Everyone who has been on the water knows the Grunden’s Hercules bibs. They’re iconic — like “the yellow arches” of saltwater boating. No brand name is needed, you just know them when you see them.
Their reputation preceded them: made of a fabric lined rubber, they were a no-fooling foul weather gear. Nothing got through them. They are what commercial fisherman often wear, and if they can wear them, a fly fisherman can wear them to endure a little bow spray without question.
But what would happen when Grunden’s released a new pair of non-rubber, non-bright orange bibs? Would they live up to the same performance standards?
We sought to find out this season with both the Dark and Stormy bibs, and the Weather Watch bibs. Spoiler alert: while both performed well, the Dark and Stormy is a big upgrade! Worth almost $300? We’re not so sure.
So how did they fare? Great. While I may have had some condensation from sweat, I did not once get wet with the Dark and Stormy bibs. They were great.
We wore these in terrible weather this year, taking the worst spot on the boat to absorb as much foul weather as possible. We also took to testing them in the backyard with a hose. Anything for science.
The Dark & Stormy has a few advantages over the Weather Watch. They have hand warmer pockets, a waterproof zipper fly, and adjustable waist and cuffs. The Weather Watch bibs do not — they are more no frills. Is that worth the price difference? That’s totally up to you!
My one real criticism? The pant leg lengths do not vary considerably between sizes. I am 5′ 8″ or so, with about a 30″ inseam, and these pant legs go below and beyond the boots I’m wearing. I tried on my dad’s larger size, and they were almost the same length.
For our full take, watch the video above. Do you have any thoughts on these? Leave them in the comments section below!
Find them on the Grundens site here:
