Rated 4 out of 5 by WPaFlyFisherman Worth every dollar
Very pleased with these waders New design is nice improvement over previous models. New model is reinforced in key areas.
Only negative is overall size. XXL is massive - room for 1/2 another person. Belt does help but they are big waders.
LLBean - keep up the great work.
September 25, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by FlyUSCG 1st set
Let me start by saying I'm no prefessional wader tester; this is my first set of waders though I have used hip boots extensively, just to be clear.
The construction is excellent. The stocking feet seem sturdy and have a nylon strap the length of the foot to stifle excess stretching that I assume could lead to failure. There is a lace-hook for the built in gaiters that will attach to your wading shoes. 1 small internal pocket for your small stuff/keys/etc. The shoulder straps are padded and large enough to stuff a 6'5" plus person.
I gave this three stars because the fit in the waist is horrible. I am tall but not fat and I could fit 2 of me in the normal waders. I had to buy the woman's waders to make this work. The men's waders were so big that the loose material would catch on branches, the float line and everything in between. I got these for less than two bills on sale so I can't complain too much though.. just a quick exchange and I was happy. Shipping them back to the states from an island off the Alaska coast was EASY with LL Bean too! You can't beat the satisfaction guarantee with free return shipping and all the bells and whistles. I can't blame LL Bean for the sizing either.. Unfortunately the average American needs all that extra space in their waders. What a shame..
September 19, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by patienttraveler solid waders
Bought these to replace a pair of Or*** waders, and after two years of bank scrambling, cold water swimming, and the occasional fall down a muddy bank, I have to say that they are durable.
I'm hard on gear and I recognize the fact.
no leaks (although i have read that others have had the problem). Careful removal goes a long way and I dry them in indirect sunlight when available.
From VT/NH to Idaho to KY, these waders have seen most conditions and have proven up to the task.
sizing: I'm 6'2, 200 lbs and the waders fit fine, the knees articulate and I don't feel like i'm wearing a stocking. The suspenders fit my "broader than most" shoulders and don't seem to cause any rubbing...
of course, L.L. Bean's guarantee goes a long way when considering what brand to buy.
June 11, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Troutnut Great Waders
I've only worn them twice so far but have found them comfortable and almost bullet proof. I took a bad spill on my second outing that would have destroyed other waders I've owned. The only negative is the very narrow suspenders. Otherwise, they are perfect!
May 30, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by sowbugman Tough waders
These waders are made of the toughest material you can imagine for walking through brush or weeds. They fit well, plenty of knee room and come on and off easily. I just noticed a leak in the crotch that several others have already mentioned. I haven't fished in deep enough water for it to be a problem until recently. I understand the problem has been addressed in later batches. LL Bean will replace these with a new pair. No sweat. I'll be happy to get them.
May 11, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by ShutUpAndFish Tough Waders
Why would you buy any waders from a company who doesn't guarantee their product? My first pair of these had a slow leak in the crotch area on my initial use. I think LLBean had a bad batch of these and have since fixed the problem. I returned the bad pair and received another great pair with no problems. The handwarmer pocket is a great feature for storing things and putting your hands in (however don't expect this handwarmer to be all you need when fishing in snowy weather - its only lined with micro fleece on one side of the pocket). The fit was a little loose which is great when you need to wear a fleece base layer for extreme temperatures. The waders are a little stiff, but thats how you know they are durable. And when fishing in weather that is borderline needing waders, they breath great to keep you cool.
May 4, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by loritos Almost 3 Years of hard use and no leaks
I've been hard using this wader for almost three years and it has no leaks. My secrets are :
- Always leave it hanging on a dry place after using it. Do not leave it hanging exposed to the sun.
-Never leave it folded in the trank of your car.
- Be careful when taking it off; specially when pulling the bootings. Take your time (that is a flyfishing secret).
- Always Wear it with socks. In summer I like wearing it with those very thin pantys socks (don't tell my wife).
- Always rinse it with a hose after saltwater use.
If you do that then the LLbean Rapid River will last years of flyfishing adventures.
If you don't do that then a wader will leak in less than a year, even if you buy a 600 dollars one.
Besides that the Rapid River is a very nice looking, strong, and confortable wader.
April 12, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by bigskyx Rapid River waders
I just received my second pair. First pair leaked in the neoprene feet. This is my first pair of breateables after using neoprenes for years. I researched and looked at many maunfacturers before buying. Went with LL Bean for their Customer service and as usual they dealt with this problem well & had my new pair in the mail ASAP.
I wore these about a dozen times steelhead fishing here in Wa. The first pair leaked after the second trip. Hoping the second pair is better.
The wader fabric seems durable but the exposed stitching worries me. I'll re-visit this after a year of hard use. The openings to the hand warmer pocket are too small, difficult to get your hands in. The inside chest pocket is worthless. Too small & very cheaply made! I don't like the strap system. Buckles are too small & overall it's a bit difficult to get in & out of. The fit seems pretty good(I'm 6', 170lb), maybe a little longer than necessary for me. The feet fit well and match well with the gray ghost boots that I bought with them. Except for the issues mentioned they seem like a pretty good wader. Time will tell? I'll add a star if they hold up over time.
January 11, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by OkieFlier Great waders
I purchased the Rapid River Waders for my son. He has had an opportunity to wear them on three different fishing days in cold river conditions. He is very pleased with the waders and is enjoying their comfort and fit.
January 3, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by hpower Nice fit
Beyond the obvious need to keep dry, I evaluate waders based on their 'fit' and comfort. I recently purchased these and in my first few trips have not been disappointed. They fit well, the belt is easy to secure and getting the straps over the shoulders (sometimes an annoying issue with my previous waders) is made simple.
October 13, 2011
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