Thursday, May 16, 2013

Simms Stone Cold Shirt Review


STONE COLD SHIRT

As we head into summer fisherman will be looking towards finding hot weather apparel and the Simms Stone Cold Shirt fits the bill. Whether you're fishing the high UV Rocky Mountains or tropical flats the Stone Cold Shirt will keep you cool and comfortable. The Simms Fishing Shirt collection is one of the best and you can find fishing apparel of all types of fishing. The Stone Cold is a summer favorite amongst the Platte River Fly Shop guide staff.

The Stone Cold is constructed with Cool Control™technology is cool to the touch and absorbs & dissipates heat better than traditional fabrics.  This, combined with COR3™ technology, gives you sun relief in a UPF-rated shirt that effectively puts heat on hiatus.  Ideal for warm fishing climates.  Two Fly box compatible zip close chest pockets come standard on every Simms Stone Cold Shirt.

MSRP $79.95, Colors: River (shown), Cement, Wasabi

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Patagonia Rio Gallegos Wader Review


The newly redesigned 2013 Patagonia Rio Gallegos Wader still remains Patagonias top selling wader and will probably continue to do so at it's price point. The new changes incorporate a complete material and measurement change for the better.

Rio Gallegos Waders now feature H2No waterproof multi layer puncture resistant breathable Hydrostorm DWR barrier, re engineered waist mounted suspender system, completely redesigned fit for right and left booties, built in heavyweight reinforced fabric gravel guards, insided welded waterproof pocket, stretch wading belt and a wool grid lined neoprene bootie for extra warmth.

We have sold numerous pairs of the Rio Gallegos to lady steelheaders and they always come back to thank us because the wool line feet keep there toes extra toasty while wading frigid steelhead rivers.

The fact that the Gallegos converts easily from a chest wader to waist highs, make it the most popular amongst our guide staff since they are in and out of boats all day. When you are on the water for over a 100 days a year like we are, it is important to find a reliable wader that not holds up but provides comfort, breathability and durability. And if you want an even easier wader to put on and take off you might consider the Patagonia Rio Gallegos Zip Front Wader that incorporates all the same features with the added front YYK zipper.

There is nothing like being dry and confortable while fishing so it is important to use Patagoia Layering system and not wear cotton items like jeans and sweat pants to get the most out of your Patagonia Waders. You want to wick the moisture away from body and have it breath out through the wader. Combining this wader with a pair of Patagonia Wading Socks and Patagonia Wading Boots you will have the finest most durable wader set up that money can buy.


Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee:

If you are not satisfied with a pair of Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders at the time you receive them, or if they do not perform to your satisfaction, you may return it to us for repair, replacement, or refund. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge.

