Simms L2 Boots/Aquastealth soles

[elwyman]

Has anybody got feedback on the simms L2 wading boot - I fancy something lighter than their freestone boot.

Anybody got any thoughts on aquastealth soles? The advertising blurb suggests they are as good as felt, and more durable?

[jimthefish]

I've got 2 pairs of L2's one pair with studded felt & the other with acuastealths. The boots are ultra comfortable but I have been disappointed with the durability of the stitching on the upper boot. The felt boots which I wear most of the time have been to the local cobbler twice to have the upper stitching repaired. They do get a fair bit of use and abuse in rough wading right enough.

The acquastealths are great on mud, gravel, snow and grass banks but have inferior grip on rock shelves. I improved the grip by adding Simm's Hardbite Studs to the heels. The soles are much more durable than felt if you are doing a lot of hiking in your fishing day.

[elwyman]

Thanks Jim - how long did the uppers last before they started to go?

[storlaks]

This is a known fault with the L2 boots. Two friends have had the same problem. Both had their boots less than a season.

[elwyman]

storlaks said:

This is a known fault with the L2 boots. Two friends have had the same problem. Both had their boots less than a season.

Thanks - sounds like the QC in China isn't up to scratch. I'll think again.

[jimthefish]

elwyman said:

Thanks Jim - how long did the uppers last before they started to go?

The stitching failed within a year. Pity really because otherwise they are up with the most comforatble wading boots I have ever worn.

[exerod]

I don't use mine as hard as some on here do but I've had no trouble with the stitching after two seasons use.
The aquastealth soles work fine for me on everything apart from slate slabs, where they are absolutely lethal!

Andy

[elwyman]

exerod said:

I don't use mine as hard as some on here do but I've had no trouble with the stitching after two seasons use.
The aquastealth soles work fine for me on everything apart from slate slabs, where they are absolutely lethal!

Andy

There tends to be a lot of slate in N Wales, but fortunately not much on the rivers I fish. Smooth slate slabs must be the worst thing for wading, I'd only try it with metal studs.

I'm now thinking about the Guide boot which has aquastealth soles with studs, or alternatively the wychwood all terrain boot.

[elwyman]

Ended up getting some Vision Emerger boots with a "dual track" sole - rubber heel and toe with a studded felt sole.

Seems like a nice lightweight boot - I do a lot of walking when I fish for salmon & sea trout.

[wilbert]

I am thinking of getting the Simms Guide boot with the Aquastelth sole, they certainly look the part but are they as good as their £120 price tag?? Will see what price i can get them for at the local tackle shop if they work out too dear I may just spend the time repairing the soles on my Vision Flywater boots and adding some studs as its no fun slipping everywhere on the mud.