BOZEMAN, Mont. (Nov 18, 2016) – The end of 2016 is coming fast and Simms is jumping at the chance to celebrate the New Year early with its launch of the 2017 line, now available in stores.
The award-winning 2017 line of gear spans across several of Simms’ key categories. Notably, the preeminent manufacturer of fishing waders unveils the new Headwaters™ Pro Stockingfoot, handcrafted in the USA. The winner of the Best New Wader at the International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) Show this past summer, the new Headwaters™ Pro features an all-new 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric in the lower body with a reinforcement panel for increased durability, updated pocketing with more storage and molle webbing for tool attachment. The wader also includes all new patterning based on Simms’ award-winning G3 Guide™ Stockingfoot for a more comfortable fit and increased durability.
“At its core, Simms is a wader company. You will see that dedication and passion for design, testing and materials in the new Headwaters™ Pro wader,” says Fred Dennis, Simms’ Senior Director of Apparel Design & Development. “Seeing this handcrafted-in-Bozeman wader come to life has been a celebration here at Simms.”
Joining the Headwaters™ Pro Wader is the new Headwaters® Pro Boot. An update of the popular wading boot, the Headwaters® Pro Boot incorporates an updated waterproof nubuk leather upper for better fit, comfort and wading stability. Available with a Vibram® Idrogrip outsole or in felt, the new boot is ready to take its place in Simms revered line of wading boots.
Wet wading footwear also receives considerable attention in the 2017 line with new versions of the Riprap Shoe (winner of IFTD Show’s Best Wading Boots), Riprap Sandal and the IFTD award winner for Women’s General Apparel, Women’s Riprap Sandal. Constructed of high-abrasion synthetic and hydrophobic mesh, each member of the Riprap collection features Simms’ Right Angle® Footbed technology that integrates comfort with all-day fishing stability. The Riprap Shoe and Sandal area available in both rubber and felt outsoles for optimal traction in challenging wading conditions.
In the Packs category, Simms announces the new G4 Pro® Packs—the first line of packs to receive the G4 Pro® badge. Available in Backpack, Sling Pack, Hip Pack and Tactical Hip Pack models, each pack features super rugged TPU-coated fabric with critically taped seams, allowing anglers to wade deeper and endure rain and snow with confidence. In addition, G4 Pro® Packs incorporate larger openings for easy access to ample amounts of storage, hideaway strap capabilities, and magnetic tool docking stations.
Simms celebrates on-deck angling in 2017 with new outerwear, bags, and footwear additions to its Challenger collection. The Challenger Jacket and is now are available in new colors for 2017 like the Hex Camo pattern seen across the Simms line. For carrying and organizing tackle, the Challenger Tackle Bag- LG and Challenger Tackle Bag- SM each handle a wide array of Plano® 3700-size boxes that can be viewed via the bags’ transparent zipper lids. The bags also include interior fold-down dividers and quick-stash tuck away handles for less obstruction on the boat.
The Challenger Boat Shoe comes on the heels of the award-winning Currents Shoe and incorporates Simms’ Right Angle® Footbed technology. The Challenger Boat Shoe is built with strategically placed TPU reinforcements that provide rigidity in key areas to maintain stability even in rough seas and conditions. The Shoe’s siped non-marking rubber soles include innovative built-in drainage in the footbed, midsole and outsole for quick water release.
Sportswear innovation continues in 2017 with the introduction of numerous new styles that keep anglers protected from the sun and pesky bugs. In the fishing shirts line, Simms introduces 14 new styles, led by the IFTD Show award winner for Men’s General Apparel, the Intruder® BiComp LS Shirt. Likes it predecessor the GT TriComp™ LS Shirt, the Intruder® BiComp (UPF30) combines knit and woven fabrics in critical areas to provide unhindered range of motion and all-day comfort. The best-selling Guide Shirt and Ultralight Shirt received complete redesigns while the UPF 50 SolarFlex® Hoody joins the lineup of sun protection apparel along with a redesign of the popular SolarFlex® Crewneck. The company’s BugStopper® line also grows with the addition of the BugStopper® Hoody, BugStopper® Net Sombrero and Net Cap. The BugStopper® line utilizes Insect Shield® repellent for long-lasting, effective, and convenient personal insect protection.
For the traveling angler, Simms is expanding its Bounty Hunter collection, making packing for any trip easier than ever. The Bounty Hunter Vault, a compression molded carry-all that accommodates up to twelve (12) reels and nine (9) 10-foot two hand rods, joins the Bounty Hunter Rod Cannons and Bounty Hunter Reel Cases, available in three sizes. Bounty Hunter Rod/Reel cases (available in single or double cases for 4-piece or 2-piece rods) include reinforced padding to ensure rods and reels stay protected. Utilizing the Bounty Hunter Rod Canons, multi-species anglers now have the capacity to carry up to six spey and or/single hand rods in a single tube as well as up to 10 fully loaded reels, lines and other gear in the large Bounty Hunter Reel Case.
“Across the entire line, the product team here in Bozeman has worked tirelessly to address angler needs,” says Lee Fromson, Simms’ Executive Vice President. “The reception from our retailers has been tremendous and we are excited for anglers to see and fish the gear for themselves.”