Rated 2 out of 5 by DNRoch Poorly designed Gravel Guards
The gravel guards have 0 elasticity. I am not sure if this is a design flaw, but I have some of the older Simms Wading boots that have the higher ankle cuts/support and it takes me about 4 minutes to wrestle with the built in gravel guards to get them over the boots. LLBean missed the mark in this design for the older boots that are out there on the market for those that need the higher ankle support. For something that is supposed to expand to fit over a boot, they are lucky if it expands to fit a human foot in the booty. I am taking these waders back and asking for a refund since this is critical to any stream fisherman.
May 26, 2011
Rated 3 out of 5 by ccpnaf Not Satisfied
After just three wearings of the Helix Waders the right foot leaked. Gaitors are too difficult to get over the foot and the shoulder strap buckles are in an inconvenient location and are too short.
March 30, 2011
Rated 3 out of 5 by grayling1 booties too small
Seemed like well made waders, but the neoprene booties are too small. Cramped feet would get cold, so I sent them back. I tried both medium and large and both had the same issue.
March 25, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by fishallday The Best
These are the best. They hold up great. Ive been climbing over rocks,trees and other not so fun things but they fit great. I could live in them all day long. I love to hike into my fav places and these are easy to walk in and make it fun to fish. Get them. I have friends that have simms and other brands and wish they had gotten beans. GO LLBEAN!!
January 17, 2011
Rated 1 out of 5 by JimThefisherman Leaking waders
Just bought the helix waders, within the first hour of use the right foot leaked. I will try to return them.
September 23, 2010
Rated 3 out of 5 by Wyofish Helix Waders
I recently purchased a pair of your Helix Waders for a 10 day fishing trip to Alaska (July 2009). The waders were true to size and fit me well. I have two comments / suggestions. The buckle system required me to fasten the waders at shoulder level as opposed to being at chest level on my old waders. Second, the cuff / gaiter system kept the gravel & sand out of my boots but I found it difficult to get the cuffs fitted over my wading boots.
July 28, 2009
Rated 5 out of 5 by MrSandman Helix waders
I recently purchased a pair of Beans top-of-the-line Helix waders. I am a salt water guy and fish often. I go thru waders pretty quick. I normally get about 1-1.5 seasons from a good pair and generally have problems with poor quality waders in less than a season of use. I have to say so far I am impressed. The season is still early and I have only worn them a few times so far but I like what I see. Very comfortable and light but the material is strong. The seams have been minimized which should cut down on leaking. So far so good. These look like they will hold up for a while. The neo socks and built in gator works nice. I have to walk thru a lot of sand and rocks and sand is notorius for getting under gators and into wading shoes, and is the reason I also have boot foot waders. But as I got older I need more ankle support..hence these stocking foots. For the most part little sand has found its way into my shoes. I use mine with the new korker wading shoe with sole inserts and the combo is excellent. They have a high tech lacing system that looks like it would have problems if sand got in there but these gators are doing the job. The front pocket is waterproof and the suspender arrangement they have are excellent, they do not slip and slide.
When I first got the package, I thought they would be too light but the current state of the art materials are impressive. You can walk around in them like a pair of pants. The only thing is there is really no insulation in these so if you are fishing cold water you might consider a pair of wading fleece underneath. The back brace is also nice...I even wore it around the house the other day because it feels good. It looks like a fisherman's cummerbund! :)
I like the idea of the heavy duty belt loops too but have not put used them just yet.
I gave these a try for two reasons:
1) The innovative design (minimizing seams)
2) The LL Bean satisfaction policy.
So far so good but they are comfortable to wear and are holding up to the surf, sand and rocks here on Martha's Vineyard
Suggestions:
- Further reinforce the thigh and seat areas because the salt water surfcasters typically wear that area out from friction with large surf rods.
- Build a boot-foot model...ie attach a quality Muck style boot for the guys that need high end boot foot waders.
June 3, 2009
Rated 4 out of 5 by Stickman Helix waders
Well constructed, comfortable and leak free though I just bought them. I do miss having a nice pocket for gear on the front chest instead of the "handwarmer" pocket these are designed with. Overall happy so far.
February 18, 2009