These are some of the questions we get asked on a regular basis. If you have a question that is not answered here please
contact us.
Should I get CustomFit or off the shelf waders?
We recommend that if you are investing in a pair of DryLINE waders, the small amount extra you pay for custom made will more than pay for itself in the comfort and durability that a perfect fitting wader will provide.
click here for more information about our neoprene wader sizings. However if you are a close fit to an off the shelf size wader you will get the same advantages without needing CustomFit.
For commercial and trade users who have more than one person needing to wear the waders then the off the shelf size waders offer a general fit the majority of people can wear.
Do CustomFit waders cost more?
Yes they do. They take extra time as we make each pattern individually and often require more materials. But we only charge a flat fee no matter what size waders you need. And if you are purchaseing neoprene waders we will fit standard kneepads for FREE!
What do you mean by custom made breathable waders?
All Dryline Breathable waders are
fully custom made!
When we say custom made, we really mean it! Other "custom fit" waders only enable you to choose a different bootie for a different body size, that's all! NOT our breathables! Here's our process...
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we take your measurements
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add allowances so you can move easily in your waders
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draw your wader as a template on paper
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tweek it for the best fit
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double check the measurements
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transfer the pattern onto breathable fabric
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hand cut it out
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send it to our specialist sewing contractor (here in New Zealand)
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receive it back and check it the quality
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send it to our specialist seam-sealing contractor (here in New Zealand)
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receive it back and check it the quality
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send it back to our specialist sewing contractor (here in New Zealand) for finishing details
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receive it back and check it the quality
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custom fit, then custom make your neoprene booties (or neoprene attachment for gumboots)
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glue your booties (or gumboots) onto your waders
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tape and add the finishng touches before shipping them to you.
Phew, sounds complicated! That's because it is! But why have something as essential as your waders giving you grief when out for a long days fishing!
Isn't all neoprene the same?
No it's not. Without getting too technical, there are varying grades of neoprene. They range from 100% rubber down to 15% rubber, which leaves you wondering what the other 85% is made of!
We use a very high grade of 100% rubber neoprene with a high quality nylon outer.
The main advantages of using such an excellent neoprene are:
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Increased buoyancy - in case of falling over in water.
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Minor self healing ability - small punctures from walking in brambles and the like do not leak.
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Abrasion resistance - our Xtreme neoprene can withstand a huge amount of abrasion, as our trade customers will atest to!
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Durability - your waders will last longer and won't crease as easily which damages the neoprene.
Why don't you sew your waders?
Every time the needle goes through the neoprene it makes a hole. These holes create a perforated line which over time will split. To ensure a longlasting watertight seam, we glue, machine seal, then seam tape the exterior and interior and then machine seal both. We machine seal the seams three times! If you were to try and pull our seams apart, the join would hold and the neoprene would rip beside the join. (Just like a good weld in steel.) It's that strong!
What is the difference between 3mm and 5mm thickness, what should I choose?
3mm is lighter weight and is suited to applications where the user needs to keep dry, but is not in particularly cold water or conditions. It is more flexible making it easier than 5mm to walk or work in. Neoprene is more durable than breathable fabrics for punctures so this is a good choice if you are tossing up between breathable waders or neoprene. It still provides a good amount of warmth, and is buoyant and windproof.
5mm is our most popular thickness. It is nice and warm making it good for waterfowl hunting, fishing, float tubing, or commercial use (ie salmon farms, oyster farms, water blasting, working in ditches/rivers/waterways). A lot of our customers whitebait, salmon fish and hunt waterfowl so choosing 5mm means they only need one pair of waders. It is also more buoyant than the 3mm so adds that little extra safety if the user is in the surf, fast moving water or float tubing in a lake.
What gumboots do you use and why?
We use Blundstone gumboots, both
safety and
non-safety. These are the best gumboots we have found. And when you make the best waders in the world you need a gumboot to match! They are very comfortable (as our customers wearing them 8 hours a day can testify to!), and they are sturdy enough to last as long as your waders will. Blundstone stand by their gumboots with a
2 year manufacturers warranty.
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