I started looking for new boots that were to be used primarily for ice fishing. I have a pair of pac boots (LaCross Ice Kings) that I normally wear, but a slight cut in the leather upper has resulted in them not being waterproof, which can be a real problem when conditions get slushy. I was therefore looking for a rubber boot that I could use as a backup when conditions dictate, and also for something that is easy on/easy off for shoveling the driveway, etc.I had heard many good things about Baffin boots, and was originally interested in the Baffin Titan. Reviews I found were generally good, with the only complaint being their bulky size. They are also pretty spendy, with about $90 being the cheapest I could find them in my size. I then considered the Baffin Trapper, which seemed a bit more compact, and were a few bucks cheaper. I was just about to purchase the Trapper when I noticed the screaming deal on Amazon for the Baffin Ice Bear; a boot that I had not heard of previously, and for which I could really find no reviews. After contemplating for about a week, I finally purchased the Ice Bears.When they arrived, I was skeptical. Good construction, but the synthetic outer shell appears to be molded/laminated with the liner, which is not removable and is no where near as plush as the Ice Kings, or say, the Baffin Impact (which is the only thing I could find locally to try on for fit). They seem pretty much like rubber boots with some very thin, dense, almost hard insulation. The boot is actually quite stiff as well. Size seems good; a little sloppy with normal socks, but not bad with the thicker wool socks I usually wear fishing. I was not optimistic however. So here is my test:I wore the Ice Kings w/ some Browning wool socks two weeks ago while fishing for several hours. The conditions were -12 when I arrived and 2 degrees when I packed up and headed for home. There was a slight breeze that was bitterly cold the whole day, so I spent a good amount of time sitting in the ice shanty. There was maybe 3 or 4 inches of snow on top of the ice. My feet were not toasty, but were not extremely cold...I would characterize them as "cool".The following week, I wore the Ice Bears w/ the same wool socks. Temp when I arrived was -6, and when I left it was about 10. Roughly the same amount of wind, but slightly more snow on the ice. Very comparable to the previous week. This time, I made a point to clear slush from newly drilled holes with my feet; something I can no longer do with my pac boots. Again, a fair amount of time spent in the shanty out of the wind. My first impression was that they were surprisingly warm while walking and standing. As I sat, my feet did cool, but not a great amount more than they did when wearing the Ice Kings. Overall, I would say they are not quite as warm, but close. I was admittedly surprised. I will probably add a sole liner, which I think may make some difference in how warm they are when just sitting.The Ice Bears are close to the same weight of the Ice Kings, but slightly heavier. But they are also quite a bit higher too and the uppers are significantly larger around as well. On the other hand, they are not as bulky around your foot. They are also very easy to get on and off, and with the liner built into the boot, there should be no worry about pulling the liner out with your feet if they get wet or sweaty. One the flip side, you can't pull the liner out if it gets wet or sweaty (although as dense as the liner is, it may not absorb much water anyway)!One disadvantage that I see, which is due to their relative stiffness, is that my shins started getting sore after walking a distance. I am not used to tucking my bibs into my boots (although my bibs zipped around the uppers just fine), but with these you really have to just for the added cushion if your going to be walk very far. This seemed to help. I have used them since while clearing my driveway...when shoveling (a little more exertion), my feet started to sweat...too much boot. When using the snow blower, they were just fine. Still rub the shins a little though.Good boot, great value, no where near as comfortable as a pac, but comparable warmth, more convenient, and I got them for less than half of what I paid for the Ice Kings almost 15 years ago. Looking forward to wearing them Steelhead fishing this spring.UPDATE: Post a good review, and the price more than triples! For the record, I paid less than $50 for the camo version.