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Boot dilemma
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Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
Well it's tax return time and I think I need a pair of boots. I tried on my roommate's Tech 8s and I can't say I liked them. I don't like the buckle--sometimes they stick a little--but I REALLY didn't like the fit. They pressed painfully against my ankle on one side. I don't know if they don't do that to her or if she is just used to it. Besides, I don't really want to jump on the Tech 8 bandwagon.
So the Sidis are pretty high on my list but I am torn between the Force and the Vortex. I know some people here have the Force but I want to hear from those with the Vortex. What do you think of them?
(Actual riding opinions please, I've already read the website.)
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
Another boot has entered consideration . . . Oxtar. Anyone actually seen one or tried one on?
Here are pictures and specs:
[size=2]http://www.oxtar-usa.com/products/tcx_pro.html[/size]
[size=2]http://www.oxtar-usa.com/products/tcx_comp.html[/size]
[size=2] [/size]
Posted by: rickyd---------------------
Just a word of advice too steer clear of FOX Forma Comps.. I had bad luck w/mine and bought Tech8's..
Rick
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
No worries there--my current boots are 3 year old Formas. They got trashed fast.
The Forma Pros are on the list though, after looking at them. They have a lot better buckle system and seem stiffer than the Comps.
So, the list:
-> Fox Forma Pros
-> Sidi Vortex
-> Sidi Force
-> Oxtar TCX Pro
-> Oxtar TCX Competition
Price has a lot to do with this too. I can get really good deals on everything except the Oxtar boots, and those are cool enough that if I decide to go that way it MIGHT not matter.
Posted by: rickyd---------------------
Be careful w/the Forma Pro's, i've noticed in some of the magazines, pics of Bubba riding and some of the buckles have come un done.. But they do look alot better than the Comps..
RIck
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
You might take a peek at the Alpinestars Vectors, apparently they don't have the support of the Tech 8's but are very, very comfortable and durable.
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
I'm not really interested in the Vectors. They just don't do it for me--I don't like the 2 buckles and one strap. I want 4 full buckles. Plus, they are shorter, and I have heard they don't fit as well over knee braces. I wear Asterisks and they take up a lot of room--I can't get the velcro closed on my current Formas.
Posted by: Rider4ever---------------------
Yeah I feel the same way about tech 8s as you do. allthough I bought a pair . I wear size 11 and they feel really bulky and I dont have the feel like I thought I would .I looked at all the boots on your list with the exception of the Oxtar. You Might want to look the the Gaerne SG1 also . They are way comfy and have a good feel to them.Simlar to the Sidi vortex but not as tall.
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
I don't know anywhere I can get as good a deal on Gaernes as I can on the other boots though. It's all about the money. 
Posted by: xr600r---------------------
bobs cycle has last years msr system 6 boots on sale for $140
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
No MSR--they are made by Alpinestar only cheaper. They don't hold up. A buddy of mine went through 3 pair.
The ones on my list are the ones I'm interested in. I fact, I am pretty much decided on the Sidi Force due to the excellent price I can get on them. I am just looking for opinions of people who have actually worn them, especially women, though I don't think any of the female DRNers have them.
Posted by: Okiewan---------------------
Vortex.
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
Quote:
Originally posted by Okiewan
Vortex.
|
Think so? Why, over the Force?
Posted by: Okiewan---------------------
I'm assuming you still ride woods a lot more than MX? If that's the case, the Vortex is a lot more flexible than the Force, IMHO would be better for woods/trail use. It's a nice compromise between the hardcore Force and say the Vector boot, which offers little support. It's comparable to the Tech 6 (my favorite boot).
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
I'm pretty much an even mix now. I want to race the whole local series this year and try to get serious about clearing some jumps and picking up speed. I still trail ride though of course.
Part of the attraction of the Force is the ankle hinge or pivot or whatever--I like stiff boots, and that lets them be both stiff and flexible, right? Plus they will probably last me forever. I don't mind "hardcore."
I'm fairly decided on the Force but still considering.
Posted by: Okiewan---------------------
Okay.
Posted by: firecracker22---------------------
Quote:
Originally posted by Okiewan
Okay.
|
Thanks. I am still considering though. You prefer the Vortex over the Force because . . .
More comfortable?
