Why are so many people so obsessed with big 3.5″ steel waterfowl hunting shells? There are a few good reasons, though improved performance is actually not high on the list. The 3.5″ 12-gauge shell is a tremendous marketing and phycological success. However, it’s true performance cannot live up to the hype. But the facts do not matter as much because the reason this shell is so popular is based on something completely different. Get the whole story on this podcast episode.
Get your FREE Tetra Hearing 2-Year Extended Service Plan. Simply add this plan to your cart when purchasing a Tetra Hearing device and use this code at checkout to make it free: NewHuntersGuide
Every hunter’s goal is to deliver a perfect shot every time at every game animal we have in our sights. Increasing the percentage of precisely placed shots we can execute requires maximum performance from our rifle and ourselves. While training and practice are key to great shooting results, there are some technical innovations which can boost performance too. These innovations influence both how the rifle and the shooter perform.
Boosting Rifle Performance
A rifle’s ability to function reliably and hold zero consistently depends significantly on the stock the barreled action rests in. Most experienced hunters will express the sentiment that rifles with a history of solid performance and never shifting from zero are the ones they value the most. The ability to shoot 1-inch groups instead of 1.5-inch groups is insignificant compared to a rifle’s ability to deliver spot-on shots without ever shifting. And here we find one of the strengths of modern chassis systems.
Chassis like those produced by MDT use materials, bedding techniques, and tight manufacturing tolerances which were impossible just a few years ago. This combination results in gunstocks which are more stable and better at squeezing out every drop of accuracy a barreled action can deliver. Additionally, a chassis system will likely be stronger than most gunstocks, especially wooden or polymer stocks, and better able to survive the drops and falls which inevitably occur on a hunt.
This increased reliability and consistency would be sufficient reason to install a chassis, even if there was no improvement in accuracy. However, it’s common for a chassis installation to result in an increase in pure mechanical accuracy. Tighter groups with fewer flyers are a great byproduct of investing in a chassis.
Predators and varmints are smaller targets, so rifles intended for these animals will benefit greatly from the accuracy enhancements of a chassis equipped rifle.
In some cases, we might even see better reliability in feeding from the magazine. I saw this with a bolt-action Ruger American Rimfire which wouldn’t feed reliably from the magazine when the factory stock was used. Swapping that polymer stock for an MDT chassis resulted in perfect feeding.
And speaking of feeding, the ability to increase magazine capacity is a nice bonus of chassis systems. While not a big deal for big game hunters, those who pursue predators, varmints and feral hogs place a high value on magazine capacity, as well as the ability to swap magazines quickly. In those hunting circles, MDT magazines have a stellar reputation for capacity and reliability.
Boosting Shooter Performance
While a good chassis system can improve the mechanical performance of a rifle, the shooter remains the weakest link in the system. Fortunately, we can expect the chassis to extract improvement from the operator as well. Key to this is the modularity and adaptability of a good chassis. The ability to adjust buttstock length, comb height, grip angle, trigger reach and even weight are all features found in chassis systems. Making the gun fit the shooter instead of requiring the shooter to adapt to an ill-fitting gun can produce a huge accuracy boost in field shooting.
Fitting the gun to the shooter, as can be done with chassis systems, provides the operator with the best chance of delivering this kind of precision.
And gone are the days when installing a chassis meant adding five pounds to your rifle. Lightweight systems likeMDT’s HNT26 and CRBN are lighter than most wooden stocks, allowing hunters to shed weight while improving performance. For those seeking the maximum amount of weight reduction, lightweight scope rings are another step to consider.
Of course, reducing weight can increase recoil which can degrade shooter performance. Muzzle brakes are the solution to that issue as they can turn the hard kick of a magnum rifle into a soft push. MDT has done a lot of research into what it takes to make a muzzle brake as effective as possible, and it shows in their line of COMP and ELITE brakes.I have both on various rifles and the reduction in recoil they provide is amazing.
The MDT COMP Brake has adjustable ports in the 12 o’clock position allowing the shooter to fine tune its performance.
Another significant enhancement to shooter performance is provided by support systems such as bipods and tripods. And nothing merges better with these supports than a chassis. It’s common to find M-Lok slots and ARCA rails built into chassis forends specifically to accept whatever ‘pod system the owner prefers. Conventional gunstocks on the other hand often require some kind of makeshift adapter or are simply unable to accept some support systems.
MDT’s GRND-POD is a lightweight, practical, shooting support for hunters.
