Fly Fishing Insights: My Disappointing Experience with Simms Waders and Why I’m Done with the Brand
Share
I’ve always valued quality gear that can withstand the rigors of the river. For years, I looked to Simms Fishing Products as the gold standard in fly fishing apparel, particularly their waders, which are marketed as durable, high-performance, and backed by a “lifetime guarantee.” So, when I purchased a pair of Simms waders for $325 a few years ago, I felt confident I was investing in a product that would last. Unfortunately, my experience with Simms has been anything but positive, and it’s led me to question their commitment to customers and the broader impact on the fly fishing industry. Here’s my story—and why I’ll never buy another Simms product again.
The Leak That Started It All
Three years ago, I bought a pair of Simms Freestone waders, a mid-range option known for their breathable fabric and rugged design, perfect for the rocky streams of Oregon and Washington where I often fish. For the first two years, the waders performed well, keeping me dry during long days on the Deschutes, Umpqua, Rogue and Clackamas Rivers. But in the third year, I noticed a problem: a leak in the right foot stocking. It started as a small annoyance—a damp sock after a few hours—but soon became a steady seep that left my foot soaked by the end of a fishing trip. Given that the waders were only three years old and had been used moderately (about 20-30 days per year), I wasn’t overly concerned. Simms touts a “lifetime guarantee” on their waders, promising repairs or replacements for defects in materials or workmanship. I figured this would be a straightforward fix.
I followed Simms’ repair process, which I found on their website. I cleaned and dried the waders, filled out their online warranty form, and shipped them to their repair facility in Bozeman, Montana, paying for shipping out of pocket as required. I included a note explaining the leak in the right foot stocking and my expectation that the waders would be repaired. I was optimistic—after all, Simms has built its reputation on standing behind its products, and I’d heard stories of anglers getting repairs for much older gear.
The Shocking Response: “Out of Expected Lifetime”
A week later, I received an email from Simms that left me stunned. They informed me that my waders were “not covered” under their warranty because they were “out of the expected lifetime of the product.” Three years, they claimed, was beyond what they considered the reasonable lifespan for a pair of waders. The email went on to say that the waders had been stamped as “unrepairable” and would be returned to me, voiding any future warranty claims. There was no offer of a replacement, a partial refund, or even a discount on a new pair—just a cold rejection of my claim.
I couldn’t believe it. Three years is the “expected lifetime” of a $325 pair of waders? I’ve had cheaper waders from other brands last longer than that, and Simms’ marketing had led me to believe their gear was built to endure years of hard use. The term “lifetime guarantee” implies a much longer commitment—certainly more than three years for a premium product. To add insult to injury, when the waders were returned, I noticed they’d been stamped with a void mark, ensuring I couldn’t try for another repair in the future. The whole experience felt like a betrayal of the trust I’d placed in Simms as a brand.
Why This Matters: Customer Service and Corporate Irresponsibility
This experience isn’t just a personal frustration—it’s a symptom of a larger problem in the fly fishing industry, one that’s driving anglers away from premium brands like Simms and toward cheaper alternatives, often from overseas manufacturers. Even though my waders were made in Taiwan. If a company like Simms, which charges a premium for its products, won’t stand behind them with a meaningful warranty, why should anglers spend $325 on a pair of waders?
Trust is everything. If I sold a product with a lifetime guarantee, I’d make sure to honor it, even if it meant taking a financial hit. Simms’ refusal to stand behind their waders has not only lost them a customer in me but also damaged their reputation in the broader fly fishing community. It’s no wonder anglers are turning to competitors like Patagonia, Orvis, or even budget brands—why pay a premium if the company won’t back the product?
The Corporate Takeover of Simms: A Shift in Values?
Simms’ customer service issues and questionable warranty practices may be tied to larger changes within the company—specifically, its recent corporate takeovers. Simms was founded in 1980 in Bozeman, Montana, and for decades, it operated as a local, angler-focused brand, known for innovations like introducing breathable Gore-Tex waders in 1993. But in 2022, Simms was acquired by Vista Outdoor Inc. for $192.5 million, a move that raised concerns among anglers about whether the company would maintain its commitment to quality and community.
Vista Outdoor, the parent company of brands like CamelBak and Bushnell, promised to keep Simms’ operations in Bozeman and retain its leadership team, including CEO Casey Sheahan and Executive Chairman K.C. Walsh, who had been with Simms since 1993. At the time, this alleviated some fears, but the acquisition marked the beginning of a shift. Many anglers, myself included, started noticing a decline in customer service and product quality post-2022, as evidenced by the growing number of complaints online.
The situation escalated in October 2024, when Vista Outdoor announced it was selling its Revelyst division—which includes Simms, along with brands like Bushnell Golf, Bell, Giro, and CamelBak—to Strategic Value Partners (SVP), a global investment firm, for $1.125 billion. The deal was approved by Vista shareholders in November 2024 and expected to close by January 2025, meaning that as of April 2025, Simms is now under SVP’s ownership. SVP, managing $19 billion in assets and based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a far cry from the Bozeman roots that defined Simms for decades.
This latest takeover has deepened concerns within the fly fishing community.
These corporate takeovers seem to have coincided with Simms’ declining customer service. The “lifetime guarantee” that once meant something now appears to be a hollow promise, with Simms defining “lifetime” as a mere three years for a $325 product. This kind of corporate irresponsibility—prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction—undermines the trust that Simms spent decades building. It’s a stark contrast to the company’s earlier days, when they were known for going above and beyond for anglers, often repairing or replacing gear well beyond a three-year mark.
The Broader Impact on the Fly Fishing Industry
Simms’ failure to honor their warranty isn’t just a personal grievance—it’s contributing to a troubling trend in the fly fishing industry.
As a business owner, I see this as a missed opportunity for the industry. At Middleforkfly.com, I’m committed to offering high-quality affordable gear that I stand behind within reason, whether it’s a fly rod, a set of flies, or a pair of waders. If a product fails due to a defect, I’d make it right—no excuses about “expected lifetime.”
Why I’m Done with Simms—and What’s Next
Needless to say, my experience with Simms was the last straw. After spending $325 on waders that failed in three years, only to be told they were “out of expected lifetime,” I’m done with the brand. I’ve since switched to a pair of of my Deschutes waders, which come with a solid warranty 5 year warranty and my reputation for excellent customer service.
Simms’ corporate takeovers and declining customer service are a cautionary tale for the fly fishing industry. As brands like Simms prioritize profit over anglers, they risk losing the loyalty of the community that made them successful. For me, the choice is clear: I’ll support companies that value their customers and the sport we love. At Middleforkfly.com, we’re here to help you gear up for your next adventure with products you can trust—because every cast should be backed by confidence, not corporate excuses.