Hi,

Sorry for being late to this, but a recent post to AKBirding had negative comments about both NEOS and Xtra-tufs: http://birding.aba.org/message.php?mesid=249928&MLID=AK01&MLNM=Alaska%20Birding

To summarize, production of Xtra-tufs was recently moved to China, and the same apparently goes for NEOS, and it sounds like quality may have suffered.

FWIW, I've used Xtra-tufs for a number of years, and I've been happy with them. I've also used Lacrosse rubber boots and was happy with them as well, though I prefer the sole of the Xtra-tufs. On the other hand, I've had a few clients who were never able to keep water out of their NEOS, though I know there are legions of birders who swear by them.

John Puschock
Matthews Beach, Seattle
g_g_allin at hotmail.com
http://www.zbirdtours.com

p.s. If you can still find US-made Xtra-tufs in Seattle, please let me know. I should stock up.