 Patagonia Rio Gallegos Wader

Monday, May 13, 2013

Simms ColdWeather Shirt Product Review

by Caddisshack

Simms ColdWeather ShirtI’ve always been upfront with my feelings about Simms apparel and how it’s priced. The majority of the Simms clothing line has never been on top of my gear lists when it comes to value, and it’s still my belief that there will always be cheaper alternatives that function well enough for the majority of people.
But as a sucker for multi-functional clothes, I went against my better judgment and was prodded into buying a Simms ColdWeather Shirt. I was in the market for a good-looking, warm shirt to wear on those chilly mornings on the Mile, hiking around the Rockies scouting for elk, taking down Christmas lights, or for grabbing a drink after snowboarding.
This shirt has been on my back consistently since the day I purchased it, whether it be as an outer layer on those sunny 40+ degree days, an additional layer for ice fishing, or for just lounging around elk camp -- no itching and no dampness from sweat. The two color patterns Black Olive Plaid and Redwood Plaid are sharp. It’s a nice enough shirt to wear around town although I am not crazy about the cut (more on that later). It repels a light snow or rain well enough and dries quickly to be worn as a primary outer layer. This is not your Grandfather’s flannel shirt.
ColdWeather ShirtOne area where this shirt really excels is warmth-to-bulk ratio. I’ve owned a number of lined shirts over the years and the micro fleece liner of the Simms ColdWeather shirt makes for the lightest, most breathable, and least bulky one of the bunch without sacrificing any of the warmth. The shoulders allow enough movement to fire out double-haul after double-haul without restriction. For a little perspective on the warmth, I have worn this shirt as an outer layer (with a warm merino base) while making snowshoe ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park. It kept me dry and warm on a day where it was about -10 degrees at the trailhead. Don’t get me wrong, I would have frozen to death had I not been moving, but it worked brilliantly during a strenuous hike up.
The two oversized pockets are well designed and can easily fit small fly boxes or a big smartphone. So far, the stitches have held up to abuse. I’ve had pocket stitching from more than one brand of shirt fail when subjected to the weight of a digital camera or cell phone.
I wouldn’t mind seeing this shirt in more of an athletic fit -- the cut is a bit generous going through the mid-section. I don’t have a Men’s Health worthy torso to show off, but I am also not shaped like a cinder block. The buttons are thin and metallic, which should bode well for durability but are a bit of a pain when buttoning/unbuttoning.
Simms ColdWeather ShirtI can almost overlook the price on this shirt ($99) and I’ll tell you why...
As much as I complain about Simms apparel, I do love Simms outerwear, and for me the ColdWeather shirt is more of an over layer than just a shirt. I’m willing to pay a little more money for something that can keep me warm and dry, but is also light and can function as an effective layering piece. Call me a hypocrite, but this is the type of product that I won’t hesitate to buy from Simms...just don’t expect me to ever shell out full retail price for anything from their warm weather line of clothes.

Click Here to purchase the Simms ColdWeather Shirt

Wednesday, May 8, 2013



Simms Rivershed Wading Boot Review


The Simms Rivershed Wading Boot still remains Simms top selling wading boot. Simms made the Rivershed with high tech synthetic materials that make this rugged boot to be both lightweight and comfortable. The all synthetic materials allow less water aborbstion, quicker drying time, and less overall weight which can be critical if you do a lot of walking.

With the onslaught of invasive species and the concerns that come along with it, Simms has created these Rivershed Boots to fit it's cleans stream philosophy. “CleanStream” Vibram Soles help prevent the spread of invasive species, such as New Zealand Mud Snails and Didymo Algae, which have the potential to cause severe environmental damage to our watershed systems. These Simms Boots have minimal places for these species to hitchhike and are designed to clean-up quickly. Construction techniques for wading shoes have   improved with molded high density EVA foam midsoles joining the lower and upper parts together with seamless durability, replacing the more failure prone stitched welts of the past. The fit has also changed, with Simms adapting an asymmetrical front toe box design for increased comfort. A fully lined Neoprene closed cell foam interior cushions your foot in comfort while absorbing minimal water.

There is nothing like being dry and confortable while fishing so it is important to use a pair of Simms Socks and not wear cotton socks to get the most out of your Rivershed Wading Boots

Simms Wader Warranty

At Simms, we stand behind everything we make. If your Simms product fails due to workmanship or material defect during the life of the product, please return it to us for repair or replacement. This warranty does not cover damages caused by improper care, accidents or the natural breakdown of materials over extended use and time. All defective or damaged products should be returned to Simms for evaluation and will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Simms Fishing Products.

Simms Rivershed Wading Boot

Tuesday, May 7, 2013


Simms G3 Guide Review

The new version of Simms G3 Guide Jacket  will still impress even the average angler. Simms continues to improve this number one selling Guide Jacket. The G3 Guide incorporates Perfomance Shell Gore-Tex with lighter ripstop fabric to keep this jacket light and packable. If you like pockets then you will be delighted with the G3 as it comes with both internal, external, lined hand warmer pockets and a easy access back pocket along with water tight wrist straps.

This extreme weather rated Simms G3 Guide Jacket now features 3 layer gore-tex shell fabric technology, watertight stretch wrist cuffs, adjustable storm hood for protection and visibility, lined hand warmer pockets, two large chest pockets that will fit any streamer box, four zippered chest pockets, one bellowed back pocket, ajustable waist and a YKK center front zipper with storm flap for durable waterproof protection.

