Simms Nabs “Field & Stream” Magazine’s Best of the Best Award

Simms ProDry GORE-TEX Jacket

BOZEMAN, MONT. – Simms Fishing Products does it again. For the eighth time since 1998, the editors at Field & Stream have bestowed a prestigious “Best of the Best” award on Simms gear. This time it’s the new Simms ProDry™ GORE-TEX® Jacket and Bibs winning the honors.

In the March 2012 edition of Field & Stream, the waterproof outerwear garners kudos from the venerable magazine’s panel of fishing experts that test hundreds of items – from rods and reels to filet knives, clothing and electronics. Winners can also be viewed on www.fieldandstream.com.

“We tested more than 100 pieces of the latest gear and winnowed it down to the standout products that clearly are the Best of the Best,” said Slaton White, Deputy Editor of Field & Stream. “We spend months battle-testing equipment in every major category to hone in on the gear we think will help our readers have the best possible day on the water.”

On the market since January, Simms’ ProDry rain gear has already built an impressive resume. At the International Fly Tackle Dealer show held in August, the ProDry suit took home both the “Best Outerwear” and the “Best in Show” awards in the New Product Showcase sponsored by Angling Trade Magazine and MidCurrent.com. “Tackle Insider” also named the ProDry products as “Best of Show, Apparel” in its wrap of the 2011 ICAST show. These suits have been tested and worn by many professional anglers fishing in Bassmaster tournaments, and this year was no exception. Chris Lane, 2012 Classic Champion wore the suit throughout the competition on Louisiana’s Red River.

“The GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric provides exceptional protection in extreme downpours and wind-driven rain. It’s heavy duty stuff, but shell suppleness, breathability and overall light weight make it comfortable enough for warmer weather,” wrote Field & Stream editors. “The jacket and bibs are full of intelligent details that make them top-notch gear…”

Made with GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric technology, Simms ProDry suits are equipped with a number of ingenuous features: A clear watch window so anglers can keep track of time without pulling off their jackets; kill switch lanyard D-rings on either side; packable storm hoods large enough to go over hats and caps of all sizes and pockets equipped to handle sandwiches, fly boxes or electronics. The jacket retails for $499.95, the bibs $399.95 and the pants $299.95.

This marks the eighth time Simms has been awarded “Best of the Best” top honors from Field & Stream: in 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008, 2009 and 2010 and 2011 for products that have included waders, wading boots, jackets and travel bags.

“We have tremendous respect for the work Field & Stream does,” said K.C. Walsh, President of Simms. “To be consistently recognized by their professional and expert staff certainly indicates to us we are doing things correctly at Simms. All of us at Simms are grateful for the kind words from Field & Stream.”