Good support systems allow a shooter to smack distant steel targets with a rifle bullet, and that’s always a ton of harmless fun. However, it needs to be approached much more seriously if the targets are game animals. Pulling off ethical hunting shots at long range requires practice, flawless technique and top-notch equipment. Ensuring the rifle is held perfectly level and not canted left or right is one component of the perfect technique, and rifle-leveling indicators likeMDT’s Send iT level are a huge help in this regard. Compared to traditional bubble levels the Send iT is faster, more accurate and much easier to “read” while peering through a scope.
These rifle-leveling devices, as well as the chassis systems, muzzle brakes, bipods and scope rings I’ve discussed here are shooting technology at its best. Their purpose is to help a hunter deliver a perfect shot every time at every game animal. I use them all and the technology has never let me down. I just wish my own skills were as reliable.
ABOUT MDT SPORTING GOOD LTD.
MDT is the world’s leading precision rifle chassis manufacturer, with offices in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, and Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA. MDT was born with a single purpose: to provide better value and accuracy for precision rifles. The first MDT chassis was developed from the ground up based on the needs of shooters. Today, MDT chassis, magazines, and accessories are still developed the same way. We collaborate, question, and verify our concepts with precision shooters from around the globe to ensure that every MDT product is designed with the same single purpose: to provide our customers with the absolute best product possible. For more information, seehttps://mdttac.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Al Voth calls himself a “student of the gun.” Retired from a 35-year career in law enforcement, including nine years on an Emergency Response Team, he now works as an editor, freelance writer, and photographer, in addition to keeping active as a consultant in the field he most recently left behind—forensic firearm examination. He is a court-qualified expert in that forensic discipline, having worked in that capacity in three countries. These days, when he’s not working, you’ll likely find him hunting varmints and predators (the 4-legged variety).
What are the warmest hunting socks? And what are they made of? On this episode I interview Kim Brooks, the creator of Warrior Alpaca, one of the most innovative sock companies out there. She designed the warmest hunting sucks I could find anywhere. These socks beat every other brand. Alpaca Wool is incredibly warm and retains more heat when wet than even merino wool.
You can also find Kims other Alpaca clothing brands here: Inca Brands.
Why and how do you hunt deer with a shotgun? This is a beginner’s guide and provides an all-round understanding of the shotgun hunting landscape including different levels of shotgun hunting, types of guns and ammo, slugs vs. buckshot, how to get ready for your first deer hunt with a shotgun and much much more.
Turkey hunting can be both enjoyable and fulfilling, but it often requires patience. Gobblers can be tough to track, and after spending hours in uncomfortable camo gear, it can feel disheartening if you don’t bag a turkey. To enhance your experience and increase your chances of success, investing in comfortable hunting apparel is key. Your camo should keep you concealed while also ensuring you’re at ease. However, if comfort were the only priority, hunters would simply opt for jeans and a t-shirt.
Why You Need Specialized Turkey Hunting Gear
Contrary to popular belief, turkeys are highly observant animals. While they may not be the smartest bird, their exceptional eyesight allows them to detect potential threats easily. Quality turkey hunting gear helps hunters blend into their surroundings without disturbing the natural behavior of these birds—leading to cleaner shots.
The Sharp-Eyed Turkey
Turkeys possess remarkable vision and are quick to notice anything amiss in their environment. If you’re not wearing effective camouflage that helps you merge with your surroundings and deceive their sharp sight, they will spot you long before you get a chance to even use your decoy.
The Importance of Blending In
The right turkey hunting camouflage is designed specifically for this purpose—to help you stay hidden from turkeys. Given their acute eyesight, a leafy camo suit can significantly enhance your chances by making it seem like you’re just another part of the landscape. Since you’ll likely be waiting for a while until a turkey shows up, ensure that your gear is both comfortable and well-fitting; even a small patch of exposed skin could alert an eagle-eyed bird to your presence.
Choosing Effective Camo Gear
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to hunting camouflage gear; different hunters mix various types based on weather conditions, terrain, and other factors. One standout choice is 3D leaf suits that mimic natural foliage—these allow for movement with the wind while keeping you hidden when still. Turkeys are perceptive so you want to be the tree, and the leaves on a tree move.
Camouflage Essentials
Camouflage is critical for any successful hunter. It’s essential for blending into the environment—especially when dealing with birds as turkeys. Always consider factors like weather conditions and location when selecting your camo gear as these elements greatly influence what will work best.
Staying Concealed While Hunting
When turkey hunting, decoys play an important role in luring birds out into view so that you can take aim effectively while remaining hidden—in many cases requiring extended periods of stillness.