Better fit?
Shorter break-in time?
Better feel for the bike?
Price?
Durability?
Posted by: Okiewan---------------------
I didn't say I did 
I said IMHO Vortex may be better for woods use than Force as overall it's a more flexible boot. Depending on which Force (SRS or Standard) you are talking about, yes, the Vortex has more feel of the pegs than the SRS about the same as the "normal" soled Force.
Basically, no one is going to really be able to answer the question: "What boot is right for me" if that's the answer you are looking for. I suppose it's a generalization and could be completely wrong, but IMHO the SRS is overkill for woods, the super stiff sole's major benefit relates to landing big air, which is generally a) not part of the woods experience and b) beyond "most" riders typical ride.
If you have weak/injury-prone ankles, I'm confident the Force provides the most ankle protection of ALL the boots of any brand. If max protection is a concern over all else the easy choice is the Force. All I was saying is the Vortex is a good compromise between protection and feel/flexibility/comfort.
I'd also note that trying on someone elses broken in boot is NOT a way to judge fit/comfort. All boots break in to the shape of the wearer's feet to some degree or another.
Posted by: flo---------------------
Try AXO RC5 i am at the second pair now, i could buy Tech8 or Force and i really wanted the best boot on the market after i broke my ankle (no boot could avoide that injury). It is really supportive. I was expecting much more support from the Force but it flex preatty much side to side, i was desapointed because i intended to buy Force.
Posted by: bud---------------------
My force boots are more comfortable and seem to offer better protection than my tech 6's. As they should since they cost 40% more. I'm not all that impressed with the durability though. The inside pivot on the right boot rubs on the subframe and rear brake bolts which causes the circlip to snap. I've seen that happen on 2 other pairs. 1 is irrepairable. A frame guard would be a good idea.
Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------
I wear SIDI Force (without the SRS) and ride woods. I don't have any comparable experience with any other boot, but the SIDI Force was very comfortable right from the start. Perhaps I just happened to luck out, but the boot fit me like a... er, glove? After the first weekend it felt like I had been wearing them for months.
I do have an early wear issue where the plastic ankle hinge meets the leather when flexing forward, so I am going to file a small radius to see if that helps. Motonation post-sales support on this issue has been great.
Either way, I'd think that you would want the best protection for your feet, ankles, and shins when riding woods. I agree that the SRS is a better boot for riding MX and jumps. But with deep ruts, hidden stumps, sharp, embedded rocks/boulders, logs, trees, sticks, etc., your feet can take quite a beating. I read about a guy who lost 2 toes on a trail after getting the tip of his boot caught between a rock ledge and the foot peg.
The Force is very comfortable, and offers the best protection for woods.
Posted by: RedVVing19---------------------
what are the best entry level boots around 100-130 dollars??
some that are in price range
Answer Team2
FOX Tracker
MSR World Tour
O'Neal Element
Thor T30
Acerbis Profile
Posted by: BPJNT---------------------
I have a new pair of SIDI force (w/out SRS) and they fit like a glove. It's amazing how confident you feel with these boots. I tried the tech 8's and think the SIDI is a better boot. I had the VECTOR and they were real comfortable but no where near the support. The SIDI isn't the most comfortable boot but it offers protection second to none and you can adjust the calf system to fit your calf size.
Posted by: jho410---------------------
Another vote for Sidi.
I've just switched from Tech 6s, which I liked, to the Force SRS. The ankle hinge is the shxt. The boot feels like a broken-in boot in your first minutes of riding with them. I was a little worried that the rubber-like SRS sole would be slick but have found them to be just fine. The buckle system is OK - needs a longer top strap which Sidi now has available. They are pretty light weight too ... especially compared to Tech 8s. About the same as 6s.
Posted by: ToddHawaii---------------------
On my third pair of SIDIs. The first pair lasted eight years! The second was the first run of hinged for SIDI - sold to a buddy and bought new Force. Have ridden in Hawaii for years, and would not use ANY other boot.
I agree with Bud - the hinges can be a problem. Frame guards are a must. And cleaning - don't get me started! I have to completely overhaul every piece at least once a month(there are a lot of removeable parts that harbor mud and such). But my riding is a little different than most - nasty woods.
Hey Bud...It's been a while!
TrailTramp
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