Hi Yuji,

They changed the Orvis low end so it looks a little better, is heavier too,
but is still an imported wader @ $129.

The Simms Freestone is not Gore-Tex (Sympatex) but is made in America and is
pressure tested in Bozeman, MT @ $149.

Simms has taken over the wader market in the US with fit, quality and dollar
value. If you think about it, who else only makes waders, boots and
raincoats? I believe every other companies waders are imported. I think it's
only competitor would be Patagonia, but they are still playing catch up with
the fit or tailoring and are not using Gore-Tex.
--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA
www.kiene.com

"Yuji Sakuma" wrote in message
...

Hello,

Sometime before next April, I intend to buy a new pair of lightweight
waders
as a backup spare for my "guide weight" gamer. Of the ones currently on
the
market, my choice would be the Simms Freestone. I have looked at the
Freestone in a shop; they are not as lightweight and packable as say, the
Orvis Clearwater but the Clearwater fit is just terrible.

My question is this; does anyone know at this time if any new products are
coming for 2004 from Simms (or any other top quality manufacturer), which
will be a competitive alternative to the Simms Freestone? I would prefer
an
even lighter wader if one were to become available.

Thanks for any information.

Yuji Sakuma