I'm currently riding boots with laces (cheap no brand) and I'm still finding I'm not getting the support I need because my laces don't go to the top of my boot.
Has anyone got the liquid force domain strapped boots? What are they like to get on?
I've got a mate that rides LF cradles (velcro) and they are going strong after more 2 or 3 seasons. That's more than I can say for most boots.
Laces are the future in any design, Velcro never gives you the same support or ease of use in my opinion. Ronix, LF, Hyperlite, DUP all have decent boots for kiting. I ride Hyperlite Systems.
In terms of durability in my experiences my LF watsons held up the longest (1.5 seasons kite, regular wakeboarding, odd cable session) and still in good usable condition, not as nice as when they were new but still going strong.
I just ordered a new pair of Hyperlite systems though and they are waiting for me as soon as I get back to Perth I'll let you know how they go.
In terms of velcro vs laces as rowdy said, laces are the way to go if you want good hold and a supportive boot. when looking go for something in the medium to med-high in stiffness, too stiff makes a board twitchy if you're not used to it and makes your legs cramp until your muscles build up. they soften up a bit after the first 2 or so months so dont buy something super flexy from the get go.
velcro doesn't hold as tight as laces, but IMO it's easier to get off at the end of the session, or if you are in trouble and need to get them off quick. by the time you find the two hooks on each boot, and undo them and loosen up etc...
i'd steer away from open toe boots. If you ride hard, the front side of the boot can rip out of the base pad... very hard to fix.
Select to expand quotesuperlizard said..
velcro doesn't hold as tight as laces, but IMO it's easier to get off at the end of the session, or if you are in trouble and need to get them off quick. by the time you find the two hooks on each boot, and undo them and loosen up etc...
Hyperlites are even easier and quicker, picture getting off your snowboard 
. Velcro boots suck.
p.s. Not that that type of thing has ever been a problem for me in the last 10 or so years of riding boots... you should be pleased to know boots now are a million times easier to get out of than back then.
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said..
Velcro boots suck.
aaaarg don't say that... i just got a pair 
that's ok, they are still way better than my previous OT pair...
besides i never had a kite pad/boot that lasted more than 1 season before something broke... will checkout bindings next time
Well they are still going to work! Anything is better than nothing .
Put it this way, laces for me are far easier and better to use, some people like Velcro boots (maybe if you have a real wide foot and ankle or something) and they don't have a problem with them not being tight enough. I like my boots tight so Velcro just isn't an option.
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said..
p.s. Not that that type of thing has ever been a problem for me in the last 10 or so years of riding boots... you should be pleased to know boots now are a million times easier to get out of than back then.
yep, remember these thing? you needed to soap them up to get your foot in
Yep, rode ultra suctions for about 3 seasons, I can remember the first time I used them not being able to get out and freaking out about it.
Select to expand quotestamp said..
looks like something you'd buy at a pharmacy...
Some good info lads, I tried on a pair of LF synergys today. rather happy with the amount of support.
Select to expand quotesuniboy21 said..
Some good info lads, I tried on a pair of LF synergys today. rather happy with the amount of support.
a friend from the local uses synergys and loves them
I'm riding LF open toe velcro boots and find that its no problem at all, lots of support, fit well and are comfy. I'm no pro rider but I'd say get something comfy for your feet. If anything I find the velcro can be too tight but all feet are shaped different. One of the guys rides with laces and isnt a fan because the lace system has been replaced a couple of times. Just my 2c.
Some people like different levels of support. If you want lots of support laces really are the go, if you don't mind velcro will do.
Although laces may have to be replaced sometimes so does velcro, if you understand how velcro works you will understand why they need replacing. I've never had to replace the laces in my Hyperlites because you only get into the boots once each session.
Anyone changed ronix one laces? I couldn't get the rope through the slider lock…
Does it come already assembled if you buy new ones?
^hahaha what? already assembled in your boot? Like it magically appears in there after purchase??? I know the world is getting more advanced but as far as I'm aware we are still a ways off instantaneous purchase generation technology.
If you want to put new laces in, burn the end of the lace and press it into a point with the end of your fingers, then use a needle or something like a small screw driver to help push it through. If you can't do that the little toggle in the lace lock is actually removable if you pull it out hard enough. Take it out put the laces through and then insert the little tab back in again.
No but i've tried earlier models and they are a good boot for all round riding, it's got decent support and comfort. In terms of durability I think LF is excellent. I've still got a pair of Liquid Force watson bindings that I bought in April 2011 that's seen me through countless wakeboard cable and kite sessions and still going strong with a bit of maintenance. Previous boots I've used didnt make it through a full season of kiting.
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said..
Some people like different levels of support. If you want lots of support laces really are the go, if you don't mind velcro will do.
Although laces may have to be replaced sometimes so does velcro, if you understand how velcro works you will understand why they need replacing. I've never had to replace the laces in my Hyperlites because you only get into the boots once each session.
Yeah, I understand how velcro works, my feet are a really weird shape so the velcro works for me. I have found that they need to be adjusted once after riding for about 30-45 mins then they are sweet (think it's from being wet and they are still moulding) but I can see the pro's and cons for each.
add in that I got them really cheap and I'm not complaining :)
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said..
Well they are still going to work! Anything is better than nothing .
Put it this way, laces for me are far easier and better to use, some people like Velcro boots (maybe if you have a real wide foot and ankle or something) and they don't have a problem with them not being tight enough. I like my boots tight so Velcro just isn't an option.
Don't worry mate its personal preference. i've been riding velcro boots for 6 years now. i was sick of snapping laces and personally found i got more support from velcro boots (Slingy KTV's and LF Vantages) because there is 3 "zones" where you can tighten them where laces only have two. haven't tried the hyperlites though.
