaks, but they felt pretty moist inside after more than four hours of fishing. Great feeling of no sweating.
Strengths: Light, comfortable material. Price OK.
Weaknesses: A little baggy around the legs. The neoprene feet seem to be too thin to be able to keep the feet cold - even with thick wollen socks inside. Can be compensated by using a pair of socks that have been warmed up before use. Dry boots will also help the moist problem.
Customer Service: Not needed yet. But Orvis are known for their "no problem" guarantee.
Similar Products Used: None. First breathable. Previous experience with Red Ball Neos.
Review Date June 18, 2002
Overall Rating 1 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Reviewed by: Scott D(Unregistered User)
,
50+ days a year
, from NJ
Price Paid:
$120.00
at online
Body of Water: Catskills
Favorite State: NY
Summary: Orvis clearwater waders: leaks, retains water around ankles. Replaced multiple times. Waders would last 3-4 days of fishing before first leaks are noticed. Not worth the frustration/inconvenience.
Strengths: lite weight, breathable
Weaknesses: loose fitting, ankles will retain huge "bags" of water. Leaks. Gone through multiple pairs. Average life span for my waders: 4 trips before leaks.
Customer Service: takes 4 weeks to get new waders.
2 of 5
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1 of 5
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4 of 5
