I got these to replace my Redington Palix, waders I got in a pinch when I was poor and starting out. I was hesitant to keep with Redington waders after the experience I had with the Palix. I am glad I did though. The Sonic Dry Fly-Zip is everything I wanted and more. They are a slimmer fit them waders I have used in the past, if you’re not catching fish at least you will look good doing it. There are two internal pockets on each side of the zipper, and two external zip pockets (one dry, one mesh) on the front of the wader. There is also a fleece lined hand warming pocket on each side. But even with all that the thing I like most about the Sonic Dry Fly’s has to be the zipper, it’s nice not have to take off everything when nature calls.



My everyday sizing

shoe size: 9.5/10, waist: 33", inseam: 33"

In the past I have had a love-hate relationship with chest waders. I love that they keep me dry but hate that they make me hot. They can be a pain to put on and even more of a pain to take off. Luckily, for me, I have been using a pair of Redington Sonic Pro Wading Pants for the past few seasons. They have been great but limit the type of water I can fish and where I can go. It doesn't take too long before I am waist deep in water and can't go any further. This summer I was given the opportunity to test out a new pair of Redington's SonicDry Fly waders. I was excited to be able to use a zip front wader but also a little nervous. Zippers and water do not mix, and I was afraid that it was just going to be a leak fest. I couldn't have been more wrong.





Construction

The waders are made using an ultra sonic welded construction with double tape backing to reinforce it. The construction of these waders just feels solid. One thing they did that made me happy was they increased the size of the loop of the gravel guards so they easily attach to my boots. That is nothing major but a complaint I had previously, that they fixed. The zippers on this thing are great. The main YKK #5Aquaseal zipper is a great zipper. I was afraid that it would be a pain like most other water resistant/waterproof zippers. The one issue I had was that the little, rubber, zipper pull popped off after a few days of using it. In reality, it was my fault because I was trying to yank the zipper up with one hand. I cannot fault the zipper though. All that changed was the cosmetic look of it. The wader comes packed with reinforced lower legs, a huge belt, and some of the most amazing suspenders I have ever had on a wader. This just made the wader comfortable to wear all day.



These waders are packed with other features like two zippered hand warmer pockets, two internal pockets and hemostat holders. This makes it to where you do not need a vest or anything for...

First let me just get this out of the way, I love these waders! Their thoughtful design shows in all aspects of the wader. I admit when I first heard of zip front waders several years ago I was skeptical but having used these I am a full on convert! I have waded well up to mid zip to emerge on the other bank completely dry. The zipper is so convenient especially with the ultra cold conditions I face winter fishing in Utah. I don't have to completely undress to take care of business, meaning I stay warmer and my layers aren't at risk of getting dropped into snow or water. I am able to stay comfortable without a ton of layers that makes the wading experience much more pleasant. I hate the feeling of too much bulk and with these waders I am totally satisfied in that regard. They are also durable. I have 50+ days in these waders and they are going strong. One part of the thoughtful design is that there are no seams in high friction areas meaning they aren't the first point of failure as with other, lower end waders I have used. A cool side effect of this is that the waders have the visual impression of the old hip boots I used to wear when I first started fishing over 30 years ago. The foot fit is also really good and is snug enough to avoid annoying fabric ripples in your boots but not so tight that your foot feels restricted. The integrated gravel gaiters are totally reliable as well. My only wish is that I had ordered Large Tall waders instead of XL waders as they are a bit roomy in the torso, but that is on me. One positive is it does allow me to wear my coat inside my waders. I love these waders and I think you will too!

Although these are some of the best waders that I have every owned, I do find one flaw with them; that would be the bootie sizing. I am 5'8, 140lbs and a size 8 foot. The foot size puts me in a size small wader, but my chest size puts me in to a medium. This is not too much of a problem, but sometimes the booties will bunch up inside the wading boot and cause a bit of discomfort. Redington should go along the lines of another wader company and offer customized booties. Other than that, these waders have been great and the zipper is the highlight that sets them apart. I was concerned about leakage through the zipper, but so far so good. They are able to with stand lots of hiking in to spots, shins in to rocks and things of that nature. They are comparable to higher end wader, but offer the same quality in a more affordable package. A lot of people are concerned with weight when choosing a pair of waders; yes, they are slightly more heavy than others, but they make up for that in durability. Investing in a solid pair of waders is one of the most important things a fly fisherman can do and I would not hesitate to buy them again and again.

Oh man, I love these waders for so many reasons. If you spend a lot of time of the river, you NEED to own a pair.



A lot of waders, especially the waders I have used by Simms tend to be extremely stiff and uncomfortable the first few times you wear them. This is probably due to the 3,5, or 7 layers of goretex they use to keep you dry. The redington material, while equally as waterproof as the goretex, is more comfortable, softer to the touch, and since it is not as thick, honestly feels more breathable. (Though Ive only used the waders in winter fishing applications.)



The waders have a full-zip front, which i love. It makes getting the waders on and off extremely easy and going to the bathroom while in the waders is simple. With my Simms G3's I'd have to take my jacket, backpack, and shoulder straps off just to pee. With the Redington's I can just unzip and be on my way. The zipper is completely waterproof and does not catch. The rest of the wader is extremely well thought out with ample storage (waterproof pocket, inside mesh pockets, and hand-warmer pockets), a basic wading belt, and a nice overall classic fisherman style.



My favorite part of the wader are the sonic-welded seams. Seams have always been where my waders begin to leak, especially around the knee/thigh area where there is a lot of wear. Redingtons Sonic welding technology eliminates all seems, which eliminates weak spots where leaks can begin. I have used these a few dozen times now and have stayed completely dry and see no signs of wear. They look as nice as the day i took them out of the box.



Get these waders! you will not be disappointed.