Wader Poll

[FlyFishinYakr]

First off I think the waterproofing spray you're referring too, is called 'ReviveX' recommended for Gore-tex materials.
You can find it at R.E.I., Adventure 16, Sport Chalet should carry it for about $10 for 4 oz., I'm not sure about Dick's.
Online; Campmor carries it and at one time both Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops had carried it.
There is another spray-on water repellant 'Nikwax' best known for waterproofing shoes and boots.
I've been Fly Fishing since '68 and try to stay up to date on waders as I spend lots of time "in the water" (trout, salmon, steelhead, shad and stripers).
The innovation of Gore-tex is possibly the most important fabric ever converted for Fly Fishermen (now other activities)! This is a lighter version of what NASA space suits are made of!
I have an original Simm's Gore-tex rain jacket that after almost 20 years still repels water (with proper care) and is still waterproof! The only reason I'm thinking of retiring it, is because the newer Gore-tex (5th generation I think) is much lighter/thinner and more "breathable" than any of the previous versions.
Perform a Google search into the properties of this material or check-out the Gore-tex website to see the difference between this and most other "Waterproof materials" out there. Also check out blogs on Rainwear made of different materials.
I've owned Simms "Gore-tex" waders since the 3rd year they were available. I still own that pair (bought around '96). Being a very new material to Fly Fishing, I wanted to wait a few years to make sure any/all the kinks are worked out (just like "Waterproof" zippers!) My Fly fishing partner had bought a Patagonia "H2No" waterproof rain jacket and he had to replace it after 3 years then bought a Simms Rain jacket (which he still wears) then a pair of Gore-tex waders.
I ran into a friend (distributor) a few years ago that got me a great deal on overstocks of original G3's (5 layer up to the waist and seat {now G4's}) because they were changing the G3's, so I bought 2. A year after that Patagonia discontinued their "Watermaster Light" H2No waders and I bought 2 of those for summer and Kayak use (they're warm enough underneath with light pants for Kayaking without layers unless cold/windy/raining, then I'm in my Simms).
Yes, you'll definately dish out some serious coin for a pair but if you ever have a problem with them Simms warrantee and customer service are worth the price of the waders (I had a leak in one of my new G3's at the sock/pant leg seam and they e-mailed me a shipping label, repaired the leak and tested them then shipped them back @ no charge!).
If taken care of properly (frequently rinsed or washed), you shouldn't have to replace them every few years.
If you're looking for a quality wader @ a more inexpensive price point check out: https://shop.dan-bailey.com/Via/index.jsp (their Guide Wader $249). Dan Bailey's is one of the oldest and best known Fly shops "in the world" (Grandson John Bailey coached and/or performed some of the casting scenes in the movie "A River Runs Through It" for Brad Pitt) and have a very good reputation (their own Guides mostly wear their waders over the Simms).
If your weight varies or can't justify the price, then as posted previously, stick with paddling pants and splash jacket (I have a set of those too, the pants are more easily removed than waders if the weather warms too much).
Let me finish by noting that Simms started making performance garments for B.A.S.S. Pros a year or two ago and you now see many pros out there now wearing them. You'll notice that the Saltwater Calico Bass guys are now wearing them too (Yes, they are rated saltwater safe). Also if you ever run into anyone wearing Simms rainwear, ask them what they think about them.
This is just my experience and observations of their use and I'm sure as noted by previous posts, there are other opinions.
FFY