Kudos to Hodgman

[Papasequoia]

About a year ago, when I realized I needed a backup to my leaky Simms someone posted about a Hodgmans wader sale. I grabbed a pair that were really too big, but usable. I only used them a couple of times until a big trip a couple of months ago when my legs literally filled with water. Looking at them the next day I found two tears, one on each leg right next to the seam. I needed them, so I took a picture and fortunately Swindle (Andrew) had a patch kit with him since this was too big for just aquaseal. We patched them up, let them dry overnight and I used them the next day. They still leaked, but not as badly. Got home and sprayed them all over with rubbing alcohol looking for a leak but couldn't find even a pinhole.

So, I sent off an email to Hodgmans with pictures attached. Didn't hear anything for a week, so I called. I got a very nice customer service rep who looked up my email, said we don't make those anymore, what would you like as a replacement? I told her and she ordered them for me on the spot. I asked if she needed the old ones and she said no, the picture was fine. She even ordered me a smaller size.

Thought I would share because when a company does a good thing it should be mentioned as much as (or more than) the negative stuff one often hears. So, kudos to Hodgmans - they cost a fraction of what Simms cost with the same customer service.

[Dry Fly Rie]

Nice. Love it when a bad thing turns into something great.

[Rasputinj]

Nice to see good customer service.

[FlyinFish]

Bought myself a pair of Hodgmans for $60 on clearance. Met all my requirements: built in gators, some sort of pocket, belt included. They were supposed to be a backup, but have ended up being my go-to pair. Even at $120 full price, I'd say they're much better than what you can get for $200+ from Orvis or Simms. The low end items from high end manufacturers are never that great.

And to hear they have customer service like that is icing on the cake.

[Dry Fly Rie]

Even at $120 full price, I'd say they're much better than what you can get for $200+ from Orvis or Simms.

Totally agree, FlyinFish. I spent $95 on a pair of FroggToggs chest waders, and they've been great. I've used them both tubing and wading for 3 years, and I haven't had a problem yet.

[1mocast]

I have no complaints about my Hodgemans. Its good to hear about the customer service too.

[dray]

Great to hear about the customer service and the new waders, cool.

I don't mean to highjack the thread, but I too had a GOOD experience with the company "fishpond." I had a a great pack/vest that was my go to vest for most everything I do. Over the years, I had a couple blowouts with the zippers, one of which was the big rear back cargo compartment. This was a drag for a while because I would use bungie cords to hold my gear inside the pack. So I recently made contact with fishpond and they said, send it in for repairs. I have had this pack for several years and my receipt was nowhere to be found. Not a problem they said, so I sent it back to them. After two weeks the pack was returned to me completely fixed with a follow up email from them. Great customer service for me and very satisfied with the results. I'm back in business all I need to do now, is get out and fish.

[flocktothewall]

When I got into fly fishing about 4 years ago no, I picked up a pair of Hodgman WadeLite waders on sale at a big box retailer for $35, they have lasted me since. I don't fish but maybe once every 2 weeks on average, but hey, its made buying $450 simms very difficult for me. My hodgmans are still running strong, people scoff at the brand, but if it works, it works, right?