Simms G4Z Waders Review
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Simms has released their newest iteration of the G4Z Waders, their premium zippered-front chest waders made in Bozeman, Montana. We’ve been fans of the G-series waders for a long time, so we were excited to check out the newest generation and compare it to the previous edition. In this review we’ll discuss the G4Z’s new features, what stayed the same, and what went away. We’ll also discuss whether or not these GORE-TEX waders are worth the hefty price, and who should consider buying them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made in Bozeman, Montana.
- Durable GORE-TEX material is the best in the world for waterproofness and breathability.
- Simms stands behind their USA-made products with a great warranty.
Cons
- Very expensive! Remember when $700 was the ceiling for premium waders?
- The fit is baggier than ever before. We miss the more streamlined fit of previous iterations.
Who It’s For
The Simms G4Z waders are an iconic product in the fly fishing industry, with much of their acclaim coming from professional guides. In our travels around the world chasing fish, we’ve seen more guides wearing G4Zs (and G3s) than any other wader on the market. This has much to do with the GORE-TEX material used in the G-series waders, arguably the most durable and breathable waterproof material in production. Although new premium wader materials are emerging each year, GORE-TEX still reigns supreme, and there just aren’t many options for GORE-TEX waders other than the Simms G-series. If you’re a professional guide or a hardcore angler who relies on your waders to keep you comfortable and dry day in and day out, the new Simms G4Z waders are for you.
Additionally, anglers who need waders that are easy to take on and off will appreciate the G4Z for their zippered-front design. If you’ve never experienced the difference of zippered-front waders, you owe it to yourself to at least try them on. It truly makes putting on and taking off waders a much simpler affair - something that older anglers or those with mobility issues may be willing to pay a premium for.
Fit
The fit of the new G4Zs is noticeably baggier than their predecessors. Although the cut appears to be nearly identical, everything except the booties is a little bigger. This may be great news for some, but we preferred the more streamlined fit of older models. Presumably, this change will accommodate a wider range of body types and also put less strain on seams for better longevity. If you were used to the old sizing, just be aware that the new models will be slightly looser in the chest, torso, hips, and legs, while the bootie sizing remains the same.
Suspender

One of the major upgrades to the G4Z waders comes in the revamped suspension system. Suspender clips are gone entirely, replaced by a cam-lock adjustment that can loosen or tighten your suspenders effortlessly. The suspender straps are now stretchier, allowing you to slip in and out of them without the need to unclip. What’s more, the back portion of the suspenders is a wider, more ergonomic design that’s lighter and more breathable.
One interesting feature on the back of the suspenders is the addition of two webbing-strap sections which can be used to attach a landing net or a magnetic release. The previous G4s featured a plastic D-ring for this purpose, but that feature is now gone. We’re not sure this is a ‘make or break’ change for most anglers, but if you use a net release you might prefer one style over the other.
Zipper
The front zipper on the G4Z waders is the trusted YKK AQUASEAL waterproof zipper. This is the gold standard for durable, waterproof zippers and we’re glad to see Simms stuck with it!
Pockets

There are three sets of pockets on the G4Z waders. The first is a pair of external chest pockets with stretch-woven material that allows you to pack them with fly boxes, tippet spools, and other accessories. These external pockets are not waterproof, just like the old version.
The next set of pockets are spacious fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. These are also how you will access the suspender straps to tighten them with the new cam-lock system.
Lastly, Simms added two waterproof internal chest pockets inside the wader chest. While these are great for your phone, they are also handy for things like a satellite InReach device, an Epi-pen, or anything else that must be on your person and remain dry.
Attachments
Bad news for zinger lovers - the new G4Z waders no longer have tabs for zingers, forceps, or other streamside accessories. They do still feature a velcro fly patch on the chest, for anglers who like to keep a few flies on deck, or let used bugs dry out before returning them to the box.
Belt
Another upgraded component of the Simms G4Zs is the wading belt. This neoprene belt adjusts easily with a velcro tab and offers more lumbar support than a standard wading belt. For anglers who like a burly wading belt that's easy to adjust, this one’s a winner.
Materials
The G-series waders are known for their GORE-TEX construction, and the new Simms G4Zs feature the latest GORE-TEX Pro material - a thinner (lighter) and more flexible fabric that improves mobility while reducing weight. With a 3-layer upper and a 4-layer lower, these waders can withstand years of abuse and abrasion.
Gravel Guards & Booties

One of our pet peeves with the old G-series gravel guards was the lace clip which always seemed to snag the fly line. Fortunately, the lace clip is gone with the new G4Z waders, resulting in a snag-free neoprene gravel guard that performs great. The neoprene booties are one of the best we’ve seen, a comfortable compression-molded neoprene that feels more like a sock than a traditional wader bootie.
Warranty
Value
Price: $999.95
There’s no getting around the fact that $1,000.00 is a pretty penny for waders. While the Simms G4Zs are among the most expensive on the market, many anglers will find them worth the price. For starters, their GORE-TEX Pro construction combines supreme durability with comfort and breathability - features every wader needs but few excel at. Secondly, the YKK AQUASEAL front zipper makes getting in and out of your waders a breeze - a feature that’s appreciated by hardcore anglers, guides, and those with limited mobility. Lastly, Simms stands behind their USA-made products with an outstanding warranty, offering a no-questions 60-day replacement due to failure, and a full year of free repairs. For anglers who want the absolute best, the Simms G4Zs are worth the high price.
Of course, there are a lot of anglers who can’t justify paying a grand for waders that might only be used a few times per year, and that’s understandable. Simms and other manufacturers make waders that are more reasonably priced, and will work just fine for casual anglers. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you need the G4Zs, you might consider their little sibling, the Simms G3, which offers many of the same great features but without the zippered front.
Conclusion
As big fans of the Simms G4Z waders over the years, we were excited to see some great upgrades in this newest generation of premium GORE-TEX waders. The redesigned suspender system is simpler, lighter, and much more comfortable than the old version. We also appreciate the addition of interior waterproof chest pockets for valuables or medications that need to be closeby at all times. And for anglers who don’t move around as nimbly as they once did, the looser fit and time-tested YYK front zipper make it easy to gear up and maneuver on the water. While the price is high, we believe the G4Z waders are worth it for their outstanding features and rock-solid warranty. If you’re in the market for the best stockingfoot waders money can buy, look no further than the new G4Z waders from Simms.
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