I've been using one of these things for about 15 sessions now. I'm very happy with it. I decided to write a review on this product because it is slightly different to the usual Boge bases I have owned.
I replace my bases annually before the seabreezes kick in. When I looked at a photo of the base with a piece of rope sticking out of it (see below), I was a bit reserved. However, the dealer told me they were very good, so I ordered.
So, when I got it, I removed the rope, which is easy to do. I did this because I was scared that my big toe would get snared out the back, the base would undo and the board/rig would come lose or apart. However, with a good base protector, I don't think this would be possible. However, I did it anyway. It was easy to remove (and easy to revert back). The base has a hole and the rope - a loop - fits through this hole. I have no problem tightening and undoing the base. It has never slipped, so I don't need the rope.
The washer is white rubber and not black plastic like other bases. The boge also isn't a "BOGE [R]". It's a bit thinner than a normal Boge branded Boge. Not sure if this has an engineering implication. I will find out. At the moment, so far so good.
Also, the nut isn't the traditional elongated/grooved copper fastner. This base has a square thick nut, which is wider (and obviously shorter). Being hesitant for change, I actually replaced this nut with an old base nut without ever sailing with it. So, can't comment on Nautix nut reliability.