The Simms Guide Jackets fit right in with our North Platte River guide staff. We have not only cold, snow and rain but also a lot of wind and the Simms Gore Tex performance shells continue to provide our staff with the best protection. If you want to stay dry and comfortable on your next big trip we highly recommend them.

There is nothing like being dry and comfortable while fishing so it is important to use the Simms Layering system and not wear cotton shirts and sweatshirts to get the most out of your G3 Guide Jacket. You want to wick the moisture away from body and have it breath out through the jacket. 

Simms Wader Warranty

At Simms, we stand behind everything we make. If your Simms product fails due to workmanship or material defect during the life of the product, please return it to us for repair or replacement. This warranty does not cover damages caused by improper care, accidents or the natural breakdown of materials over extended use and time. All defective or damaged products should be returned to Simms for evaluation and will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Simms Fishing Products.

Simms G3 Guide Jacket

Monday, May 6, 2013

Simms G3 Guide Wader Review


The new 2013 Simms G3 Guide Wader still remains Simms top selling wader and will probably continue to do so at it's price point. When comparing to the top of the line Simms G4Z and G4 Pro the G3 Wader comes in at $499 which is the most affordable high end Simms Wader that they produce.

Simms G3 Guide Waders now features a new 5 layer and 3 layer gore-tex shell fabric technology that is more supple compared to the previous model for better breahability and movement. The patented front and back wader leg seam construction contributes not only to comfort but more importantly durability. There is no more rubbing of the seams while hiking up and down the river. The built in gravel guards provide protection against sand and rocks forming holes in the neoprene stockingfoot. Other great features include deet and saltwater resistance, exterior chest pocket with zippered closure that holds a large fly box, fleece lined hand warmer pocket, flip out tippet tender with a built in retractor, and it comes with a nylon wading belt.

The fact that the G3 Guide converts easily from a chest wader to waist highs, make it the most popular amongst our guide staff since they are in and out of boats all day. When you are on the water for over a 100 days a year like we are, it is important to find a reliable wader that not only holds up but provides comfort, breathability and durability like this Simms Guide Wader.

There is nothing like being dry and confortable while fishing so it is important to use Simms Layering system and not wear cotton items like jeans and sweat pants to get the most out of your G3 Guide waders. You want to wick the moisture away from body and have it breath out through the wader. Combining this wader with a pair of Simms Wading Socks and Simms Wading Boots you will have the finest most durable wader set up that money can buy.

Simms Wader Warranty

At Simms, we stand behind everything we make. If your Simms product fails due to workmanship or material defect during the life of the product, please return it to us for repair or replacement. This warranty does not cover damages caused by improper care, accidents or the natural breakdown of materials over extended use and time. All defective or damaged products should be returned to Simms for evaluation and will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Simms Fishing Products.
What does this mean for waders?

Workmanship & Materials are Guaranteed for the Life of the Product. If a Simms wader fails due to workmanship or material defect during the life of the product, please return it to us for repair or replacement. All defective or damaged waders should be returned to Simms for evaluation and will be repaired, replaced or returned at the sole discretion of Simms Fishing Products. This warranty does not cover damages caused by improper care, accidents or the natural breakdown of materials over extended use and time.

30 Day “Across the Counter” Wader Exchange. If one of our waders leaks within 30 days of purchase, we will replace it with a new Simms wader. We only ask that you get a Return Authorization and include a copy of the original sales receipt when you return the wader.

The First Repair Is On Us. At Simms, we stand behind everything we make. But, from time to time, we all take a tumble in the pursuit of fish. If you accidentally damage your Simms wader during the first year that you own it, the first repair is on us. Simply ship us the wader, along with a copy of your receipt, and we will repair it and ship it back to you.
Further, we will only charge you our actual cost for any additional repairs that you may need during the life of your wader. Our Repair Department is not a profit center. Simply bring the wader to your dealer or contact Simms’ Customer Service for a Return Authorization. Then, ship the wader to us with a note describing the problem and someone from our Customer Service Team will promptly contact you with a repair estimate. Once we receive your approval we will repair your waders and ship them back to you.

