martynogier68.blogspot.com/2011/12/foot-straps.html
"Just thought I would clarify the foot strap situation as you must think I am a bit of a chump not to check before I went.
The Starboard straps in 2009 / 2010 were too small for my feet, just could get them to expand. The 2011 starboard straps I got for my slalom boards and W54 were great, no problem making them big enough. I then got the 2011 W49 and presumed the straps would be the same, a bit tough the first time you get in to them but then they stretch and are ok. The straps looked identical but after I extended them they wouldn't expand to fit. Don't know why.
I have now fitted some Hot Sails Maui straps on, cosy slipper type comfort, ideal for the 50 knot barrier. "
What do you think are the best footstraps for going fast?
. I was just interesed to see what people thought was the best straps for speed sailing. if you look at raceboards they tend to go for very basic straps which are light weight but not very comfortable. I like comfortable straps.
The Hotsails straps are as good as any I have used, easy to adjust and confy. You have to ram your foot in when your traveling fast, it's important to be secure in the strap and because you really ram your foot in they have to be confortable. You don't want to be flying down the course at close to 50 knots thinking "my feet are unconfortable"
Hotsails straps can be bought online at http://www.hotsailsmauishop.com/neoprenecomfortfootstrap.aspx
Man if I was flying down the course at close to 50 knots, the last thing I'd be thinking about was whether my feet felt uncomfortable. I'd be more concerned with how much washing powder my wife would need to clean my boardshorts.
PS - Martyn, congrats on your incredible speeds recently but don't do yourself an injustice by pimping your sponsor. I can't speak from experience but I understand it must be hard not to do when they're giving you all this free gear (so please don't take the above as an insult).
And Legless, you don't do yourself any favours as an importer of Hot Sails Maui gear by covertly marketing the product. Maybe someone impartial can give us an honest review of these straps because god knows having sh1t straps make sailing a real PITA.
PS - I'll regret writing all this in the morning too.
Sausage I was not pimping I was asking a question anyone here could reply with what ever they liked as they did promoting other footstraps like you did so I guess you are a pimp to. I would suggest you think before you jump to conclusions.
I personally prefer to read someones opinions that see a big flashing advert on a page. I know many of the sailors that pimp stuff and trust what they say, but a marketing guys idea of advertising I do not trust. Each to their own I guess.
I guess the footstraps have an extra large setting Martyn, I will order some myself when I need to replace some, although the ones that come with Exocets are brilliant, as are most nowadays. I did like the Dakine lightweight ones, but my 2 sets have all come unstuck inside after one season, not a problem that a dab of neoprene glue cant fix, but a pain all the same when it comes unstuck mid session and you go into a gybe and have your foot well and truly locked in the footstrap.
Phill over on boards did a dry / wet weigh comparison and found most were alike, and quite heavy as a set of 4 when full of water the lightweight did not soak up water and their weight remained pretty constant, and surprisingly the dakine core contours came out the heaviest when wet, by a considerable amount.
Amazing that in 2012 not every brand have superb straps.
But it is probably true. Last year I had 2011-boards (and straps) from JP, Naish, and Carbon Art. The last two are very good, but JP... did not meet an OK-standard. The problem with JP was that the staps "collapsed". And about too small sizes, it is more about the distance between the plugs.
To Martyns defence, he is a BIG guy, VERY BIG. I can understand that he can have problems with those feet!
(PS I have been sponsored by Naish, and right now by The Loft Sails.)
PS2, I agree about the "pimping-discussion", I do try to avoid pimping my own gear, even on my own blog. But sometimes when I am extremely happy with something, I say it OK to tell others. But before you start to "pimp" at least try some other brands first.
