Spring 2017 and Fall 2016 highlights were on display in Orlando.
Not resting on their record-setting performance at the 2015 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) and International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) shows, Simms once again had set its sights on unleashing two innovative product line launches at this year’s shows in Orlando, Florida.
The company brought to Florida new gear offerings across multiple categories, including waders, outerwear, sportswear, footwear, equipment, and accessories. “I think we will look back at the launch of the 2017 line of gear from Simms as well as our Fall 2016 launch as a watershed mark in our history. Our Product Team has worked tremendously hard to launch industry-leading products across many platforms,” says Simms President K.C. Walsh.
For the company’s Fall 2016 releases (in stores July 15, 2016), the line is led by the all-new Challenger Jacket and Bib. Priced at just $199.95 each, the Challenger Jacket and Bib feature best-in-class performance for the dedicated angler. Leveraging the same design DNA as the award-winning ProDry™ jacket and bib, anglers can expect full waterproof protection in the fully-taped garments. The Jacket’s stowable 3-point adjustable hood, storm flap, and dual draw-cord adjustments round out the feature set. The Challenger Bib includes hand-warmer pockets, zippered chest pocket, a thigh pocket with reinforced plier sheath, knee-high leg zippers for easy on and off, and adjustable suspenders.
The Fall 2016 line also marks Simms’ first foray into Down technology, with a decidedly fishy angle. Comprised of a DWR treated down blend with PrimaLoft® Gold synthetic insulation with ultimate high loft, the DOWNStream® Sweater ($249.95), DOWNStream® Jacket ($349.95), and Women’s DOWNStream Jacket ($349.95) have 750 fill power equivalent and are engineered for wet weather performance. The DOWNStream® collection features an innovative foldover cuff design alleviates water access and maintains wrist warmth while body mapping technology means more insulation in lower sleeves and hood in the Jacket. Pertex® Endurance 30d face fabric provides a durable exterior that can stand up to the life of an angler.
For its Spring 2017 line launch (landing in stores in November, 2016), Simms is debuting new product in critical categories. Handcrafted in the country’s only wading manufacturing facility, the company is unveiling the new Headwaters® Pro Wader ($399.95). The new Headwaters® Pro features an all-new 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric in the lower body for additional ruggedness, updated pocketing with more storage and molle webbing for tool attachment. The wader also features all new patterning based on Simms’ award-winning G3 Guide™ Stockingfoot for a more comfortable fit and increased durability. Joining the Headwaters™ Pro Wader is the new Headwaters® Pro Boot ($199.95). An update of the popular wading boot, the Headwaters® Pro Boot uses an updated waterproof nubuk leather upper for better fit, comfort and wading security. 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.
“The G4 Pro® line of packs is the most advanced lineup of packs Simms has ever produced,” says Brandan Hill, Simms Senior Director of Footwear & Equipment. “Each attribute has been carefully designed, sourced, and built so anglers can hike further, wade deeper and endure the elements to take their hike/wade exploits to a new level.”
Wet wading footwear receives considerable attention in the Spring 2017 with new version of the Riprap Shoe ($99.95), Riprap Sandal ($89.95) and Women’s Riprap Sandal ($89.95). All are constructed from high-abrasion synthetic and hydrophobic mesh and each feature Simms’ Right Angle® Footbed technology to align anglers in the proper angle for all day fishing. The Riprap Shoe and Sandal area available in both rubber and felt outsoles for optimal traction in harsh wading conditions.
The Challenger Jacket and Bib also see the release of accompanying gear in the Spring 2017 line. The Challenger Tackle Bag- LG ($149.95) and Challenger Tackle Bag- SM ($99.95) are perfect boat companions. Each handle a wide array of Plano® 3700-size boxes that can be viewed via the Bags’ transparent zipper lids, include interior fold-down dividers and quick-stash tuck away handles for less obstruction on the boat. The Challenger Boat Shoe ($119.95) comes on the heels of the award-winning Currents Shoe and incorporates Simms’ Right Angle® Footbed technology. TPU reinforcements means more bracing during rough swells and forefoot support for extreme control. The Shoe’s siped non-marking rubber soles include innovative built-in drainage in the midsole and outsole for quick water release.
The sportswear innovation continues for Simms 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 Intruder® BiComp LS Shirt. Likes it predecessor the GT TriComp™ LS Shirt, the Intruder BiComp (UPF30) combines knit and woven fabrics in critical areas for ease of casting and for all-day comfort. The best-selling Guide Shirt and Ultralight Shirt receive 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 on-the-go angler, Simms is expanding its Bounty Hunter collection. From waders and boots to rods and reels, this expansion makes packing for any trip easier than ever. Built out to include the Bounty Hunter Vault, a compression molded carry-all that accommodates up to twelve (12) reels and nine (9) 10-foot two hand rods, the collection also includes two and four piece rod/reel tube options. For multi-species destinations, anglers now have the capacity to carry up to six spey and or/single hand rods in a single tube as well as reel cases that can carry up to 10 fully loaded reels.
About Simms Fishing Products: Established in 1980, Montana-based Simms is the preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear and technical apparel in fishing. In 2011, Simms expanded its product offering to include expertly crafted outerwear, footwear and sportswear that gives all anglers a choice in top-end, premium products. The full line of Simms gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide as well as www.simmsfishing.com.