Wader Warranty

[BigDuckHunter]

My waders gave up the ghost halfway through the season this year. Third year in a row that I’ve been left hanging mid season by a pair of leaky waders.

I’m looking at some of the high-end brands with the lifetime warranty. Specifically Kuiu, Sitka, and Chene, but open to any others.

Does anyone have experience with any of their warranties? It concerns me when they say “lifetime of the product” because that pretty much gives them an out whenever they don’t feel like taking care of you. The one time I had an issue with a pair of Sitka pants the first time I wore them, they basically told me to pound sand so that doesn’t give me much confidence there. I definitely don’t expect them to replace waders 20 years down the road or for someone who’s abusing them, but I’d hope they’d last 6-8 years at least. I don’t baby my gear, but I do try to take care of it. I’m not busting through ice with my knees or walking through a bunch of brush to get to my spot.

Has anyone dealt with their warranty departments for waders? What was your experience like?

 

[Wheels]

I have a pair of Sitka waders that are probably 4 years old, have patched a leak but haven’t sent them in. My understanding is they will fix any manufacturers defect for free and will charge $125 for just about anything else. I have heard of others sending theirs in with self induced rips/tears and didn’t get charged anything, but it’s probably case by case. Not sure about Chene or Kuiu.

 

[tt_johnsclist]

I have had good experiences with both Sitka and Chene wader warranties. Chene had no issues patching up leaks inside the knees that were clearly wear and not factory defects. My Sitkas developed some pinholes at the boot/leg intersection due to wear. They put brand new boots on the waders for a $125 repair charge. I have had good experiences with Sitka jackets and zipper repairs as well.

I just contacted Chene today because the seams on the inside of the legs are starting to split open. I am sure they will take care of me, but I am a little disappointed in that defect. For what it’s worth, the Sitka's have a better fit and comfort level and the padded knee section helps with wear. I prefer them over the Chenes.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

Ok that’s good to hear. I’ll probably go with a pair of Sitka waders. All the Sitka stuff I have has worked well and it seems well thought out, but waders are obviously a different ballgame. And I know everyone makes lemons from time to time so I’d like to know they stand behind it.

Side note, but it is kind of crazy to me that Kuiu sells theirs for a full $200 more than Sitka, even though they can’t use Gore Tex for theirs.