REVIEW
Chris Kennedy gives his expert verdict on the new special edition camo waders from Vass featuring anti-reflective technology for more stealth when stalking fish
Vass is a company that needs little introduction. They have been experts in textiles and footwear since the 1950s and made their foray into the sea angling market back in 2009. They recognised that there was an opportunity to significantly improve upon the existing waders in the sea and freshwater angling. I began using their gear back in 2017 and have yet to look back. As you know, I stick with things that I trust and which continue to perform.
The company understood that in sea angling, we needed more durable, high-performance materials that could cope with the rigours and extremities that sea fishing provides. It’s all very well picking up a fly rod for six weeks each summer and enjoying nature’s best sunny weather, but sea anglers fish all four seasons and brave the worst of the elements. Whether that’s winter bass fishing in colder seas on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, clambering over rocks, angling in the muddy Bristol Channel over low tide all year round or dealing with the splashy challenges of England’s wild South Coast. Vass spotted a niche and met that demand. Ever since, they have been a first choice for anglers from Shetland to Penzance.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
The new Hybrid Vass 700 Dark Camo Waders are made to withstand the cold of sea temperatures, protect you from seasonal bad weather, and they really look phenomenal. Having used plenty of waders in my time, many insist on you buying separate boots. One of the existing problems amongst competitors was that the boots were not comfortable, and they fell apart in no time at all. What Vass has done is produce an integrated moulded shoe that is extremely comfortable when treading on rough, rocky ground.
They also had the ingenuity to produce waders that came with fitted tungsten studs that could cope with the most challenging circumstances. Many brands will advise studs for rocky ground, but what Vass has done so well is fitting them as standard (although a non-studded version is available too), engineering them in a way that they cannot tear free from the sole of the boot. That way, you can encounter rocky ground with absolute confidence that your waders will hold up whilst keeping traction. Many of us anglers choose to fish from rocky terrain, where the possibility of slipping or sliding is significant; it’s imperative that you have footwear that you can trust and that will keep you stable whilst seeking new PB fish. The thickness of the sole, solid construction and cushioned feel really give Vass the edge over other options that I have experienced. In my opinion, they have really listened to anglers and innovated in the way of design.
In terms of aesth
