sam vimes
Well-known member
I did type a reply, but I just can't be bothered. Think what you will of me, I couldn't value your opinion on anything any less. Truth be told, I'm actually very pleased you think me a fool.
Branded Fishing Clothing....Value or Rip Off.
- Thread starter maverick 7
- Start date
I did type a reply, but I just can't be bothered. Think what you will of me, I couldn't value your opinion on anything any less. Truth be told, I'm actually very pleased you think me a fool.
terry m
Well-known member
That is very interesting - thanks for sharing Chris.
maverick 7
Well-known member
There you go again Sam....you read things that are not there. I never said.. "I think you are a fool"....because you clearly are not one......I said "It tends to make one look foolish"....there is a big difference.
Whether or not you value my opinion is not important.......it is just a forum, it's not the real world.
No hard feelings mate .....
Maverick
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sam vimes
Well-known member
Brian Hazard
Member
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The essential point, for me is performance, and it is true that clothing made for mountaineering, or sailing is made to a standard, not a price; being halfway up a mountain or in the middle of the Irish Sea is not the time to find that the clothing or equipment is not up to it. (I realise that fishing is not as strenuous, or demanding in physical activity - although certain fishing activities are not completely sedentary).
However, I do agree that most branded fishing clothing is made to a price first, and whilst there are examples of excellent clothing (I also have a pair of Drennan salopettes for a few years now, and they are still doing an excellent job, but I only wear them when winter fishing), there are some brands which do not seem to be up to scratch.
There is an oft-quoted saying "cost is the price one pays, value is what one gets" (or does not get), and ultimately the main criteria for any purchase is "will this clothing keep me warm, and dry, but also comfortable, and be suitable for my style of fishing"? I am now 67, and in my youth in Northern Ireland (50 years ago) I, and indeed most anglers, would wear two pairs of everything: socks, trousers, shirts, pullovers/sweaters, and an 'oilskin' coat, and an Irish cap called a scoop cap (basically a flat cap without the normal popper, and shaped like a grain scoop). We indeed often ended up looking and walking like the Michelin man. The only advantage then was that most clothing was made from natural fibres - shirts were thicker, and were able to absorb the sweat so that the skin did not feel clammy, and our pullovers/jumpers were made of wool.
I am a former soldier, and have an army camou gortex jacket (the early model which had no pockets at all - just a zip to allow access to an under-jacket) and when required I wear that under a jacket which does have pockets. I have two pairs of waterproof boots, one Meindl (which I wear in winter) and one non breathable which can smell but by using a few drops of tree-tea oil every month, there is no residual smell.
As previously mentioned, wearing the correct socks is important, I only buy my socks from outdoor clothing sources, the 4-season brasher socks are recommended, as are meindle branded ones.
Ultimately, the best source could be manufacturers/suppliers from the Scandinavian countries: they would certainly be produced to a very high standard (but not probably made in China!!).
However, I do agree that most branded fishing clothing is made to a price first, and whilst there are examples of excellent clothing (I also have a pair of Drennan salopettes for a few years now, and they are still doing an excellent job, but I only wear them when winter fishing), there are some brands which do not seem to be up to scratch.
There is an oft-quoted saying "cost is the price one pays, value is what one gets" (or does not get), and ultimately the main criteria for any purchase is "will this clothing keep me warm, and dry, but also comfortable, and be suitable for my style of fishing"? I am now 67, and in my youth in Northern Ireland (50 years ago) I, and indeed most anglers, would wear two pairs of everything: socks, trousers, shirts, pullovers/sweaters, and an 'oilskin' coat, and an Irish cap called a scoop cap (basically a flat cap without the normal popper, and shaped like a grain scoop). We indeed often ended up looking and walking like the Michelin man. The only advantage then was that most clothing was made from natural fibres - shirts were thicker, and were able to absorb the sweat so that the skin did not feel clammy, and our pullovers/jumpers were made of wool.
I am a former soldier, and have an army camou gortex jacket (the early model which had no pockets at all - just a zip to allow access to an under-jacket) and when required I wear that under a jacket which does have pockets. I have two pairs of waterproof boots, one Meindl (which I wear in winter) and one non breathable which can smell but by using a few drops of tree-tea oil every month, there is no residual smell.
As previously mentioned, wearing the correct socks is important, I only buy my socks from outdoor clothing sources, the 4-season brasher socks are recommended, as are meindle branded ones.
Ultimately, the best source could be manufacturers/suppliers from the Scandinavian countries: they would certainly be produced to a very high standard (but not probably made in China!!).
maverick 7
Well-known member
Great post Brian....very interesting and well written too.
I will remember brasher socks and meindle brands ...that's for sure.
Maverick
Chris Hammond ( RSPB ACA PAC}
Well-known member
Our local 'Outdoors' camping shop closed down last year. I didn't realise it was closing down and missed out on a lot of bargains but in the last few days he cut his prices on some stuff by as much as 70%. I bagged up on Gaters, breathable waterproofs, and a few odds and sods. Good quality hiking or camping gear IMO is a match for quality with any branded fishing tackle and I will always check out the options in such places if I think I can get the same kit as the tackle shops sell.
I have quite a few varieties of proper quality socks including Bridgedales and Sealskinz. The latter are very expensive (£28 for a pair of socks made me suck some air in I can tell you.
) but you get what you pay for and they are nothing short of superb! For fishing purposes where there is less likelihood of me having to walk uber long distances I find the Hotfeet thermal socks a pretty cheap and warm alternative.
I have quite a few varieties of proper quality socks including Bridgedales and Sealskinz. The latter are very expensive (£28 for a pair of socks made me suck some air in I can tell you.
