Bronko, Aquaskinz, Simms

[reelecstasy]

I have used a Simms top all season, I love it. I do rinse it off. So far I have no complaints, it has good room to move and I stay bone dry even with waves crashing over your head. I used it pretty hard this year and have zero complaints..I also know alot of guys that love the Skinz tops...

[t.orlando]

Got a skinz evo that I love, but gonna switch to Simms for better pocket system.

[BasicPatrick]

Just a comment...If the choice is close between the Simms and the Aquaskinz, I would suggest a potential customer consider two intangables.

First, Aquaskinz is here there and everywhere. Monitoring the boards, responding to our questions and comments. You are not going to have to call an operator at an 800 number to get Aquaskinz. The skinz number get to Kadir himself, he is at the shows. I like the personal touch and the fact that Aquaskinz is a company owned by and staffed by fishermen, making products for fishermen.

More importantly is the fact that in a tough economy Aquaskinz is a supporter of the recreational fishing community. Besides being a sponsor of this and other sites,they donate to causes and raffles that we support. They support MSBA, RFA, and other organizations that fisht for ouyr rights. When was the last time Simms donated to your club or organization????
I think this should count for something, actually I think it should count for a lot.

If we do not support the companies that support us, we get what we deserve.

[Rock Hopper]

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to comment on a few things. BP, thanks & well put. As a company, our philosophy is to support the local causes and organizations that make up our community and we do a lot of it, whether it is noticed, counted or not I do not know but as long as I am in this business and as long as I continue to love fishing and the many, many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting, I will make sure this company supports the "locals".

Cheferson,
When we spoke, I asked you if used the suggested method of doning and removing and you were unsure of what that was, this leads me to believe you didn't. Yes, I agree with you that their should be tag on the jacket but to fit the instructions that are noted, the tag would have to be a 81/2 X 11 page. As for the comment regarding people who may not having computers, that is somewhat unrealistic but your opinion is noted. The tag issue will be addressed with the next productionl. I have already started the ball rolling as far as a tag is concerned. Back to the seam issue, I asked you to send in your top and that we would have a look and fix it if possible at no cost to you. I also said if the cuffs were totally shredded, then they may need to be changed entirely and that there was a cost but that we do not make any money on this and only pass on the cost of new cuffs. Your comments on our conversation would lead people to believe something else entirely and that is not right. Also, when you take your reels, car, bike or whetever in for service and they have to change something because it is broken, do you not expect to get charged? In our case, we send your top out at our expense and pay for return shipping as well as all the follow through until it gets back to us and then we don't make even a nickle on it, which we don't mind since we are providing our valued customer a service. To suggest we were charging you the equivalent of a new top for cuffs, you gotta be kidding.

__________________________________________________ _______________

General:

I don't know what Simm's policies are so I cannot comment but we are significantly smaller and stand behind our products fully nontheless. As a company we believe in providing the best possible service WE can and have performed many an exhange outright even though the cause of the return was not related to manufacturing flaws or product defects.

We also believe in our products and will continue to stand behind them as long as we are in business but like anything else, as users "we" have to take some responsibility as well if something happens to our products by our own disregard, negligence, lack of knowledge or just plain use. We cannot keep thinking that if something happens regardless of how I use it, I will just take it back to the shop or send it back to the company for a new one. This is one of the reason why B & T shops and small manufacturers go under. This is why so many companies, even the larger ones have changed their existing policies on these issues and now charge were applicable.

Regarding Simms having or not having problems, believe me, they too have their share of problems on these issues. I know of a number of guys here locally that have had their cuffs rip or their top fail. One shop that we do business with in NY/NJ also carries the Simms line and the fishing dept. manager who I have come to know well has expressed his displeasure with them on more than one occassion to me. He has told me that when he calls on them, he does not get a reply back for days and then has to wait for weeks at times to get resolution on the issue with the problem. This may not be case with everyone but this is his experiance. AquaSkinz addresses the issue quickly and personally and he appreciates that as most people do. Just recently I was at that shop and I wanted to have a good look at the Simms top, I took the top off the hanger to check out the cuff and what did I see, a tear on the cuff of a jacket that wasn't even sold yet. I looked at a total of three and 2 out of three had the same issue. I would call this a problem.

__________________________________________________ _______________

MikeP,

Thank you for clarifying the Rampage is a splash top.

