Redington SubZero Waders Review

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Fly fishing in comfort in the Redington Subzero waders on a snow day in NC. Photo Louis Cahill

I’m really excited to talk with everyone about the new Redington SubZero Waders that I had the opportunity to field test a great deal this winter. The name “SubZero” pretty much says it all. These hybrid technology waders, are the first of their kind that I know of, constructed from both breathable nylon and neoprene. The waders are designed for one thing, to provide anglers extra protection in key areas to ward off cold weather and increase fly fishing longevity on the water. I can tell everyone, with 100% certainty, that the waders proved worthy of their name. I noticed a significant warmth advantage when I tested them side by side with other nylon and gore-tex breathable waders on the market. If  you’re looking for a pair of waders that will make your winter fishing more pleasurable, on those truly nasty days, look no further.

The 3mm neoprene lowers and 5mm booties of the Redington Subzero Waders are the backbone of the design. The extra warmth the neoprene provided, allowed me the luxury of leaving a layer of clothing at home. That was very nice. It might not seem like much, but when you have to fly fish in excessive clothing to stay warm, you give up a great deal of your mobility and freedom. I personally hate fly fishing in waders that are tight and make me feel claustrophobic. Although traditional neoprene waders (the ones you see duck hunters where) are notorious for fitting you like spandex, Redington found a way to design the neoprene section of their waders with a roomy feel. This is important if you do find yourself in a situation where you do need multiple layers of clothing. I can assure everyone that there will be plenty of room for this.

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Redington Subzero Waders

I very much liked the fleece lined chest pocket, which proved quick to warm the hands after releasing fish. They could have gone with a two pocket design, one for each hand, but Redington decided to go with one big pocket with two zippers, which I found much more functional and roomy. I also liked the heavy duty suspenders and wading belt. Again, Redington could have easily skimped in this area to cut costs and it would have been overlooked by many, but they chose quality over bottom-line and I respect that. You’ll also find the waders have a flip out storage pocket with a tool retractor and location to secure hemostats.

Are these the best wader for all seasons? Probably not, you will find yourself to sweat in them a little more during late spring, early fall and summer over full breathable waders. That being said, I’m willing to put up with sweating a little more if the waders I’m wearing don’t leak and provide me superb cold weather warmth. I tried my best to beat these things up and they are just as waterproof as the day I took them out of the box. I spent a good bit of time bushwhacking through briars and bank brush getting to and from the water and on also my knees in the gravel posing with fish for Louis’s photography work. I think it’s important to point out that all of us from time to time take spills and bang our legs on rocks wading. Having 3mm of neoprene between your skin and the rocks does add some extra cushion and protection that has real value.

The only complaint I have with the SubZero waders were the gravel guards. I’m being pretty knit picky here, but I felt like they could have made them a little larger and with more elasticity, so they would fit over wading boots easier and ride lower. Overall, I was really satisfied with the performance of these waders and the economical price they wear. They are exceptional cold weather waders, the warmest I’ve ever worn. I’m sure I’ll be spending many more days in them since I love my winter fly fishing.

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Hybrid Technology Neoprene/waterproof breathable contruction
  • 5mm Neoprene booties for extra foot warmth (Suggest going with a larger wading boot) and 3mm Neoprene lowers that extend to belt line in back.
  • Breathable, gusseted crotch for mobility and breathability
  • Reinforced side seams and knees
  • Fully insulated hand warmer pocket (100g of insulation) and fully fleece lined
  • Custom flip out tool pocket with mesh pocket, forcep dock, hypalon retractor dock and zippered pocket.
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs. – MSRP: $299.95

Keep it Reel,

Kent Klewein
Gink & Gasoline
www.ginkandgasoline.com
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
 
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7 thoughts on “Redington SubZero Waders Review

  1. I thought these were super cool when these first came out. I own a pair of sonicpros and love ’em, so I figured these would be well made too. I’ve debated the need to have a pair of winter waders though. Most of my fishing is done in Ga and the southern appalachians and it doesn’t get terribly cold. But I’m the kind of guy that likes to have things “just in case”. How well do the thicker booties fit in your korkers? Thanks for the review Kent. I’ll be debating a little more now. Lol.

    • Justin,

      The booties on mine were a little larger. I like that because it allows room for better circulation. Since they are 5mm thick as well you want to make sure you go big with wading boots. I do this anyway (separate winter boots a size larger than normal) though. If your wading in cold water knee or deeper the neoprene really keep the cold water from sucking away your warmth.

      You can be tough, But I will be wearing these during the winter months. They make a difference on really cold days.

      Hope all is going well with newborn.

      Kent

  2. For me its the feet not the legs that get cold and for winter steelhead in sub 40 degree water (great lakes) nothing beats bootfoot waders. Caddis Wader Systems make a Northern Guide model with 1,000 gm thinsulate boot foot on a breathable upper for $250 ‘ish. Work great though the boot is not cleated so you need Korkers or patagonia bars etc for traction. Don’t believe the sole is thick enough to drive studs or 3/8 sheet metal screws.

  3. Can you tell me if they still make the Redington SubZero Waders?? I tube a lot in cold weather & need something better than neoprene as it is always leaking!! Thanks!

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