w a d e r s f l o o d insurance patented sonic-weld technology Silver Sonic Tech Bulletin Featuring the Orvis-patented SonicSeam technology, our new Silver Sonics are the most versatile waders we ve ever produced. We eliminated all the stitch holes and double reinforced the seams, meaning these waders will last more seasons and cover more water than ever before. Constructed of a durable, yet lightweight, 4-layer nylon fabric with an innovative suspension system that allows you to convert them to waist-highs in a f lash, the Silver Sonics are hard wearing, everyday waders built for every angler.
Above: A sonically welded seam maintains a low profile and reduces the potential for fabric abrasion. Below: A traditional sewn seam creates abrasion of fabric, the primary cause for leaky waders (other than seams giving way, which is a manufacturing defect seen in stitched waders). Stitches and holes, shown below, are eliminated in the new sonic seam process. seam tape wader fabric sonic seam thread Silver Sonic Waders were developed in response to the great success we had in introducing the industry s first sonic seam waders. In a process we developed and patented, the seams are waterproof as soon as the fabric is joined (the seam is not full of stitch holes) and the resulting wader is slim, light in weight, and extremely durable. People said the original Sonic Pack & Travel waders were as comfortable as blue jeans and packed into a space even smaller than jeans in a duffle bag. Many of our endorsed guides have used the Pack & Travels for multiple seasons and raved about them to us and to their clients. We nailed the technology, the durability, and the comfort with our first iteration. Naturally, we wanted to provide those same attributes in a wader with more pockets, more features, and more versatility. During the process of creating the new Silver Sonics, many of our tester and guide suggestions made it into the final product, meaning the Silver Sonics are more useful to the average angler, extremely comfortable, and will last longer than ever before.
about fabric details All of our fabric tests were run by an independent lab. Wader fabric always strikes a balance between puncture and abrasion resistance and breathability. The two are inversely related. We try to balance these two competing factors to give the most comfortable, durable waders under a wide variety of conditions. Abrasion resistance is even more important than puncture resistance. Constant abrasion of fabric on the legs is the primary cause for leaky waders (other than seams giving way, which is a manufacturing defect seen in stitched waders). Fabric Technology Orvis 4-layer fabric system 100% Nylon Face Fabric w/dwr Microporous PU Coating PU Monolithic Membrane Nylon Tricot Back Liner Perspiration The four-layer breathable, waterproof fabric includes lightweight nylon, a monolithic micro-porous coating, a waterproof breathable polyurethane membrane, and an inner liner of tricot nylon.
How are these waders the same as the original Pack & Travel Sonics? They utilize the same four-layer waterproof-breathable fabric, which consists of a tough yet lightweight nylon, a monolithic microporous coating, a waterproof breathable polyurethane membrane, and an inner liner of tricot nylon. Nylon outer fabric. Nylon is more abrasion resistant than polyester, yet nearly all other waders on the market use a polyester outer fabric. Micro-porous coating that adds self-healing properties to the fabric, so tiny punctures from thorns and similar small sharp objects typically heal instantly. Seams are ultrasonically welded, which makes all seams instantly waterproof. How are Silver Sonics different from the original Pack & Travels? They offer a special suspender design that allows you to instantly make them into waist waders by opening two nylon clips. You can adjust the height of the upper without removing wader suspenders, jackets, or rain coats. They have three pockets: an outside water-repellent pocket with water-resistant zipper, a standard inner pocket, and a special 100% waterproof removable pocket for phone, wallet, key fob, and other valuables. Touch screen phones can be operated while still inside the waterproof pocket. They have true anatomically shaped neoprene feet, which make them more comfortable and easier to get into a wading shoe without the bunching of neoprene under your foot. New heavy-duty rubberized seam tape on foot is soft and flexible but much stronger than standard seam tape. Three belt loops so wading belt stays in place. Fabric and elastic gravel guard as opposed to the neoprene on the originals. Easier to put over your wading boots and cover laces better. Gravel guards also feature mesh drainage panels to keep water from accumulating as you wade. Only one ounce heavier than the originals, so they are still superlight and comfortable. New women s sizes (13 different sizes) with completely overhauled size specs and a more useful size chart. (More details to come.) Contrasting color blocking on the waders, plus streamlined Sonic logo on leg and unique fish silk screening on the bottom of the foot. All strictly cosmetic.
Didn t Orvis just copy Redington? No, we developed the technology, patented it, and perfected the design. Redington builds their wader under our license, and introduced their waders two years after our first Sonic Waders. Because we have had more time to perfect the process, we feel our design is superior in function and durability. The five-layer fabric used on the lower leg of the Redington waders does not weld perfectly and there is the potential for the seam to fail prematurely. The outer fabric on the Orvis Silver Sonics is twice as abrasion resistant as the upper fabric on the Redington Sonic Pros, and is 51% more abrasion resistant than the 5-layer heavy fabric used on the legs in the Redington waders. The Redington waders do not have instant conversion to waist waders. The feet on Orvis Silver Sonics have a heavier, more durable rubberized seam tape for greater durability. The Redington waders do not have any waterproof pockets. The Orvis Silver Sonics have one completely waterproof pocket and one highly water-resistant pocket. How do Silver Sonics compare to Simms and Patagonia waders at a similar price point? Neither Simms nor Patagonia makes waders with sonically welded seams, so all of their waders utilized seam technology with stitch holes in the fabric. Silver Sonics are far more abrasion resistant and breathable than Simms Freestone Waders. Silver Sonics are more abrasion resistant than the upper used in Simms Headwaters. The Simms Headwaters lower legs are more abrasion-resistant, but they needed a five-layer fabric to do this, with a dramatic lowering of breathability, addition of weight, and loss of freedom of movement in their legs. Patagonia Rio Azul and Water Master waders still use a seam on the inside of the leg, which is a design proven to accelerate inseam leaks.
Examples of what our testers told us Ok, I will admit that I have not been a big fan of Orvis waders. However, the sonic-welded waders have been impressive. I will guide well over 200 days a year, these waders have held up to the severe thrashing of sliding over rocks, willows, beaver sticks, slamming in a car door, etc. This is the first wader that I would recommend without hesitation. Love the suspender system. Bubba Smith, head guide, Fisheads of the San Juan Gotta tell you, I ve got 20 days on these Silver Sonic Waders and I am just tickled to death. The sizing is right on the money, I can t believe the difference in the size change, these are great! They are very light feeling on the body, breathe quite nicely and so far have not had any leaks. I also like the sizing down by the calf and the ankle which makes getting in and out of them very easy, unlike some other popular brands. I am tickled to have the extra pockets as well I use them all. These are a winner!! Thank you so very much for sending these to me. Wayne Aldridge, professional guide, Delaware River
Technical specs 1600 1400 Breathability (MVT B) 1200 Silver Sonic 1000 g/m2/24 hours 800 600 400 200 0 1200 Abrasion Resistance 1000 Cycles 800 600 Silver Sonic 400 200 0 Brand model number of sizes availiable weight in size large Price Abrasion resistance upper* Abrasion resistance leg Breathability Upper** Breathability lower Orvis Orvis Silver Sonics Sonic Pack and Travel 14 39.3 $259 550 550 1151 1151 12 38 $229 550 550 1151 1151 Redington Sonic Pro 12 44.8 $279.95 225 365 539 538 Simms Headwater 13 43 $299.95 375 850 1252 451 Simms Freestone 7 38.4 $229.95 325 400 517 103 Patagonia Rio Azul 19 31.4 $239 175 175 996 996 Patagonia Water Master 19 40.5 $299 225 225 773 773