Simms Contender Gore Tex Bib

I bought these in January as they are 'extreme weather' rated and held off reviewing them until I got the chance to try them in extreme weather..........that chance came on a very cold, wet, windy and wild March boat trip on high altitude Brenig reservoir and I'm pleased to say they passed with flying colours! Whilst others shivered sodden by the driving rain I stayed dry and warm!
I've always held off Simms gear because of the expense but after seeing them advertised at a great sale price and chatting to the knowledgeable sales staff at Angling Active I decided to give them a go. The sale brought them down to a bit more then most of the the recognised UK fishing clothing brands but having tried most of them they eventually leaked so I figured the Simms lifetime warranty was worth the extra investment.
The material is 3 layer Gore tex which feels reassuringly robust. The gear is generally generous fitting but fits well and allows for layering which it will require as it is essentially an outer hard shell.. Both the jacket and the bib are simple but functional design ideal for UK boat reservoir fishing. The jacket has 2 vertical zipped chest pockets, a minimal zipped mesh internal pocket and 2 zipped waist hand warmer pockets. Its got a great hig, lined collar which combined with the 3 point adjustable hood does an excellent job of combating driving rain or spray whilst allowing good peripheral vision. It also includes and effective hem draw cord. The sleeves are articulated and have the best dry cuff system I've encountered on any jacket.
The bib is high cut coming to the top of the chest which I really like as it is very effective in countering rain, spray or fish slime whilst wearing just a soft shell, fleece or thermal jacket rather the the full outer jacket. The legs have an effective ankle cuff and gusseted zip for adjustment whilst putting on over boots.
Both garments have a good strong waterproof zip.
Both garments are obviously very waterproof and cut down wind but you do need to consider layering beneath them as they are simply hard shells. (I've bought the Simms Fall Run jacket which works great and I reckon will cover the majority of UK fishing I'm likely to encounter other then very cold conditions}.
I anticipate getting a lot of use out of this gear, its very well made and looks durable. I like its simple uncluttered lines and being a single shell it will be useful in summer as well as the other 3 seasons.
Would I change anything? Well improvements might be making the main zips on both garments two way for comfort. The pocket zips would benefit from tags to assist ease of use. I would also like to see horizontal pocket chest flaps in addition to the the vertical ones with a facility within in them to attach zingers etc. I think a waist draw cord would also be an improvement.
I did notice the bib seat wasn't quite as warm as my previous pair which had a neoprene seat. I don't know if it would be possible for Simms to incorporate such a feature with Gore tex?
Finally, I bought the dark gunmetal/catch camo jacket. I'm not sure about the US colour schemes but my mates like the look of it. Personally I think Simms would sell more with a more traditional UK colour scheme perhaps khaki green/black?
Overall though a really great product which I would definitely recommend to the UK boat trout angler it will keep you dry and comfortable.
(Although I have reviewed the pre 2016 model, the current model is pretty much the same apart from the colours (US bright 'colors' again) so I thought this review my be of value to prospective buyers.)