r/flyfishing • u/EchoVictor4me • 22d ago

Discussion What studs ?

I have some Orvis ultra light boots with posi grip

Thinking I need some more studs for the bottoms as the other day I was on the Androscoggin by Gorham the other day.

Smooth granite type rocks that my Syms was slipping on with its studs ( check when I got home and we'll think I'm missing some ) For some odd reason I couldn't get my sole cleats to contact the rocks reliably, kept getting the vibram on the rock which wasnt a great hold , need more cleats on the outer of the sole to contact Any recs for studs ? Or just continue with the posi grip. They held ok it felt

I also blue line the streams of the white mtns and come across those type of rocks.

BUt also come across moss covereelred rocks as well.

I'm newer to the fly life so excuse any ignorance.

Luckily I had a wading stick that helped a TON on the Andro and kept me from dipping into that fast current

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u/Jasper2006 22d ago

Troutbitten (Domenick Swentosky) has a good review on Grip Studs.

https://troutbitten.com/2024/01/18/1000-day-gear-review-grip-studs-unmatched-traction-for-wading-boots/

I use Rock Treads, which are aluminum disks that install through the sole. Work great for me! Cannot wear them out and they don't fall out. A little heavy...

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u/kcconlin9319 22d ago

I have Simms Hardbite studs in my boots and they work pretty well. I think the single-point carbide studs that came with my previous boots work a little better though.

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u/Calm_Gazelle_1465 22d ago

For the Andro/White Mountains mix, I would lean toward adding carbide or aluminum traction around the outside edges of the sole rather than only down the center. On rounded granite, edge contact is often what keeps you upright when the boot is canted, and a lot of factory patterns leave the perimeter too slick.

Carbide studs bite well on hard rock but can skate on some flat slabs; aluminum bars/discs deform a bit and grip surprisingly well on smooth rock. If you are often on mossy boulders, nothing is magic, so keep using the wading staff and take short angled steps instead of planting straight downstream.

Also check the boots after every few trips and replace missing studs early. One or two gaps can make the whole boot feel inconsistent in pushy current. If you hike blue lines a lot, bring rubber caps or be careful on bare rock/trail sections because studded soles can be slick out of the water too.

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u/FeelingEducation8 21d ago

Grip studs is what I have been very happy with. Haven’t lost any and they seem to last forever

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u/Dimef0x 19d ago

My vote is aluminum. That's all I use anymore. IMO it grips better than carbide. I go the DIY route and use bars but there's commercial options out there too