Where Should You Position Yourself?
Every hunter has unique preferences on where to hide during hunts; however, it’s generally advised to stay at least twenty feet away from your decoy with one hand positioned at about 45 degrees when preparing to shoot. Make sure you’re comfortable before setting up because even subtle movements can catch a turkey’s attention—uncomfortable or restrictive gear could lead to failure in securing your target.
Comfort Matters When Hunting
You might wonder why comfort matters so much in choosing leafy suits specifically designed for turkey hunting functionality—it all boils down to how long hunts often last involving significant trekking and waiting around.
Why Prioritize Comfort?
Turkey hunts can stretch on for hours before spotting any game—you might find yourself deep within woods or crouched low trying not to be seen—all activities that can strain your body over time leading to discomfort which may cause unnecessary movements that frighten off potential prey.
Here’s what features matter most regarding comfort:
Boots: Choose sturdy boots made for rugged outdoor conditions without compromising breathability or fit—they shouldn’t be too tight but should also stay secure enough during movement (consider breaking them in ahead).
Pants: Lightweight yet durable camouflage pants are crucial—they need adequate space without being overly loose so they don’t snag on branches while remaining waterproof depending on seasonal conditions (elastic waistbands add extra comfort).
Jacket: Layering works wonders since temperatures fluctuate throughout lengthy hunts; breathable materials help maintain warmth without restricting mobility (ensure all layers match color patterns).
Gloves & Face Coverings: A turkey’s keen eyesight means even minor skin exposure could give away your position—opt for gloves covering most fingers made from breathable fabric paired with masks/hats matching overall camouflage design ensures minimal skin visibility while allowing airflow (important during those tense moments waiting).
Consequences of Poor Gear Choices
Using ill-fitting or cumbersome camo leads not only discomfort but potential disadvantages impacting overall success rates as well—agitation stemming from irritation makes staying focused difficult which could ultimately ruin an otherwise promising day out in nature!
Agitation Leads To Frustration
Nothing disrupts focus more than discomfort caused by unsuitable materials—the hunt turns tedious rather quickly if every slight itch becomes distracting!
Frustration Can Derail Success
If hours spent yield nothing aside from soreness due lack proper fitting equipment—that feeling adds insult to injury especially after missing opportunities due poor positioning resulting from uncomfortable camo wear!
Quality Counts
Ultimately quality matters immensely concerning choosing appropriate hunting apparel—it influences everything ranging from performance levels achieved down durability observed post-hunt experiences! Opting brands known for providing high-quality items guarantee satisfaction every outing bringing excitement back into sport itself!
Wrapping Things Up
Invest wisely into premium-grade equipment featuring effective camouflage patterns tailored towards enhancing overall experience during each adventure outdoors!
If you’re looking for premium leafy camo ghillie suits, leafy camo face mask hats and/or leafy camo gloves, consider QuikCamo’s leafy camo gear for turkey hunting! They use premium, licensed camo from Mossy Oak and Realtree. Good luck in your pursuits!
This article and its images were written and provided by the great folks at QuikCamo.Check them out.
On this episode I talk with the man who knows more about choke tubes than anyone else I’ve ever met. Lifelong hunter, sporting clays champion, master tool maker, and owner of Muller Choke Tubes, Jimmy Muller. Put your seatbelt on, we are going to cover some very Indepth and important info.
How do you find out what really works when it comes to waterfowl hunting ammo? Well, you talk to a lifelong hunter, sporting clays champion, and owner of one of the most innovative companies in the hunting industry, Jimmy Muller ofMuller Chokes.com.On this episode we dig into some of the nitty gritty about waterfowl ammo, what works, what doesn’t, and why.
The TideWe DeepWade zipped hunting waders are some of the best breathable waterfowl hunting waders on the market. I was very impressed with the quality and features of these waders. They are very well thought out, durable, and provide more function than I had ever thought about. And while they are excellent zipped waders in their own right, the simple utility of a zipper on waders is huge no matter what brand of zipped waders you use.
I have been very impressed with the quality of TideWe’s products over the last few years. Their quality to value ratio is extremely high, perhaps the highest of all significantly sized hunting brands I know of. You get a lot for your money with TideWe. The DeepWade waders are their deluxe waders as well, the best and highest level offering they have. I think they are TideWe’s way of showing off a little and they do it well.
