Steve:

I have not fished in either, but I have fished with folks wearing them ( an
Orvis endorsed guide doing some field testing of the Pro-Guide, and an Orvis
employee field testing the Tailwaters XT- in the interest of full
disclosure).

The Pro-Guide looks an awful lot like the Simms G-3. It has all the bells
and whistles. I tried them on and found the anatomically correct stocking
foot to be incredibly comfortable (at least for a walk around the room a few
times). They also have two different sets of belt loops, so you can select a
belt height that suits your frame. I liked the handwarmer pocket, of
course,the flip over tippet spool pouch, and built-in gravel guard (with a
big enough finger loop to actualy use) but from a more functional point of
view, the important thing I think is the use of 5 layer fabric in high wear
areas, like the knees and seat. These waders also fit better than my Silver
Labels I have - I think I read that they now have articulated knees which
probably help the fit. The top section also folds down to make waist waders
for hot days. From a versatility standpoint, these are probably my next
waders.

The Tailwaters XT include a built in lace-up boot foot, as I am sure you
know. I was inclined not to like them - my Silver-label lace-up boot foots
are incredibly uncomfortable. But there is a big difference between the
Silver Labels and the Tailwaters - the Tailwaters boot is a legitimate
wading boot, very much like the Orvis Henrys-Fork boot - not just a rubber
boot attached to the wader. I tried these on too, and unlike the Silver
Label boot, found it incredibly comfortable. The wader has a similar 5 layer
fabric design in high wear areas, and a very lightweight fabric above the
belt line to allow for conversion to a waist wader. Unfortunately, the
design eliminates a tippet pocket. One thing I didn't like was the suspender
system - I like a wide suspender to reduce pressure - and the Tailwaters
suspenders are pretty narrow. But - the guide tried on a pair too, and
really liked the suspender system - so I may be in the minority. My only
real complaint with the waders was the fact that they are not available in a
studded felt sole. Other than that, they would be my choice for a
replacement for my Silver labels.

HTH

Jim Ray (with no connection to Orvis other than a few catalog industry
friends)

--
email SPAM countermeasures require removal of allnails to reply
"steve sullivan" wrote in message
...
What are the pros and cons of this in regards to each other?