Simms G3 Guide Wader

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Renzetti Presentation 2000 Cam Series Vises - The Vise That Does It ALL

 
The Renzetti Presentation 2000 Cam Series Vises offers the tier some of the best features of our vises at a very competitive price.

Keeping in mind today's material and fishing needs, this vise will hold hooks #28 to 4/0 and features the Renzetti's patented adjustable jaw hinge and anti-corrosion coated cam jaws, allowing the tier to achieve True Rotary® action, a ratchet rotary actuator, an adjustable bobbin cradle, a standard powder coated pedestal base, plus an adjustable hinge stem that allows you to tilt the vise head up or down adding comfort and versatility to your vise.

In addition, the Presentation 2000 Series Vise is completely anodized for a more durable finish. This highly versatile vise is like no other vise and will quickly have you appreciating its beauty and features.

The adjustable hinge stem makes it a breeze to work with today's acrylics and epoxy. Many of today's top tiers such as Bob Popovics can be seen tying on the Presentation 2000 vise in many of his YouTube videos and at many of the fly shows.

As always Andy Renzetti wanted to provide you, the fly tyer, with a vise that will cover a complete range of hook sizes from #28 to 4/0, but also to offer the added features that Renzetti is known for.

Truly a Vise that is worthy of the Renzetti name.



Simms Headwaters Waders


The newly redesigned 2013 model of the Simms Headwaters Waders is one of our most popular waders at the Platte River Fly Shop. Whether youĂ­re fishing the Headwaters of the North Platte or beaver pond hopping these Simms waders will keep you high and dry so you can concentrate on fly fishing at an affordable price. This Simms Headwaters Wader features lightweight GORE-TEX 3-layer fabric technology in a light color and it offers the fly-fisherman a very flexible solution for both freshwater and saltwater fly-fishing. The new GORE-TEX fabric is reinforced in the front leg panel for enhanced durability. This Headwaters Wader also features a new front leg seam construction to combat abrasion, as well as a new chest pocket design to hold a large fly box. The built-in gravel guards also feature the new abrasion resistant material for added durability. Pair up with the Simms Headwaters Wading Boots and you will have a perfect setup.

The Simms Headwaters Waders key features included:

* Lightweight GORE -TEX 3-layer fabric in light color offers a versatile solution for fresh & saltwater environments
* GORE -TEX reinforced fabric in front leg panel for added durability
* New front leg seam construction to help eliminate inseam abrasion issues
* New chest pocket design & adjustable shock cord cinch at top of wader
* Built-in belt loop at center back; nylon wading belt included
* Abrasion resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards
* Updated styling details


NEW 2013 Simms Headwaters Waders

GORE-TEX Wader Care:
The #1 tip to prolonging the life of a wader is drying your waders. It is important to dry your waders out after each use. We recommend drying the inside first (if damp) and then the outside. When drying the outside you can pull your gravel guards up until the feet are dry and then flip them down to dry the rest of the wader

Washing - Use a front load machine or hand wash. Use cold water and normal detergent that does not contain bleach. Once you have washed the waders make sure you dry them properly start by drying the inside first. Never put your waders in the dryer, the heat will adversely affect the seam tape on your waders and will void your warranty.

Fit - We offer more sizes than anyone, a good fit goes a long way to extending the life of your wader. Make it clear that people should use their exact measurements as we have already provided extra room for layering and movement.

General Care - Do not store inside your car for long periods of time excess heat will damage your waders.

Use A Mat - Always put your waders on using a protective mat to shield the neoprene feet from rocks. The Headwaters gear bag for example has a pull out mat that works great for this.

Proper Layering - Do not wear jeans under your waders. Jeans are highly abrasive wearing on your waders from the inside out. More importantly jeans and sweatpants do not transfer moisture away from the body. Use proper Simms layering. Using layers such as these will help wick moisture away from your body and assist in the waders ability to breathe.

Stains - most stain removers will work fine on our waders. As long as the stain remover does not contain bleach you should be o.k.