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Tech 8 vs Tech 6
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Posted by: MXFastGuy---------------------

I love my Tech 8's but they need replacing. $300 is getting a little steep, so I'm considering the Tech 6's which are about a hundred bucks cheaper.

What are the differences between the two? Who's tried them both, and what do you think?

Posted by: mxmatthew---------------------

what I think is that the price of the 8's is complete BS up here in Canada eh. $700-$800 for a pair of boots, yea right.

Posted by: Crash 142---------------------

I tried the switch to see if the Tech 6's would be lighter and feel more comfortable/ less restrictive. What I found was that they were not any more or less restrictive. They fit a bit looser in the ankle, which I didn't like, and that was after going down to the next size.

I didn't even ride with them long enough to fully break them in - they just didn't give me that good, comfortable boot feeling. Also, the ankle 'wore' on my a little funny.

I kept going back to my Tech 8's. I hate to break in a new set, but I think the extra money is worth it. Another factor was I didn't want to find myself in a doctor's office second guessing what might have been different had I been wearing a 'premiere' boot.

My opinion, after some actual testing, is pay the extra hundred bucks and get the Tech 8's. There seems to be no downside but the cost.

Posted by: Lonewolf---------------------

i actually think the tech 6's fit me the best i tried tech 8's and they were too fat for me. mx south has tech 6's on sale too for $179 that is where i got mine at.

Posted by: vwwww---------------------

mxmathew
Machine racing has tech 8's for $500 Canadian, in their winter 2004 catalog.

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

I've used (have) both, in fact I've been thru 3 pairs of Tech 8's, 2 pairs of Tech 6's. For comfort, Tech 6's. The 8's are heavy and thick in the ankles, the 6's light and have always provided enough protection.... Is the extra protection/bulk of the Tech 8 worth the extra dollars? Fortunately, I've never had to find out.

Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Why not consider getting the best protection? Anything but the SIDI Flex Force is like wearing an open faced helmet, IMO.

http://www.teamorthopedics.com/boots.html

Or is this really worth $125 to you?

Posted by: Knobbyjake---------------------

Smitdog is that your toe? What is that sticking out of the end, a nail? How could a different boot have prevented that? Inquiring minds want to know.

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

DAYUM! ACK! :scream:

Posted by: Mike[socal]---------------------

Did your nail get ripped off? That looks extremely painful.

Posted by: mxmatthew---------------------

vwwww, do they have a website? and is that the canadian price?

Posted by: Chili---------------------

mxmatthew, Machine's site is http://www.machineracing.com The price listed on the site for Tech 8's is $549.99 Canadian. If you call they may have another deal if the pricing is different from their catalog. Also I know a local KTM dealer here ( http://www.gregscustom.com ) is selling out 03 Tech 8 stock for $399 Canadian but only while current stock lasts as they want to blow them out since there is some sort of change to the 04 model tech 8 boot. Greg's doesn't have any online shopping set up so you'd have to give them a call, but they are great folks to deal with.

Posted by: psycho---------------------

Somehow I don't think that whatever is sticking out of that toe is a desired aftermarket accessory.. Man that is making my knees hurt just looking at it.

I have been using a pair of Tech 6's for about a year now and they have been good boots up to this point. Never have owned 8's, just can't bring myself to pay for em when 6's are so much cheaper. But you may look on E-Bay and see if there is a good used set of 8's on there. Friend of mine picked up some practically new (wore 2x) Tech 8's for $200 if memory serves me right.

Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

No, that's not my toe. And I believe that the pin is there to keep all the smashed up bones in place.

And as for the big toe nail, it's really an unnecessary, non-functional piece of equipment.

But think of the $125 the guy saved!

Posted by: MXFastGuy---------------------

Thanks for all the comments. I've decided to go with the Tech 8's again. Not b/c I think they offer much more protection, but b/c I know they fit me right, and I think the quality, finish, and durability would be hard to beat.

Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

Or is this really worth $125 to you? [/B][/QUOTE]

 

I think 125.00 is a great del for this? Did it come with the fancy pin, or was that a "Value added" feature the Dr. put in?  Wow ...ouch. My best to you if this is on your foot!

Posted by: MelloYello---------------------

Hey Smit-Dog, maybe you could put a disclaimer next time. Nearly lost my lunch.:scream: ~ after the third viewing.

Posted by: Peer Lovell---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by mxmatthew
what I think is that the price of the 8's is complete BS up here in Canada eh. $700-$800 for a pair of boots, yea right.

$549.00 here in Ontario.

Posted by: elf---------------------

eh!

Posted by: truespode---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by Okiewan
Is the extra protection/bulk of the Tech 8 worth the extra dollars? Fortunately, I've never had to find out.

Thanks for posting that Okie. I'm considering new boots soon and I definately want something with the best ankle protection after snapping the shifter on a YZ250 off with my boots. Fortunately I did not break anything but it did show me that I want the most ankle protection possible.

Ivan

Posted by: Ciqir---------------------

I hate to say it but I just busted a toe wearing Sidi SRS's. I clipped another rider right in the footpeg at speed and the hard plastic toe area broke in and whacked my toe.
Yes a Tech boot may have allowed damage too, but I think the more pliable area may also have absorbed some of that impact energy instead of snapping and bringing it all home. At the very least it puts them on about the same level in this regard.

The SRS's were a good boot for a couple of seasons albeit on the bulky side and without a lot of feel.

On top of it all, as modular as the SRS's are, Sidi can't sell me just a lower shell and won't fix it as crash damage is not covered under warranty. So much for being honest and straightforward. So last night I went limping around and trying on competitors boots, even after Sidi offered to sponsor me and give me a commensurate discount.
It's a real toss up for me at this point between Tech 6's and Fox Bubba's. In trying on boots I just had a hard time talking myself into another set of space boots (bulky).

