REVIEWS

3-1-16 KGB K5 Wading Boots

3-1-16 Redington Helyx River wading pants

1-15-14 William Joseph Infrared Thermometer

$39.99 MSRP

Link: http://www.williamjoseph.net/gear.php?userChoice=Infrared-Thermometer

I just received the William Joseph thermometer as a gift. I like to think that I pay attention to stream temps more than I most, but not as much as some. With that said, I think it is key to at least get an accurate reading if you are going to take the time. Being on the water as much as I am, especially with a client, I like to keep the action coming. Sometimes that just takes finding the right water. And finding the right temp sometimes means finding the right water.

I have been using a Fishpond thermometer the past few years and my only complaint is that I can't use it without bending it down. (Lazy). So this new gadget helps that. I used it for the first time today and it seemed to work pretty good. The one drawback that I have heard from other guys in the know is that this thermometer is not accurate past 2-3 ft. deep. Well that works for me because I am never sticking my normal thermometer any deeper than that as my arm is only 2-3 feet long. Problem solved. Doy!

Reading reviews online, it looks the only con they talk about is that it's not waterproof. I must agree with the online reviewers in saying that's indeed somewhat silly. The ease of operation is a plus, and so far it seems to be really accurate. 

I would have to say I recommend this product, but I think it is definitely geared more towards the guy who spends a lot of time on the water and is checking water temps frequently. I like the ease of it and the instant setting which reads the same as when I look at it, as opposed to an analog which loses/gains some temp between the time you take it out of the river and the time you look at it; especially in the summer. 

I worry about the first time I take a spill in the stream, or on the bank for that matter as the unit is not waterproof and the casing is only plastic. But with that being said, I still recommend it to a more cautious user. 

5-20-13 Korkers KGB Wading Boots
$209.99 MSRP
Model Tested: Studded Kling On Sole
Link: http://www.korkers.com/footwear/fishing/kgb-boot.html



I love these boots. They are the best. I really can't put it any simpler so I will just explain.
1. Comfort.
Unbelievable. So comfortable and lightweight you feel like you are wearing regular hiking boots. They retain hardly any water. The new material on the out-soles really do resist all water. Every time you pull your boots out of the water, they feel and look dry. Pretty much the only thing that stays wet is the traction soles (unless you have rubber and even that doesn't) and the tongue. Super lightweight. Super comfortable.

2. Traction.
No question. I have always been a weary wader, partially because of my height. I'm short. So I always avoid stepping where I can't see the bottom. Now, as long as it's not too deep, I just go. That is because I know that when my foot is going to step down, it is just going to stay there. Right where I put it. And it ain't going anywhere until I make it go. Just how it should be.

3. High roll cage.
The higher (than normal) boot really does provide extra advantages. First, the ankle support is unreal. This is due to the lace system (which locks the further back ankle lace in place) and the high construction of the boot itself. This lends to the traction factor as there is less 'rolling' of the ankle, allowing the boot to stay where it is and not where the rolled ankle wants to go. Make sense? I haven't tested this yet, but I know these will be great wet wading boots as well, because of the high tops.

4. Interchangeable Soles.
Korkers has had problems with the sole system in the past. Slippage, wear and tear, etc. That is why I bought these ones. Loved my last ones but the soles wouldn't stay in place. The KGB's are totally different. They have really figured out these soles now. Snap em' in and they stay. Period. So now you really do have the convenience of changeable soles; for wading or hiking or hanging out in the boat.

5. Durability.
Just like the soles, these boots are just all around solid. You can see it when you examine the boot and you can just feel it when you put em' on. I'm expecting to get at least two seasons out of them and a season for me is over 100 days on the water. I have all the confidence in the world that they will make it.

In conclusion, get these boots. They are a little spendy, but you really are getting your money's worth. When you put these boots on, you feel like Korkers really has taken wading boots to a whole new level; allowing you to sneak up on trout all day just like the 'KGB'.

Great boot, great product. Go get em!!!!!