SNOWBEE Light Weight Wader

Say the name Snowbee in most fishing circles and quality boots and waders spring to mind. The company originaly started with a Light Weight Wader made from PVC and has taken big 'safe and dry' steps since then and established themselves as a market leader in their chosen product. For sea anglers Snowbee also produce Power Pro [my choice of braid for a long while], a full range of wet/dry Luggage, Clothing and some fantastic looking Rods and Reels too - take a look at the Jigging Gear!!

Before I get too excited about all that, I've a pair of waders to review - Usually a BIG issue for me but when Snowbee said they supply the Light Weight Wader in Size 14's I was delighted at the prospect of chest waders that fit! My usual option is to go for the XL Stocking foot - which in most cases is a Size 12 max!

Reviewed: Snowbee Light Weight Waders
Reviewed by Lloyd Rush

Selling Price £55.00 more info www.snowbee.co.uk

The first thing I noticed is they fit! but only just... I was supprised by the snug fit as I usually expect a boot to be on the 'Large' scale but not so with these boots. That said, they're just pefect for me as I'm actually a Size 13 and wanted to be able to fit a Neoprene Stocking on at the same time for warmth and comfort in the winter surf. At best I'll be using a thick wooly sock. If sent a friend to go buy a set [which I just might do given the price to quality ratio] I recomend buying the next size up.

The exagerated grip on the Boot Sole underpins the quality of the PVC boot you would expect from the name Snowbee. The boot shouldn't be something stuck at the end of a good Wader Body and never the other way round either, it should always be part of the wader in a marriage like eggs and bacon - or Cider and Cider as we say here in the South West! - How on earth Snowbee can produce a Wader of this quality for £55 is beyond me.

Getting the Wader on and off is very effortless. Assisted by the quick release pastic buckles and side adjuster straps the boots can be on and off in a snap, making them ideal for assiting in launching boats etc; but these waders should not be left just for that task, do not be fooled by the low price tag - they are a very usable wader designed for fishing and should be used accordingly.

The Durability of the 210 Denier Nylon will stand the test of time, and I'll report back on how there doing in 6 and 12 months from now [May 09] - The wader is Light to wear and the American Cut seams that go up the outside of the leg will avoid chaffing, a good design choice in my books as are the side and top adjusters.

I would have liked to have seen a slightly larger inside pocket, although the one fitted is ample I do like to carry slightly larger 'Plugging' box than most - the use of a 'Bum Bag' would be ideal or a Half Vest would overcome this - If I can avoid the use of a vest in the Sea I will - I guess the 'Standard' wader market is different to my demands. On the plus side and a HUGE bonus is the fact that the Wader is ideal for converting into a Waist Wader, simply rolldown the top and adjust the top elasticated cord as needed, tidy simple and very, very comforatble.

Oh nearly forgot, the boots come with a little repair kit but I'm not sure you'll be needing that! If there's a better Wader out there under £60 that has the same quality and comfort I'd love to see it - I think I'll have a long wait. Well done Snowbee.