Help, maintenance and care of waders

If you feel the waders are leaking

Probably the most common problem with waders is water ingress. Leaks can arise from various causes without it being noticed. Even if no water enters, it may feel like this due to sweat or condensation.

*Please check the product yourself before use: Although mazume and Japangler have taken every precaution to ensure that the product is treated well, you are the person who can check and maintain the product after purchase. Regular inspections are important to avoid accidents.
*If you find leaks or other problems, other problems may arise, which can be very dangerous. Therefore, never use a leaking product.
*The waders we sell are for fishing purposes. Do not use them for any purpose other than fishing.

In the event that water does not enter - perspiration, condensation

Because the humidity inside waders can be close to 100%, the inside can get wet from the moisture of sweat. Even the slightest, imperceptible perspiration, e.g. B. in winter, can cause moisture. Also, since the inside of the wader is heated by body heat, the temperature difference between the water temperature and the outside temperature can cause condensation inside the wader. The moisture from sweat and condensation can soak clothing and skin, making it feel like it's leaking.
Waders made of impermeable material keep the moisture from sweat and condensation inside, so if the wader is worn after use when it is not sufficiently dry, it can feel like water has entered. Cases like "the tips and cuffs of the socks are wet" or "the clothes are generally damp" are usually due to sweat or condensation.
(Even with moisture-permeable models, the boot portion is made of impermeable material, so the toe and cuff of the sock can get wet. The inside of the waders can also get wet if the moisture-permeability is exceeded due to instantaneous condensation).

In the event that no water enters ①
Example of wet toes due to sweat or condensation.

If no water enters
Examples of wet inner clothing due to sweat and condensation.

If no water enters
Inside of waders damp from condensation

In case of water ingress due to external factors

When waders leak, it is usually due to damage caused by external factors.
Examples include tears and holes from hooks, plant thorns, spikes from wading boots, and the like.
Other examples include delamination of the fabric or damage to the fabric from friction against rocks or concrete, which can result in water ingress.
In rare cases, a hole can also be caused by a fish's dorsal fin.
There are a number of factors that can lead to scratches or holes in the wader and thus water ingress. They can also arise due to unexpected reasons.
If a new pair of waders leaks the first time you use them, you might think, "Could they be broken already?" However, water ingress caused by external factors has nothing to do with how often the waders were used.


If your waders have started to leak, please contact us.
We will then work with you to determine if a repair is possible. (Charges will apply depending on the type of damage and the location, which we will notify you of prior to the repair.)
Unfortunately, depending on the size and location of the damage, it may not be possible to repair it.

In case of scratches on the waders

When waders take damage, it's often difficult to notice unless you can see the moment the damage occurs . Waders are made of thicker fabric and have a looser silhouette than regular clothing, so you won't necessarily notice a hole unless it's a major hole or tear. That's why it often happens that you think: "The waders are broken, even though I haven't done anything with them".
The reason for a hole is not always a fish hook, thorns, etc. Sometimes it is also not possible to determine exactly where the defect is coming from.
It can only be determined whether it is due to external factors or a product defect.

The following images show examples of holes caused by external influences.

Water ingress due to external influences ①
Small hole

Water ingress due to external influences
Crack

Water ingress due to external influences
damage to the boot

In the event of water ingress due to age-related wear and tear

The waterproofness of waders is not permanent. The deterioration of the material over time can affect waterproofing and lead to water ingress.
Examples include age-related sticking due to hydrolysis, seam deterioration, surface material detachment due to deteriorating coating, wear of adhesives used in various parts, wear of boot joints, etc. These phenomena are summarized under the term age-related deterioration.
The rate of age-related deterioration varies greatly depending on the conditions of use (frequency of use, location, time of year, weather, method of storage, etc.), but waders, due to their material properties, also deteriorate at a constant pace regardless of this. Therefore, leaks and damage due to age-related wear and tear are inevitable. We ask for your understanding.
We are very sorry, but leaks due to age-related wear and tear cannot be repaired. This can also be viewed as the lifespan of the waders.


