Hi Bill,

It is fine that you are patriotic and choose to promote American products
but I am Canadian and I am looking for price/performance - country of origin
is not a criterion for me. For example, I notice that the best outdoor
gear, with a couple of exceptions, is designed by American companies, such
as Patagonia, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, etc., and fabricated offshore. My
experience with Goretex in outerwear is that it is technically good, maybe
the best, but that the difference in performance with other
waterproof-breathable membranes for most applications is marginal. I was
happy with the Orvis Clearwater waders except for the awful fit and the
ridiculous double knees (which trapped water). Just because something is
made in America does not make it the best; ask me if I would rather own a
German car or a Japanese camera. That said, I think Simms does make the
best waders.

Yuji

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"Bill Kiene" wrote in message
...
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