__________________________________________________ ________________

Lastly, we work very hard to bring the best possible gear to you guys/gals, believe it or not. We are users and avid fisherman and take pride in giving back to our fishing community, whether it's personal appearances, supporting donations or efforts to offer quality equipment. If you have a problem, we are always here to address them and try to help you as nothing is fool proof, no matter how hard we might work to make them as such. Everyone has a choice to spend his or her money as they wish and I respect that but just remember, without local support, the local guys aren't around for long.

Thanks for your time.

Kadir

[tattoobob]

Kadir, I did not mean for this to be a Aquaskinz bashing thread. In fact I learned alot about tops and now I am getting your top. you seam like a stand behind guy and all your other products that I own are top notch.

[Rock Hopper]

Thanks Bob! I appreciate that.

Kadir

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by Rock Hopper

Cheferson,
When we spoke, I asked you if used the suggested method of doning and removing and you were unsure of what that was, this leads me to believe you didn't.

Kadir

BS

I stated in the email that i was told how to properly take it off when i purchased it and looked over the page on your site about this. It wasnt even until i complained in a second email that you said youd look at it and that the gaskets werent covered by the warrenty anyway. What is the price for replacing all the gaskets? Told me it wouldnt be worth the money replacing all 3 gaskets. I dont make a ton of money and when i drop that kinda coin on something im very careful to make it last. You told me youve had one for a year and had no such problems, so i must have not been careful with it.

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by BasicPatrick

More importantly is the fact that in a tough economy Aquaskinz is a supporter of the recreational fishing community. Besides being a sponsor of this and other sites,they donate to causes and raffles that we support. They support MSBA, RFA, and other organizations that fisht for ouyr rights. When was the last time Simms donated to your club or organization????
I think this should count for something, actually I think it should count for a lot.

If we do not support the companies that support us, we get what we deserve.

I dont know what you guys do or donate to fishing causes but all the links on your site are mostly commercial companies.

This is what i found at simms

eatures of the Resource section.

Learn more about Conservation efforts being made to protect our fisheries and organizations that Simms supports. Our Team section gives you a chance to learn more about the anglers that we work with to develop the best products on the market. imms will inspire anglers to pursue the passion of fly fishing by redefining comfort in all conditions.
Our Core Purpose

We take pride in making world-class products in an engaging team environment. We provide a rewarding experience for people who possess a strong work ethic; this is a company where every employee's job is important to our future success. We are committed to our community and to the conservation and preservation of healthy fisheries.
Our Core Values

We strive for continuous improvement and innovation.
We share a passion for excellence and high quality.
Read About Simms

Use the following links to learn more about Simms Fishing Products.
Atlantic Salmon Federaton

The Atlantic Salmon Federation is an international non-profit organization which promotes the conservation and wise management of the Wild Atlantic salmon and its environment.

Learn More: http://www.asf.ca/
Coastal Conservation Association

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization comprised of 15 coastal state chapters spanning the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic seaboard. Through broad-based recreational angler support, a strong legal and legislative presence, more than 25 years of experience and an unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, CCA will continue to battle for the health and longevity of our coastal fisheries and for recreational anglers’ interests in them.

Learn More: http://www.joincca.org/
Whirling Disease Foundation

The Whirling Disease Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established in May, 1995 with a mission to raise the funds needed for researched solutions to the damage caused by whirling disease, the leading threat to wild trout populations. The Foundation supports field and laboratory research on a national scale.

Learn More: http://www.whirling-disease.org/
Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. TU accomplishes this mission on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. TU’s national office, based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine, intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s 125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved in conservation issues.

Learn More: http://www.tu.org/index.asp
CalTrout

CalTrout is a water company. We keep the water flowing and keep the resource healthy through our participatory work in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dam relicensing process, protecting the public trust, reforming grazing on public lands, expanding the wild trout program, and recovering decimated steelhead populations statewide.

Learn More: http://www.caltrout.org/
Deschutes Basin Land Trust

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust mission is to protect special lands in the Deschutes Basin for present and future generations by working cooperatively with landowners and communities. The Land Trust is a private, tax-exempt, charitable corporation devoted to voluntary means of land conservation.

Learn More: http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
Henry’s Fork Foundation

The mission of the Henry's Fork Foundation is to understand, restore and protect the unique fishery, wildlife and aesthetic qualities of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. The Henry’s Fork Foundation is a nonprofit, member-based organization founded in 1984 to preserve and protect the unique qualities of the Henry’s Fork watershed located in eastern Idaho. The Henry’s Fork Foundation is very active in regional decision-making and policy. HFF is working with local, state and federal agencies with a commitment to better management of the watershed. Through relationships built within the framework of the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council, HFF has a full understanding of individual interest and regulatory management in the basin, and can address watershed issues with mutual respect for all constituents.