Before writing this review, I reached out to TideWe and asked them if they would give a discount code for my readers, and they were very kind to do so. Enter this 18% off discount code at checkout: GK18 for theTideWe DeepWade Zipped Wadersor almost anything else TideWe sells. This discount is in addition to most sale prices.
As a note, I hunted with these waders every day I went afield in our early duck season this year. I never review anything that I haven’t used in the field and put through its paces. These are no exception. I have alot of waders as well, breathable waders, 5mm neoprene, 3.5mm neoprene, breathable waders, expensive waders, cheap waders, hip waders, etc. So, I did not need another pair, but I was so curious about the zipper that I had to give these a try, and I’m very glad I did!
Do These Zip Waders Really Keep You Dry?
The first big question everyone asks is do the zippers leak? Do these waders really keep you dry? Well, for me a pair of waders is worthless if it leaks. I do alot of hunting in the cold and getting wet can be the end of the hunt. It can also be detrimental to your health. If something leaks, I have no place for it. And these waders do exactly what they claim, they are completely watertight.
All the zippers are watertight as well, for the body of the waders but also for the outside pockets. And they should be. There are no leaks in the zipper and no leaks anywhere else, even after standing in the water for quite some time while hunting and filming my review video.
Fit & Comfort
I wear a size 11 in all of my hunting boots and waders. And I ordered an 11 in these also. They fit great and still have plenty of room for a heavy wool sock in the boot. And for me all waders start with the boots. They have to be comfortable, warm, and fit right. And these do all of the above. They have good tread, are well made, and they are insulated with 1600 grams of Thinsulate. In short, the boots are great, and I have done some walking and chasing downed birds in them as well.
The rest of the waders are very comfortable, more comfortable than other breathable waders I own actually. The way they are cut is very smart. They are good for standing, sitting, walking, etc. Alot of waders are fine when standing but fit odd when sitting in a stool waiting for ducks. These are the best fitting waders I’ve ever used. I can’t recommend them enough, and they have adjustable zippers on the size to expand them for larger chest sizes. I didn’t need to use that feature, but that’s a big win for bigger guys.
Features
Speaking of feature, these DeepWade waders are jam packed with them. Normally I’m not much of a features guy, I like plain waders because less features means less places the waders can fail. But TideWe seems to have done it right with these. They are durable, strong, reliable and packed with features. Some of which include:
1600-gram Thinsulate boots
Breathable construction that evaporates moisture
External shell holders
External zipped pockets
External fleece lined hand warmer pockets
Internal zipped pockets
Clips to hang stuff from
Included wader belt, extra insoles, repair kit with patch, and wader hangers.
The big giant awesome zipper on the front
Adjustable chest size
Reinforced knees and seat
4-layer waterproof construction with ultrasonic seam sealing technology, the goal of which is to reduce seam leaks
Nice camouflage patterns, and no, not all waders out there have good camo options
Great zipper handles, especially on the main zipper
I could probably come up with more features, but you get the idea. And these all seem to work really well.
Functionality
As far as waders go, these work great, the pockets are great, especially the fleece lined hand warmer pockets. That is a wonderful addition. That keeps you from needing to buy and carry a handwarmer muff which takes up space and costs more. The position of the handwarmer pockets is perfect as well. I have coats that have them, but they are really poorly positioned and are awkward to use. These are perfect.
Normally I wear my jacket or parka over my waders to give me access to good pockets to hold my calls and shells. But for these I do not need to do that. Their great pocket options mean I can put them on over my jacket and get in and out of the water much easier without having to shed and replace another layer every time. That may not sound like a big deal, but trust me, when you have a busy day with a lot of action, it is a huge deal.
Now for the zipper. This is where these things shine. Yes, the zipper makes them much easier to get in and out of. Yes, the zipper makes it easier to go to the restroom. Yes, the zipper makes these perfect for jump hunting when you need to pull the waders out of a backpack, throw them on quick and retrieve a bird floating down stream. But even more useful than all of that is your ability to unzip them when you are setting up in the morning and start sweating from all the work.
I quickly learned to make sure I wear a zippered jacked and zipping mid layer under these. So, as I haul in my gear and setup my blind, I can unzip everything down to my base layer and vent heat and evaporate sweat. This keeps me cool when working hard. Then when I finally settle in and cool down, I can zip all my layers back up and be toasty warm. This is huge for me, and it is probably huge for a lot of other hunters who never even thought about it before. For me there was never any other options, so I didn’t realize how much something like this could help. I think these waders are worth it if only for this benefit.
