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Hi mate

first, the offer b115ter took is a great deal, and you won't go wrong with that - wish I had the money, I'd buy some too!

More generally, here are some points I think are important. I use chest waders every week, because I took up fly fishing in the close season to keep me sane.

1. What do you want chest waders for? If you are going that deep, is it to fish, or simply for access? Flowing water that is chest deep can take you down at the slightest imbalance or slip. I only contemplate actually fishing in anything over knee deep when I know the swim intimately, and the flow is low and predictable - and that is for 1 pound trout.

2. How often will you use them? Unless you are really going to bang the nuts out of them, it can be a lot of money sitting in a damp bag. If only occasional use, buy cheap and take the discomfort, maybe carry some trainers to change into once in place.

3. How far/in what terrain will you walk in them? Long walks in non-breathable waders will leave you wetter than if you'd jumped in the river. But tough pvc waders will resist thorns better than neoprene or fancy breathables. Always carry a repair kit - one tiny hole can really spoil your day. Also, badly fitting boots will kill your feet, and the damp will make matters worse.

4. What weather will you use them in? Neoprene are warm in winter, mo-fo'ing hot in summer, until you get in the river. A constant flow of water over your waders will really chill you, whatever the air temp. If you are sitting on the bank in them, you'll be hotter than hell unless they are breathable. That's why you might consider thigh waders, which can be rolled down, unless wading depth makes that impractical.

5. Safety & comfort - wellies just don't have the fit, and hence the surefootedness of lace-up boots. Cleats add a major grip advantage.

6. Fit - I would never attempt to buy waders without trying them on, unless you know the brand well. The better makes have a wide range of sizes. The key fitting dimensions are chest/waist, inside leg, and foot. Trying to bend down in short waders risks castration. Cheaper makes have fittings such as "sizes 10/11". Would you buy any other footwear that vague?

7. Budget - my chest waders are nylon, and cost me £19 from Decathlon. They get sweaty, but are pretty tough, and suit me ok for what I do. However, any serious waders will set you back around £100 upwards, plus the boots if you buy stockingfoot. You can pay over £500 just for waders!

My advice would be:

To start, buy dead cheap, and allow yourself time to see what you need personally.

After that, breathables all the way, unless you have really tough bankside conditions, in which case Snowbee Granites pvc - pretty bomb proof.

Good makes include Snowbee, Airflo, Vision, Orvis, Hardy, Greys, and for the too rich, Simms. There are others - the range of sizes will generally tell you the quality.

Personally I would steer clear of R*n Th*mpson, but Wychwood do a hybrid breathable top/neo legs which is well thought of and not too expensive. Daiwa also make neo chest boot waders which go for around 40 quid, and are fine.

Stocking foot is better fitting and more comfortable, bootfoot is easier to get into, less to worry about.

Bottom line is that around £150, maybe a bit less, will get you set up with reasonable waders and boots which will last with a bit of care, but £20-£40 will get you off the mark.

Final bit of advice - playing a double-figure barbel whilst waist deep in a fast swim is MADNESS. One hand for the fishing, one hand for you at all times. If you can't, get out of the water.

Online stores do a good range of waders, and there are usually deals on waders & boot combo's. BUT try before you buy, especially boot fit. American sports goods stores do amazing deals on waders, inc camo ones for hunting, but you have the VAT gamble if you order that way.

Finally, wading is an amazing way of getting to know the river. If you've never done it, go in first without rod and kit. River beds are dangerous, unpredictable and fascinating, and give you a real insight into the fish's view of you.

be safe dude

Dan