OT- Duck Hunters

o_dawgnabit

All-American
Oct 13, 2016
4,566
6,569
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I’m in need of a new pair of hunting waders. I’ve had many different types of the years so I’m open to many. I’m leaning towards the lacrosse wetlands or trying gator waders out. Was wondering what y’all s thoughts were?
 

J-Dawg

Junior
Mar 4, 2009
2,224
314
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I’m thinking about going breathable with the Bandeds this year. However, my Mack’s branded Waders lasted me 5 seasons so I may just get another pair of those.
 

Junction John

Redshirt
Oct 22, 2014
3,249
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Key word: breathable. I got some last year and vowed that I will never

attempt to squeeze my fat *** into (and out of) neoprene again. I think mine are Lacrosse, got them from Hook & Bullet, and they're great.

Also I'm sure you know this but a reminder to get insulated. When you're shopping in summer, uninsulated might seem like a good idea as they are cheaper and you "can always wear as much underneath as you need to keep warm." Wrong answer. Cold water bites right through that stuff and it can will make your hunt miserable if you're standing in water.
 

Tbankerdog

Redshirt
Nov 2, 2013
44
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1
I have the Banded insulated waders. Didn’t hunt any timber this year and they still managed to spring a leak. They come with a one year warranty so I’ll be sending them back. WIth that said, they are unbelievably comfortable and plenty warm.
 

Awwhellnaw

Senior
Jun 29, 2017
899
604
88
Duck season has been cancelled on all public lands in the state of Mississippi for the 2018-2019 season. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...
 

Water Dawg

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
54
8
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Get the new Sitka waders if you are rich. 😉

If not the drake waders are the best for the money. Guys in my club that have the banded waders have all had issues
 

o_dawgnabit

All-American
Oct 13, 2016
4,566
6,569
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I am actually waiting to hear more about the Sitka ones. I know they are expensive but I’ve heard they will have a warranty plan where they will fix any issue you ever have. If that is the case then I may do it just for the long term value on it.

I’ve heard awful things about banded so thanks to those that confirmed that
 

Uncle Ruckus

All-American
Apr 1, 2011
14,795
5,864
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Hijack: what do you guys shoot? I’ve been a couple of time and want to get more into it, but I used an old 1100 that was handed down, which I don’t want to beat up. I have a Franci O/U, but I don’t want to beat it up either. Really like O/U’s, but I like more shells. I’ve shot practically every auto, but haven’t put them through the ringer in water, mud etc. My two favorite autos were the Extrema and Versa Max. Did not like how any Benelli shot, but I’m sure I could grow comfortable with them
 

qball.sixpack

Redshirt
Aug 26, 2012
224
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My neoprenes sprung a leak last year and I went with the Banded. Man, I loved them. They were awesome, easy on/off and very warm! No leak issues although I probably hunt less than some of these posters. I am keeping mine in a climate controlled area as well. That's a huge help for long term reliability. Seams don't dry rot.
 

engie

Freshman
May 29, 2011
10,760
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Since everyone talks smack when I attempt to be informative, I’m definitely not going to tell you that it’s easy to get Sitka stuff half price if you can associate yourself with an LLC that sounds even a little bit ourdoorsish. My online business has Powersports in the name and with 15 minutes and some creative company describing, my application was approved within 24 hours. $425 or $475 is still plenty expensive to wait for first reports though IMO.

If you call them or send anything in, it all is handled in Memphis. Ups ground there and back is a quick turn around.
 

katfsh

Redshirt
May 15, 2014
204
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Banded red zone breathable all the way. If you want to step up from there get the banded black label. We sell the gator waders as well in our store but I wouldn’t own a pair to hunt in. They got their start in the “designer” mud riding waders, then move over to the hunting industry.
 

RutherfordBHayes

Redshirt
Nov 4, 2014
767
14
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Drake are Mississippi guys that advertise at DWS and are Bulldog Club donors. Good people.

I second the breatheable waders.
 

Awwhellnaw

Senior
Jun 29, 2017
899
604
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I just can’t get into Sitka for some reason. Even though every frat boy in the state pimps Drake’s stuff, I like there products a lot. The fact they are a Mississippi company and Bulldogs is a plus. Buy Drake.

P.S. Sportscenter in Stark had like a 50% off sale on Drake waders towards the end of season last year. Hope they do it again this year.
 

J-Dawg

Junior
Mar 4, 2009
2,224
314
83
Hijack: what do you guys shoot? I’ve been a couple of time and want to get more into it, but I used an old 1100 that was handed down, which I don’t want to beat up. I have a Franci O/U, but I don’t want to beat it up either. Really like O/U’s, but I like more shells. I’ve shot practically every auto, but haven’t put them through the ringer in water, mud etc. My two favorite autos were the Extrema and Versa Max. Did not like how any Benelli shot, but I’m sure I could grow comfortable with them

I’m a Franchi guy. Have an O/U but I shoot a 3.5” Intensity at ducks. Going into my 4th season with it and have yet to have a single hiccup. Light, too. Very near Benelli quality (most parts manufactured in same factory) at a better price.
 

Dawgbite

All-American
Nov 1, 2011
9,136
9,881
113
Hijack: what do you guys shoot? I’ve been a couple of time and want to get more into it, but I used an old 1100 that was handed down, which I don’t want to beat up. I have a Franci O/U, but I don’t want to beat it up either. Really like O/U’s, but I like more shells. I’ve shot practically every auto, but haven’t put them through the ringer in water, mud etc. My two favorite autos were the Extrema and Versa Max. Did not like how any Benelli shot, but I’m sure I could grow comfortable with them
I have a Benelli SBE2, a 3" Vinci, and a Ruger all weather Red label. The 3" Vinci probably gets shot 10-1 over the other two combined. I love the Ruger but with hot loads it will kick the taste out of your mouth and I always anticipate shooting a lot even though I rarely do.
 

PapaDawg

Senior
Nov 19, 2014
791
725
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Frogg Toggs breathable waders with a Benelli SBE II Waterfowl Edition.
I am extremely satisfied with both.
The area I hunt rarely gets below freezing, so I don't need insulated waders.
 
Sep 21, 2017
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I have worn out several pair of the cabelas dry plus waders over the past 15 plus years and will gladly buy another when my current pair go. Once I figured out how to layer under my waders I can wear them from early teal season to the last day of duck season.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-DRY-PLUS-CAMO-HUNTING-WADERS-REG/2278265.uts?slotId=11

Also I had been shooting a Beretta Xtrema 1 for the longest time and that gun was a tank. Last year I found an A400 Xtreme Unico in a funky camo pattern at Mack's and bit the bullet because they were priced below dealer cost. I'm not sure I will ever love and abuse this gun the way I did my Xtrema 1.

I second black cloud my father and I went from shooting 2.5-3 flats of 3.5" in a season down to 1.5 flats of mixed 3" & 3.5" when we switched from kent (back before their quality control went down the tube).
[h=1][/h]
 

msu86

Redshirt
Sep 17, 2015
245
0
0
If you get there early before everything gets picked over, you can usually get a great deal on anything hunting at the Wildlife expo in Jackson the 1st weekend in August. I usually walkout with at least a pair of hunting boots every year just because they are so cheap. I put a lot o miles on them walking behind my squirrel dog...at least thats how I justify it