*Water ingress due to age-related wear and tear may occur even if the product is clean on the outside
(e.g. the product is used infrequently or only 2 or 3 times a year, but more than 3 years have passed since purchase)
*Age-related wear and tear can also cause the felt sole to detach and cause water ingress. This is because the adhesive components (mainly polyurethane) react with the humidity in the air and cause hydrolysis. Please understand that the adhesion of the felt sole is not permanent.


It's not possible to completely prevent age-related wear, but proper storage can delay the process. Please note the following storage instructions:

  • Do not store in a sealed container
  • Store in a well-ventilated, dark place
  • Do not bend or fold when not in use for a long time
  • Rinse with clear water before long periods of non-use and allow to dry completely before storing

Water ingress due to age-related wear ①
deterioration of the seam

Water ingress due to age-related wear
Worse connection between waders and boots

Water ingress due to age-related wear
Fabric detachment or flaking tissue

In case of water ingress due to manufacturing defects

Although we take every precaution with our products, in very rare cases, water leakage or other defects may occur due to manufacturing errors. Please contact us if you discover such a defect. We will then contact you and discuss the next steps.

repair

The cost of a repair depends on the type and location of the damage. Feel free to contact us if you find a hole, tear or similar in your waders. We will contact you and discuss any costs and further steps.


A repair does not restore the original condition (e.g. design), but makes the product functional again. The appearance of the product may change slightly.

Repairs may not be possible due to the size or location of the damage.


We ask you to pay the shipping costs for sending the repair order.


The following images are examples of unrepairable cases:

Damage that cannot be repaired ①
Damage to watertight closures

Damage that cannot be repaired
Large tears in the waders

Damage that cannot be repaired
Big cracks in the boot

Cases in which unfortunately no repair is possible:

(Repair will be refused in the following cases, regardless of how many times the product was used or when it was purchased),


・When the product has been used for any purpose other than fishing
・If the product was purchased second-hand (e.g., acquired second-hand from friends or purchased from online auctions)
・If the product has been modified by the owner (embroidery, painting, resizing, non-detachable exterior parts, etc.).
・When the damage is caused by age-related wear and tear
・When we believe the damage was caused intentionally
・When the damage is considered beyond repair by us

FAQ

Q: "I think I have a hole, but I don't know where it's coming from."
A: Please contact info@japangler.de.
If the defect is confirmed, we will contact you to discuss next steps.

Q: "Can you fix every hole or tear?"
A: Depending on the size and location of the damage and the number of holes or tears, we may not be able to repair the damage. In addition, damage due to age-related wear and tear cannot be repaired.

Q: "I found a hole in the product after first use. What does that mean?"
A: We understand your disappointment, but the number of uses is irrelevant in the case of damage caused by external factors.
Any damage caused by external influences can lead to water ingress, regardless of how often the waders have been used.

Q: "Before ordering a repair, can you tell me the cost of the repair?"
A: Unfortunately, we can only give an accurate estimate for the repair after our inspection.

Q: "Can you do replacement repairs on boots and socks?"
A: We're sorry. We do not offer replacement repairs for boots and socks.

Q: "The felt sole of my waders has come off. Is this a manufacturing defect?"
A: The main cause of felt sole peeling is age-related deterioration of the glue used for gluing. The components of the adhesive (mainly polyurethane) react with the humidity in the air and cause hydrolysis. Since there is always a certain amount of moisture in the air, hydrolysis cannot be completely prevented. Please understand that the adhesion of the felt sole is therefore not permanent.
Thorough drying of the felt after use and avoiding storage in a damp environment for longer periods of time, e.g. B. in the off-season, are measures that slow down the progression of age-related deterioration.

Q: "Can old waders (e.g. discontinued models) be repaired?"
A: Damage caused by age-related wear and tear cannot be repaired.

Q: "How should I clean and store my waders?
A:Wash the waders in fresh water after use, whether used in fresh or salt water. After washing, hang them in a shaded, well-ventilated place and let them dry completely. We recommend keeping them in a shady, well-ventilated place. (UV rays and humidity accelerate the aging process). If the product is not used for a long time, e.g. B. out of season, do not fold them up small, but store them in such a way that they are not bent and crumpled as much as possible. Avoid storing in sealed boxes or in places with high temperatures and high humidity.

If you have any further questions or anything is unclear, please contact us at info@japangler.de!