First Impressions
We gotta hand it to value-oriented Redington – everything we’ve tested from the company delivers performance well beyond expectations given the brand’s positioning. Their Skagit rubber soled boots grip with the best of them. The Pursuit fly rod, a GearGuide Best Gear of 2011 award winner, fishes like a rod of twice the price. With that pedigree, the new Sonic-Pro Wader Pants don’t disappoint. They provide rugged, waterproof performance rivaling much more expensive products.
Features
Redington builds the Sonic-Pros from three plies of nylon. It’s not Gore-Tex or another high-end fabric brand, but that didn’t bother us. Although they were less breathable than we expected, waterproof performance was excellent and, at just over $200, the price was right. Instead of sewing and taping the seams, Redington went with high-end ultra-sonic fabric welding technology (licensed from Orvis) to join the various piece-parts. The welded fabric construction more than held its own when scrambling and climbing over streamside boulders on small streams in Northern California. The product stood up to quite a few abrasions and never leaked.
Specs
Material: Waterproof nylon (three layers), neoprene booties (5mm)
Construction: Ultra sonic fabric welding
The neoprene bootie was nicely shaped and fit my size 11 foot without a problem. At roughly 5mm, my feet stayed comfortable and dry in the cold trout streams. A pant-color gravel guard covers the top of the wading boot and has a clip for securing it in place at the laces. Overall, the Sonic-Pros were very handsome, almost looking like a favorite pair of chinos rather than a wader.
At the hip, the company located two bellow-style pant pockets. They’re large enough for a wallet, car keys or other small items. Water-resistant YKK zippers seal the pockets but aren’t waterproof. On either side of the waist band, there are two adjustment tabs for customizing the fit. And Redington includes removable suspenders and a mesh storage bag.
Fit
The Sonic-Pro Wader Pants look like chinos and fit that way too. A size medium worked well for my 5’8” frame. Adjustments were easy using the side tabs, but I would like to see the company include a belt or at least belt loops for both customizing the fit and protecting the wearer.
Final Verdict
Everything about Redington’s Sonic-Pro Wader Pant says quality – from the advanced fabric construction technology to the detailing of the pockets and suspenders. They’re rugged – able to handle plenty of abuse – and still keep you completely dry. Recommended.