Simms G3 Wading Boots?

I've finally killed my second pair of LL Bean River Treads Aquastealth
Studded boots while tramping around on the Colorado this past week
(soles are peeling off). Although I've loved these boots, this is the
second pair that has failed me over the past 5 years (god bless LL
Bean and their guarantee). I've also found them to be relatively stiff
and heavy for long hikes.

I'm looking at the new Simms G3 Felt Studded wading boots. Was
wondering if anyone out there has used these boots, and if so what was
their experience with them. I'm a bit concerned about the durability
of the felt soles over some of the terrain I travel to get to my
fishing holes - but I imagine the studs will make them a bit more
sturdy.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately due to
the fact that I'm returning my old boots for an exchange, I'm limited
by LL Bean's offerings - and other then their own boots they only
offer the G3 and the Simms L2.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

jc

Chotas. STLs. Removable studs. Great shoe. Easy on - easy off,
even when dry. Unique lacing system that can not be beat. No studs
allowed on a drift boat or in a lodge cabin? No problem. Take the
wrench and have the wench remove the studs. Easy!

They don't last any longer than any other wading boot, but they are
quite comfortable as a hiking boot.

I know, I know. They aren't sold by LLB. How long ya gonna suck on
their teats? Be free, lad. Buy the Chotas and use the Bean for
shirts and socks, canoes and yaks.

Dave

"jcoleman" wrote in message
oups.com...
snip
I'm looking at the new Simms G3 Felt Studded wading boots. Was
wondering if anyone out there has used these boots, and if so what was
their experience with them.
Snip

If you do a lot of hiking in your wading boots (and it sounds like you do)
felt, even studed, is not the way to go if durability is important. Also if
you do any fishing in the winter and need to go through snow to get to the
stream, you definately don't want felt. Snow will stick to and build up on
the felt and you are soon walking (stumbling actually) on a 2-3" platform of
compacted snow.
I have owned many pairs of felt soled boots,both studded and unstudded, but
much prefer the studded Aquastealth, for both traction and durability. My
last pair of wading boots was the Simms Guide model with studded Aquastealth
soles. They were good, but quite heavy and the uppers cracked after 2 1/2
seasons of hard use. I much prefer my new boots which are also Simms -
Rivertek model w/ studded Aquastealth. They are lighter, use synthetic
material for the uppers ( lighter and less likely to crack than leather),
and have a shock corded lacing system ala Chota.

Bob Weinberger

G3s are a bit heavy (heavy duty too).

L2s are light and a bit narrow.

Patagonia boots are light and a bit wider though.

--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"jcoleman" wrote in message
oups.com...
I've finally killed my second pair of LL Bean River Treads Aquastealth
Studded boots while tramping around on the Colorado this past week
(soles are peeling off). Although I've loved these boots, this is the
second pair that has failed me over the past 5 years (god bless LL
Bean and their guarantee). I've also found them to be relatively stiff
and heavy for long hikes.

I'm looking at the new Simms G3 Felt Studded wading boots. Was
wondering if anyone out there has used these boots, and if so what was
their experience with them. I'm a bit concerned about the durability
of the felt soles over some of the terrain I travel to get to my
fishing holes - but I imagine the studs will make them a bit more
sturdy.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately due to
the fact that I'm returning my old boots for an exchange, I'm limited
by LL Bean's offerings - and other then their own boots they only
offer the G3 and the Simms L2.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

jc