Tackle Trade World - January 2024

FEATURE
THE NEXT
EVOLUTION OF G4
HAS ARRIVED
Outdoor and apparel expert Simms kicks off 2024 with the release of an all-new iteration of
its flagship wader, the G4Z Stockingfoot. As you might expect, it’s a further evolution on one
of its most enduring products.
In its 2008 catalogue, Simms pulled
back the curtain to unveil the first
G4Z Stockingfoot Wader. The wader
was prominently featured on the
cover, the inside cover, and was also the
first product consumers saw upon diving
into the entire 2008 product collection.
An excerpt from the catalogue regarding
the brand new G4Z read as follows:
“G4s aren’t made for the casual angler.
They represent the peak of Simms’ design
expertise. The recipient of many coveted
awards, this wader is the most durable,
breathable wader available on the market
today.”
While the statement above was
originally published 16 years ago, it could
be cut and pasted in any G4 copy today.
Even to this day it’s true – G4s aren’t made
for the casual angler.
And they undoubtedly continue to
embody the peak of Simms design
and development expertise. Finally, it’s
important to note that, before the latest
G4Z was released, the wader tallied
multiple coveted industry awards, making
it one of – if not the most – decorated
waders in the longstanding history of
Simms.
RAISING THE BAR
So what sets the new G4Z so high above
the pack? The short answer is – a lot. One of
the more noteworthy aspects of this G4Z is
38 www.tackletradeworld.com
the fact that, in addition to being designed
and developed out of Simms’ Bozeman,
Montana headquarters, it’s also built from
the ground up by Simms’ highly skilled,
Bozeman-based Wader Maker team.
One detail of the new G4Z that hasn’t
changed from its predecessor is the fabric
package. The reason being – it delivers across
the board.
In 2019, Simms released the previous
G4Z iteration, which was the first time
this GORE-TEX fabric package was used.
This was also the first time Simms utilised a
four-layer lower in lieu of five.
Logically, it makes sense that shedding a
layer would offer enhanced mobility, lighter
weight and increased breathability, but what
about durability? How could four-layer live