Hardgoods 24/25

[coleslawed]

Photon SZ is what they rolled the Imperial over to. there were only ever minor differences between the two, along with the Imp being speedzone and the Photon being boa.

[casjcade]

Speedzone feels better for fit than Boa, by alot, but since I'm walking around in deep snow a bit, Speedzone is also a pain because the laces fall out. Never been worried about Boa breaking, and the laces on Burtons Boas are better than the steel cables.

[eleveneightnate]

I scored a pair of 2018 Imperials this season on eBay for $75 that had only been worn once, still had the original tags even. Fucking love them.

[kimchi]

so what are you guys thinking these days
traditiona laces
speedzone
or dual boa?

All else equal I still preference trad laces. Most customizability and least mechanically complicated.

But been riding Adidas Acerras and I'm pleasantly surprised by the BOAs. We'll see how I feel if I ever break a dial on the hill. I might be fully convinced if I upgrade to one of H4 BOA coiler boots. The New England ropes feel like they provide a more consistent tension closer to laces, and I hear they're much easier to repair than prior versions, which is my main concern.

Biggest benefits of BOA to me are pretty minor. I see no real benefit in speed getting boots on. I can get boots off at the end of the day easier, and I can walk to the lift with loose boots at without worrying about tripping over laces. Less mess so I don't have to worry about as many things in storage or transporting boots home.

I personally had issues with speed lace... I like it in theory, but I could never get it tight in the spot I wanted, the top of the tongue. The tightest spot on the upper zone would always be bottom zone at the anchor attachment. That might be a fit issue more than a system issue, but I can dial in little problem spots like that much better with traditional laces.

[C.Fuzzy]

so what are you guys thinking these days
traditiona laces
speedzone
or dual boa?

All else equal I still preference trad laces. Most customizability and least mechanically complicated.

But been riding Adidas Acerras and I'm pleasantly surprised by the BOAs. We'll see how I feel if I ever break a dial on the hill. I might be fully convinced if I upgrade to one of H4 BOA coiler boots. The New England ropes feel like they provide a more consistent tension closer to laces, and I hear they're much easier to repair than prior versions, which is my main concern.

Biggest benefits of BOA to me are pretty minor. I see no real benefit in speed getting boots on. I can get boots off at the end of the day easier, and I can walk to the lift with loose boots at without worrying about tripping over laces. Less mess so I don't have to worry about as many things in storage or transporting boots home.

I personally had issues with speed lace... I like it in theory, but I could never get it tight in the spot I wanted, the top of the tongue. The tightest spot on the upper zone would always be bottom zone at the anchor attachment. That might be a fit issue more than a system issue, but I can dial in little problem spots like that much better with traditional laces.

How long would The Human Wreckingball have to ride boas without an issue before we give them a passing grade?

[Spenser]

I still can't stand regular laces. Been there, done that, over it. I kinda don't get why people love it so much, but we all do things differently. For example, a lot of pros in their gear talks will mention liking a tighter foot and a looser upper, and that seems insane to me.

I like Burton SZ, but haven't had good experiences with any equivalents. I broke Salomon laces weekly - it was ridiculous. Nitro TLS has too much shit going on. Etc. I've never had any of the issues people complain about with speedzone, and I've had it on many boots for many years. Virtually every time I've seen the struggle in person, it's been obvious that the person is doing something wrong or insufficiently. Like if they're not tight enough, they can't seem to pull them tighter, while I can (on their boot). Or they barely lock them in the cleats, and can't seem to twist the extra cord around the handle and tuck it into the pocket.

I'm on my second season with boa - dual zone H4 coiler - and honestly love it. Boa has gotten way better over the years. I love how easy it is, and I can snug them up through my pants on the lift if needed. The only thing I "don't like" is having knobs sticking out. Doesn't actually matter, I just wish I could keep the slim boot upper that much slimmer.

I keep spares in my bag, but I don't expect anything to go wrong.

[kimchi]

How long would The Human Wreckingball have to ride boas without an issue before we give them a passing grade?

Historically I gave something a pass if I could go 2 seasons without breaking in. But 2 seasons used to be ~60 days. The next two seasons might be 15 if I'm lucky... so TBD!

[michaelangelo]

Hybrids are the shit. Lower and upper lace with BOA heel clamping.. yes

[iheartsierracement]

Anyone got that Lib Tech 24/25? Tryna see what the new Retro Ripper looks like...

[Raaz]

Anyone got that Lib Tech 24/25? Tryna see what the new Retro Ripper looks like...