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Posted by PRODUCT DETAILS
Purchased Date: September 2011
Review Date: April 2013
Price: $180 USD / $210 CAD (before taxes)
Length of Ownership: 18 months
Number of days used (approx): 150+ days
Frequency of Use: Avid Salmon (Chinook/Coho) and Steelheader fishing from September to May and throughout the winter months or roughly 8 months of year.
Product Care: Simms Rivertek boots and waders rinsed after each fishing day and properly cleaned at end of season prior to storage.
REVIEW
When I was looking at replacing my torn up old wading boots, I thought I would spend the money for a pair of Simms.
I saw the Rivertek BOA in the store and decided to give these a try since Simms has a reputation for quality.
Also, everyone who I have spoken too also recommended the Simms wading boots based on their experience with the Guide boots.
What attracted me to the Rivertek were a couple of features that I was looking for in a wading boot:
- Lightweight and comfortable since I do a lot of hiking to get to my steelheading holes.
- Fast draining and fast drying.
- Ankle and lateral support for times when wading in rocky and uneven riverbeds.
- Quick, easy, and simple BOA lacing system.
- Vibram sole which has a reputation of quality and durability.
LIKES
- BOA lacing system: great for adjusting when fingers are cold and wet. Easy on/off even with gloves or mitts.
- Good ankle and lateral support.
- Drains reasonable fast.
- Dries fairly fast as long as the boots are not left in the car overnight when it's below zero degrees.
- Light weight and very comfortable.
- Vibram sole gives good traction but only when the ground is dry. Studs/cleats are mandatory when wading in rivers that have have high presence of algae and rocks/boulders. Also, studs are required when fishing during the cold months when there is a presence of ice on the ground and river.
- The flexibility to vary the stud/cleat pattern and usage with the different types available from Simms.
DISLIKES
- BOA lacing system: not durable and the stainless steel wire needs to be replaced at least once per year. (TIP: carry spares)
- Trim material near the toe cap is poor quality and cracks which affects the performance of the boot (see pics).
- Stitching of the trim near toe cap prematurely wears out and is of poor quality and workmanship which severely affects the use of the boot (see pics).
- Vibram sole is not as durable as what I was expecting and is showing considerable wear after 150+ days of use. There are signs of separation from the upper boot and the stitching that holds the sole to the boot has been worn through (see pics).
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Always carry spare BOA laces and dials with you while on the river. I had a BOA blow-out while steelheading and it was not fun having my day end early and having to hike back to the car with one loose boot. I had to wait 2 weeks for my free replacement BOA laces in the middle of peak season so I decided to used zip-ties to secure the boot so I could continue to fish.
- For Rivertek BOA owners, order a set of replacement laces NOW and carry them with you while fishing. Also, carry several zip-ties in a small thickness since this is what I had to use until my replacement laces arrived from BOA. ALWAYS replace the dials the same time you replace the laces.
- BUY your replacement laces directly from BOA since they are FREE and have a Lifetime Warranty (link below). Also, I recommend order a new set every time you replace the laces/dials on your BOA boots as a backup on the river.
CONCLUSION:
Would I recommend this boot to my friends? NO because most of them are avid steelheaders and they will eventually have the same quality/material issues that I have experienced. However, if you are a casual steelheader and do less than 30 days a year, this boot will serve you well and should give you several years of use and enjoyment.
Now in the early 2013 spring season of steelheading, I will have to use my defective Rivertek BOA boots until I can find a replacement.
If anyone has suggestions for a good quality and durable boot that meets my usage requirements, please advise since I will definitely need a replacement for this fall's start of the season.
Steel'ED