Durability
I have no patience for waders that don’t last long. If something fails after one or two seasons, I consider it junk. It has to be made to last, even when it comes to waders. And while I haven’t had these for several years yet to prove them out that far, I can tell by using them that they are very solid. The material is thick and strong, the strongest of any breathable waders I’ve used. The seams are well done, the reinforcements are right where you want them, and the straps, belt, and external pieces are good. I can’t really ask for anything more on these.
No waders are failproof and certainly none are indestructible. But I expect these to last for many seasons. If they fail, it will likely be because I did some very irresponsible things. And then I’ll patch them and keep using them. As of this writing, TideWe has a limited lifetime warranty on these. I am sure that excludes any damage a hunter does to them and so on, but it’s nice to know they are providing some kind of factory quality guarantee.
Value
TideWe is well known for exceptional value, and I don’t just mean cheap stuff. I mean giving you ALOT for what you pay. Everything I’ve bought from them has been really high quality. Every piece of gear I’ve ever bought from them is still in service, nothing has worn out or broken beyond repair. These DeepWade waders continue that tradition. However, they are not cheap. But no zipped hunting waders are. The DeepWade are on the lower end of the zip wader price scale, and they compete very well against waders that cost twice as much.
And of course, you can get 18% off the sale price if you enter this discount code at checkout: GK18 for theTideWe DeepWade Zipped Waders
If you need something less expensive or are just getting started, TideWe’s Seeker Neoprene waders are the best cheap waders I have ever used. I did afull review on the Seekerand the same 18% off discount code works for them too.
Conclusion & Recommendations
If you are looking to test out some zip waders or upgrade your gear to the next level then theTideWe DeepWade Zipped Wadersare one of the best options out there. I cannot recommend these highly enough. They make duck and goose hunting more comfortable and more enjoyable. Any good zip waders would make a big difference, but these a great zip waders.
Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!
George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.
The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.
As a note, TideWe gave me these waders at my request to do this review, thanks to them for their support.
TheTideWe Seeker Neoprene Hunting Wadersare a very unique piece of gear with some serious strengths. They are the best waders for the money that I have found thus far. I nearly passed on them because they seemed too “entry level” but I was very impressed once I finally had them in hand. These are perfectly fitting, comfortable, warm, and durable waders with a few helpful features. And above all, they keep you dry!
I have used high end waders that cost easily 3-5 times what these TideWe waders cost. And while those more expensive waders do have a few nice touches, these beginner waterfowl hunting waders are just as good in numerous areas. So good in fact, I wish I could have bought these for my first pair of duck hunting waders. I probably have only used TideWe waders ever since.
Before writing this review, I reached out to TideWe and asked them if they would give a discount code for my readers, and they were very kind to do so. Enter this 18% off discount code at checkout: GK18 for theTideWe Seeker / MAX5 Neoprene Hunting Waders or any other waders TideWe sells. This discount is in addition to any sale prices.
Fit & Comfort
I have used some really high quality neoprene waders in the past, in fact I still do. But the fit and comfort on the TideWe Max5 Neoprene is the best of anything that I’ve worn. They are cut well and give you room where you need it as well as the perfect amount of stretch. I was very impressed the first time I tried them on. In the field, hunting, they proved themselves even better.
Sitting on a short stool for long periods of time in neoprene waders can be challenging, but not with these. Whether I was in the water, sitting motionless, or running after downed birds, these waders felt like a second skin. They didn’t pull, chafe, or restrict my movement. This is about the best-case scenario you can have with neoprene waders.
Features
When it comes to waders, I don’t like a lot of features. To me they distract from the main purpose of the waders, add cost, and they are extra things that can fail over time. Instead, I want waders that have the highest possible quality with the best functionality. TideWe did a great job of keeping these simple and effective. The main features include:
3.5mm neoprene with very nicely sealed seams.
Extra layers of material in high wear areas like the knees.
Realtree camouflage pattern. It is about my favorite all-purpose waterfowl hunting camo.
Reinforced Rubber Boots with good fit and comfort.
800-gram Thinsulate insulation in the boots, which keeps them nice and warm for most hunting conditions. The waders themselves are not insulated, just the boots, however neoprene is a naturally insulating material, so they keep you very warm.
Adjustable straps, which should be a given, but they are quite comfortable.
Internal water-resistant zip pouch for your phone.
External Velcro storage pouch.
Hand-warmer pockets in the front, though they are not lined, nor would you want them to be.
Integrated shell holder loops in the front.
Removable belt with extra shell holder sections you can add.
A small patch kit in case you poke a hole in them.