Take it easy--

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Just wondering; Have you compared the bulk of Sidi to Tech 8's ?

Posted by: Ciqir---------------------

As a matter of fact Tech8's were the first boots I tried on this week. The Sidi's are physically a little thicker right through and just above the ankle. Wearing them however didn't leave me with the impression that the Sidi's were any more or less bulky than the Tech8's, and what you could feel through the boot was about the same.
Not that Tech8's have a reputation for a righteous break in, but take into consideration that this comparo was between used Sidi's and new Tech8's.

I settled on some Tech6's and found a local retailer that will match a magazine ad price, so I'll be picking those up tonight or tomorrow so I can ride Sunday.

Take it easy all--

Posted by: Ciqir---------------------

Spent yesterday breaking in my new Tech6's around the house and rode about 35 miles of mostly singlgetrack today. First impression? I dig the tech6's in most every way. They are more comfortable, lighter, less noisy, easier to walk in, and really put me in touch with the pegs.

I broke them in by spray bottling an alchohol/water solution on the interior flex areas, then wearing them until they dry. The alchohol opens the pores in the leather as well as makes the moisture evaporate quicker. Did squats, lean forwards, and straight ankles throughout to aid getting flexy.

The soles on the SRS's are very thick and inflexible. The Tech6's not nearly so, and thus were easier to walk in as they actually flexed when walked. I might be giving away a little protection (maybe), but it seems to be offset and more by the comfort and flexibility.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my SRS's. If however the Tech6's show near the durability of them, they will be head and shoulders above in my opinion.

Cheers--

Posted by: NVR FNSH---------------------

I just ordered a new pair of Tech 8's from Southwestmototire.com for $260 USD including shipping. After 10 years my Tech 7s are being laid to rest....

Has anybody tried a orthotic in the Tech 8s? I run Superfeet orthotics (non-custom) in my Tech 7s and my ski boots and they make a huge difference for me.

Brian

Posted by: ktmboy---------------------

I think buying boots is a lot like buying a helmet; you want the most protection you can afford but they have to be comfortable too. The Tech 8s' fit my particular foot shape well, and the ankle support is great---the pain of a slightly broken ankle would go away when the boots were on. They felt bulky at first, but I got used to them, and now it's not an issue.
I've heard the same arguments regarding helmets and found that a particular helmet that everyone is raving about just doesn't fit me right, yet the helmet that feels the best on my head 'pinches' when other people wear it.

Posted by: MXFastGuy---------------------

Update: Went with Tech 8's, had first ride with them last week. I remember my first pair breaking-in quickly, and these were the same. Two 10-min motos and they felt like my old ones, but with more support. No braking or shifting probs.

I think the break-in issues some have are b/c their old boots are totally shot, and/or were never supportive to begin with.

I love my Alps!

Posted by: jeffd---------------------

Beware of the soles. There have been many reports of the soles chunking on tech 8's. My tech 6's did it, but i got A-stars to fix 'em for free.

Posted by: teamgrizzly---------------------

I wore a set of Tech 6 boots and I have to say that the quality is not where it should be. Consider the $100 and investment

Posted by: RACINRAY---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxmatthew

what I think is that the price of the 8's is complete BS up here in Canada eh. $700-$800 for a pair of boots, yea right.

mx matthew it is well worth looking into online shopping MC USA is my shopping staple i cant tell you how much money our caadian dealers have lost from me in the past IE alpine vectors $233 mc usa $579 canadian with shipping and duties and delivery to the front door how can you not .

Posted by: MXTex---------------------

I've owned Tech 6's and Tech 8's. My ankles could be considered loose or weak. With the Tech 6's; anytime I'd land hard off a jump or come up slightly short on something, my heels would flex way down and my ankles would hurt like crazy. I put up with this for years and limped around thinking this was the reality of my ankles and MX. Then I sprang for a set of Tech 8's. The difference between the 8's and 6's in terms of ankle protection is huge. I've never even had a twitch of pain in my ankles sincing owning the 8's. My current set is worn out and I'm getting ready for another purchse. It'll either be the Tech 8's or maybe the Sidi Flex Forces. But it will definitely not be the Tech 6's. So if your ankles are prone to injury, my recommendation is to stay away from the 6's and move up to the 8's. Plenty of my riding friends use Tech 6's with no problems; but they don't have pre-existing ankle issues.

Posted by: motometal---------------------

Currently I use Sidi SRS. The first couple rides I hated them, but now i'm very used to the feel. And no other boot gives you this feeling of protection! Also, the complete sole is replaceable, not just the little insert. Don't get white boots, that's dumb! You will struggle to keep them clean.

Posted by: aus426---------------------

Hi all, new member here from brisbane, aus.

My advice is to try a pair of gaerne SG-1s before making a decision. alloy buckles, tough ankle protection, and probably the most comfortable footwear ive ever owned.

Posted by: Chili---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus426

Hi all, new member here from brisbane, aus.

My advice is to try a pair of gaerne SG-1s before making a decision. alloy buckles, tough ankle protection, and probably the most comfortable footwear ive ever owned.

If your going to look at Gaerne's for protection you want to look at the New SG10's. LazyBoy got a pair after trying on the Tech 6 and Tech 8, there was no comparison in his mind as to which boot was more comfortable and for my peace of mind only the Sidi's seem to offer similar protection.

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

You makin fun of my GWB's Motometal?

Posted by: motometal---------------------

Okie, mine are just as "G" but maybe not as "W". I gave up trying to keep them clean a long time ago!

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