Learn More: http://www.henrysfork.com/
Oregon Trout

Founded in 1983 by a small group of committed conservationists, Oregon Trout has long worked to protect and restore native fish and the habitats upon which they depend. Through its advocacy, education, and on-the-ground restoration efforts, Oregon Trout has grown into one of the largest and most effective conservation organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

Learn More: http://www.ortrout.org/
Western Water Project

Trout Unlimited (TU) started the Western Water Project in 1997. In partnership with WaterWatch of Oregon, TU opened offices in Montana and Colorado staffed with experienced water law attorneys. The goal of these offices is to protect and restore water in rivers for healthy fisheries and to open up state decisions on water allocation to meaningful public participation.

Learn More: http://www.tu.org/index.asp?
New Zealand Mud Snails



New Zealand Mud Snails Potamopyrgus antipodarum are threatening Western fisheries. These tiny, 1/8” snails reproduce rapidly, survive in harsh conditions and have an impact on aquatic insects and trout. The spread may be caused in part by snails “hitchhiking” on anglers.

Take the following precautions to make sure that you do not spread New Zealand mud snails:
Rinse mud and debris from waders and gear after use.
Use a hot water bath (120 degrees) for several minutes.
Let equipment dry several days between uses.
Dry heat will kill them.

Im done with this thread, already wasted enough time and money with aquaskinz

[DZ]

I've used the Simms Top for the last few months. The large pocket in front will fill with water. The addition of grommets at the base of the pocket will let it drain but would also allow water into it so its a double edged sword depending on what you store in the pocket.

What these lightweight tops really need is a hood - I can't believe Simms or Aquaskinz haven't made a lightweight top with a hood attached. Aquaskinz does sell a separate neoprene hood but its way to warm to use in summer. To there credit Aquaskinz does offer the rampage dry top with a hood but the rampage is also overkill in warm weather.

I feel the first company that offers a lightweight dry splash top with a hood will corner the market. (At least for a while)

DZ

[JohnR]

Sadly, my squash is too big for mass production hoods so I'm SOL either way ...

Kadir - when you gonna do a drysuit

[Pete F.]

I like my Grundens.
I like my hood, most of the time it keeps my glasses somewhat dry.
I'm too cheap to buy Simms or Aquaskinz, besides I try hard not to go swimming.
If I was not so cheap I would want one of those with a hood.
Pete

[eelman]

I have considered both before I made my purchase and I chose the simms top, just more comfortable in my opinion and was much easier to put on and take off than the skinz.

Saying the simms has a cuff problem becasue a few in a shop were torn is a leap, Could it have been that they were tried on many, many times by any different number of people? all with different size arms, waist etc?? I know this, simms has an impecable reputation, do an internet search and look at the awards they have won, for best waders, best new product, most durable waders chosen by hundreds of professional guides etc.....I dont think those guys would just say that unless it were true, they fish and hunt some rugged terrain out west and rely on there gear to make a living.

As for customer service, I just sent my waders to them for a cleaning and check up, its free of charge exept for the S&H....They also told me if they find any problems the first repairs are on them. I can live with that. They also will take them back yearly for cleaning at no charge.

I dont have anything against skinz, its just my opinion that simms products are more durable and they have been doing this for a long, long time. I own a skinz surf bag and think its the best made bag out there !

I aggree with dennis as to a hood, both companys should offer a lightweight pullover with a hood, detachible or whatever, I mean what do you do when it rains??

I like the other skinz tops but, they are just to hot for me and dont breath, my simms top is "breathable" and lets sweat evaporate out, just like there waders.

Now, as to the gloves, to be honest I baught a pair last week of the skinz black thunder,, the very first time I put them on, the wrist straps came off??? like they were not even stiched on?? There sitting in my truck and I will try and return them where baught. I was not rough with them either just putting them on? I am back to the glacier gloves.My next pair will be the simms fishing gloves.

I think skinz has some good stuff and these are just my personall observations.

[Krispy]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Kadir - when you gonna do a drysuit

Ssshhhh..

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by DZ

I feel the first company that offers a lightweight dry splash top with a hood will corner the market. (At least for a while)

DZ

Like this?http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...573&deptid=947