) but you get what you pay for and they are nothing short of superb! For fishing purposes where there is less likelihood of me having to walk uber long distances I find the Hotfeet thermal socks a pretty cheap and warm alternative.
chav professor
Well-known member
I have a Sundridge flotation style salopetes and jacket... It works really well on the beach - a bit padded, but can still cast (properly..lol).. its excellent. Often don't bother with the beach buddy unless its p***ing it down
For course fishing, A cheap pair of shorts, wooley socks, plenty of jumpers and a Barbour wax jacket... in even the coldest weather..:w
For course fishing, A cheap pair of shorts, wooley socks, plenty of jumpers and a Barbour wax jacket... in even the coldest weather..:w
maverick 7
Well-known member
Our local 'Outdoors' camping shop closed down last year. I didn't realise it was closing down and missed out on a lot of bargains but in the last few days he cut his prices on some stuff by as much as 70%. I bagged up on Gaters, breathable waterproofs, and a few odds and sods. Good quality hiking or camping gear IMO is a match for quality with any branded fishing tackle and I will always check out the options in such places if I think I can get the same kit as the tackle shops sell.
I have quite a few varieties of proper quality socks including Bridgedales and Sealskinz. The latter are very expensive (£28 for a pair of socks made me suck some air in I can tell you.
I have seen outdoor shops' closing down sales Chris....but to be honest didn't reckon much to the discounts they were offering....and that's been one or two as well. I sometimes think they are not closing down at all....just sounds like a bargain to everybody.
Like the £28 socks....they must be something....but like you say, you get what you pay for in those places. I once paid an astonishing £8 for a pair of socks once...and they were/are brilliant so yours must be bloody good mate.
Maverick
---------- Post added at 22:17 ---------- Previous post was at 22:13 ----------
I have a Sundridge flotation style salopetes and jacket... It works really well on the beach - a bit padded, but can still cast (properly..lol).. its excellent. Often don't bother with the beach buddy unless its p***ing it down
For course fishing, A cheap pair of shorts, wooley socks, plenty of jumpers and a Barbour wax jacket... in even the coldest weather..:w
Not dissimilar to my gear Chav......
Maverick
chav professor
Well-known member
Cheers Titus... its on the wall..lol
Chris Hammond ( RSPB ACA PAC}
Well-known member
No Maverick, I bought the socks before the shop closed down unfortunately. And trust me, it did 'shut down', it's now an Estate Agents. I'm not a complete idiot you know. When I bought gaters there that were reduced by 70% they were 70% cheaper than the ones I'd bought previously.
I don't think Amazon are the dearest online outlet??
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_6wiz06buzf_e
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maverick 7
Well-known member
No Maverick, I bought the socks before the shop closed down unfortunately. And trust me, it did 'shut down', it's now an Estate Agents. I'm not a complete idiot you know. When I bought gaters there that were reduced by 70% they were 70% cheaper than the ones I'd bought previously.
I don't think Amazon are the dearest online outlet??
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_6wiz06buzf_e
There you go then Chris.....but the "closing down" sale of an outdoor shop in Retford has been going on for quite a while now and is still going on as far as I am aware.
Nice socks on amazon though Chris...but way too expensive for me mate.
I got my gaters from TKMaxx of all places...£7 and they're brill.
Maverick
Chris Hammond ( RSPB ACA PAC}
Well-known member
Yes the socks are ridiculously expensive Maverick, it took me some time to relent and buy them despite people recommending them time and time again, but I've had mine for probably three or four years now. They are 100% waterproof and breathable and the warmest socks I've ever owned. I walk mile upon mile in them during the winter months and wash them after each walk - probably two or three times most weeks- and they are as good as the day I bought them. Even good quality Bridgedales wouldn't last a fraction of the same time under the same conditions. I believe they were worth every penny.
maverick 7
Well-known member
You're tempting me Chris........I didn't realise they were waterproof either but I do like quality socks.
They make more difference than a lot of people realise....but it still may take some time before I relent too Chris.....
Maverick
nicepix
Well-known member
Chris Hammond ( RSPB ACA PAC}
Well-known member
You're tempting me Chris........I didn't realise they were waterproof either but I do like quality socks.
They make more difference than a lot of people realise....but it still may take some time before I relent too Chris.....
Maverick
Yeah it is a lot of dosh for a pair of socks. I'm not suggesting I'd buy them regularly but despite knocking the ciggies on the head eight years ago my blood circulation still seems a bit sluggish and my feet give me hell in the cold, even when I'm walking about. With the Sealskinz on I never get cold feet when I'm on my uppers.
On the other hand I suffer also with my hands terribly in the cold and bit the bullet a couple of months back on a friend's recommendation and lashed out £30 for a Peacock lighter fuel hand-warmer. I was told they are the Rolls Royce of hand-warmers. More like a Skoda! Worst thirty sovs I ever spent. A complete waste of money!
Dicky (Angling Trust PAC)
Senior Member
Hammy
Is Sealskinz the brand or the product name?
They sound superb... I've suffered winter fishing with cold feet for years and these sound the bowl ox...
Whilst we're on the subject of cold what boots do you use in conjunction?
PS: When you finish your 'miniature fishing' project please, please PM me some pics and details of how you went about it; sounds brilliant!
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sam vimes
Well-known member
Be a little wary of the Sealskinz socks if you intend to use them anywhere that's especially cold. I know that the British military arctic training has banned them in the past. Problems arise when there's a moisture build up inside the sock. I doubt it would be an issue for most though.