B
boomstick
(I'm a long winded writer, sorry)- This is for anyone willing to read my long posts.
I finally bought my waders and used them last week with the G4 guide boots, no studs or star cleats. I have to say they were excellent and terrible. I decided after wearing them that I will not go out again without the cleats because of slippery rocks! My nike mesh running shoes that have a huge foot print, due to my wide foot and "wide" type, and are foam with a rubber material gripped much better than these boots buy a mile, dry and wet. The biggest difference was the warmth of the boots and ankle support. I figured that I would pass on felt type boots and go with vibram when I decided after reading seemingly a million forums and reviews. I've never worn wading boots so I decided to start with a newer technology because I wouldn't know better anyways. So, today I ordered the star cleats and the old G3 guide boots without studs for the felt. Why you may ask? So I have options, but that is where I'm looking for help from you.
What I've learned;
Felt= Superior to rubber compounds for our rivers. Studs are an excellent addition and recommended. Bad in boats with studs, winter snow, hiking, and wet heavy.
Vibram= 70-80% of grip vs felt, again boat problem cleated, excellent hiking and river approach.Rave reviews in other rivers with peat type substrate unlike our rivers with mossy rocks, deadly without cleats, a guide told me that he will not take me out due to liability and I now know why.
So I'm torn about what to do, I can own both, but not wear both. Who has owned both and is willing to share experiences with me? G3 with or without studs or stick with the G4 and use new cleats and just get use to them?
For the record, I was at the bowling alley in my new gear, feeling good about crossing to the small island. but on the other side of the bank trying to wade across in about a foot or two of water to get ahead of the other guys. I can honestly say I was terrified of landing on my behind and taking a nasty swim because the faster current and how slippery the mossy rocks felt:shock:. I turned cautiously around and very disappointingly scooted back. Walking into the sandy river in troutdale was awesome, even chest high, but where I was at was more silty sand and spaced rocks.
I may sound pathetic, but I've been sucked under before in a river when I was younger (12) in Texas and nearly drowned. I'm an excellent swimmer, but waders and boots do have me fearful. Thank you
I finally bought my waders and used them last week with the G4 guide boots, no studs or star cleats. I have to say they were excellent and terrible. I decided after wearing them that I will not go out again without the cleats because of slippery rocks! My nike mesh running shoes that have a huge foot print, due to my wide foot and "wide" type, and are foam with a rubber material gripped much better than these boots buy a mile, dry and wet. The biggest difference was the warmth of the boots and ankle support. I figured that I would pass on felt type boots and go with vibram when I decided after reading seemingly a million forums and reviews. I've never worn wading boots so I decided to start with a newer technology because I wouldn't know better anyways. So, today I ordered the star cleats and the old G3 guide boots without studs for the felt. Why you may ask? So I have options, but that is where I'm looking for help from you.
What I've learned;
Felt= Superior to rubber compounds for our rivers. Studs are an excellent addition and recommended. Bad in boats with studs, winter snow, hiking, and wet heavy.
Vibram= 70-80% of grip vs felt, again boat problem cleated, excellent hiking and river approach.Rave reviews in other rivers with peat type substrate unlike our rivers with mossy rocks, deadly without cleats, a guide told me that he will not take me out due to liability and I now know why.
So I'm torn about what to do, I can own both, but not wear both. Who has owned both and is willing to share experiences with me? G3 with or without studs or stick with the G4 and use new cleats and just get use to them?
For the record, I was at the bowling alley in my new gear, feeling good about crossing to the small island. but on the other side of the bank trying to wade across in about a foot or two of water to get ahead of the other guys. I can honestly say I was terrified of landing on my behind and taking a nasty swim because the faster current and how slippery the mossy rocks felt:shock:. I turned cautiously around and very disappointingly scooted back. Walking into the sandy river in troutdale was awesome, even chest high, but where I was at was more silty sand and spaced rocks.
I may sound pathetic, but I've been sucked under before in a river when I was younger (12) in Texas and nearly drowned. I'm an excellent swimmer, but waders and boots do have me fearful. Thank you