All and all, these waders have everything I need and want, and then some. I do not use the extra belt or extra shell holders; in fact I don’t use any of the shell holders. I have trained for years to pull my shells out of a pocket, without looking, and I’m pretty fast at it. For more on how to find quality waders, here is a podcast episode I did titled Duck Hunting Waders – What You Need To Know.
Functionality
When I think about wader functionality for duck hunting, I am thinking about three major areas. First, do they keep you dry. Second, how do they work in the water, and last how do they work on land.
Do they keep you dry? In short, yes. So far so good. I have used them in shallow water, deep water, still water, and moving water. No leaks, no issues, no signs of future leaks. You would think this is a given, however not all waders are watertight right out of the packaging and of those which are, not all are still waterproof after the first hunt… These passed every test. And if you are looking for a good inexpensive waterproof jacket to wear with these in the rain, check out my review of the TideWe Rain Suit, it was completely waterproof at a very low price point.
Water functionality. Waders need to work well in the water, they need to keep you dry but they also need to enable good mobility. These worked well walking through rocky bottomed streams and in muck. They are very natural fitting, and I can maneuver just fine with them. I have learned that 5mm neoprene waders can be exhausting to spend much time in, especially when wading through muck. These 3.5mm waders do nicely.
Land functionality. Like most duck hunters, I spent more time wearing these on land than in water. I setup my blind, sit in my chair, and then chase down ducks. These have been the most comfortable and functional neoprene waders I’ve ever used on land. I have ran in these, climbed through stuff, and sat motionless and they work well. They are not too bulky, the boot print is not too large, you can still be reasonably nimble, and they are not too heavy causing you to overheat during average levels of exertion.
Check out my video review on these waders to see more:
Durability
When it comes to waders, I am the most critical about durability. So many waders only last a few hunts, and too few live to see a second season. The average lifespan for a pair of waders these days is about 2 years. That said, I have to be honest, I have not hunted in these for multiple seasons yet. So I cannot tell how long they will really last.
But I can say this. I have used them in all normal situations as well as running, pushing through heavy brush, and jaggers. I have crawled in them, and fell, trying to outrun a wounded bird. At the end of the day, they still look brand new. No signs of wear, tear, or separation. That is about the best that you can ask for. They also feel durable, the material itself feels strong. I’ve touched some waders that felt like they might come apart after the first use. These feel very strong and have some heft to them.
TideWe has been making some really good gear lately at excellent prices. I have been surprised again and again. Check out myTideWe See Through Hunting Blind Review.
Value
This is where these waders shine perhaps the brightest. If you use my 18% off discount code at checkout: GK18 for theTideWe Neoprene Hunting Waders, as of this writing you can get them for $90. I realize that price will fluctuate some over time. But to get waders of this caliber for $90, with free shipping, blows my mind. I so wish I would have found these years ago when money was tight, and I needed something to help me get started.
There are waders on the market that cost well over $1,000 and have a 10-year warranty. For that much money, I think you would be better off buying 11 pairs of these TideWe Max 5 waders. They would certainly last you well over 10 years. Probably double that. Spending big money for ultra-high-end waders does not make much sense when you have an option these waders on the market for $90. The price and value are just unbelievable. And they are not cheap quality either. They are a solid wader, easily worth double the price.
The boots are fine, but this is one area that more expensive waders shine brighter
I have not been able to hunt with them for years to really know how they will hold up over time
Boots could have higher level insulation options. I would prefer 800 and 1600-gram options
Conclusion & Recommendations
Are theTideWe Neoprene Hunting Wadersthe best waterfowl hunting waders on the market? No, they aren’t. But are they the best thing you could possibly buy for $90? I think so. If you are a new hunter or just on tight budget, I think these could be the best waders you can buy.
Even if you are not on a budget, consider thinking about your waders from a cost per season standpoint. Even if these waders only last the industry average of 2 years, that is $45 per year. I can assure you, a $500 pair of waders won’t last 10 years. So the TideWe is the better value. And if they last longer than 2 seasons, they become even better still. Rember to enter this 18% off discount code at checkout: GK18
Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!
George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.
The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.
As a note, TideWe gave me these waders to do this review, thanks to them for their support.
What is the number 1 thing holding people back from becoming great hunters? It is a question that can be answered, and in this episode, I go in depth to help you not just realize the biggest thing holding hunters back, but also what you can do to overcome it!
Get your FREE Tetra Hearing 2-Year Extended Service Plan. Simply add this plan to your cart and use this code at checkout to make it free: NewHuntersGuide
