Posts
2766
Joined
1/15/2012
Location
texas city, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
2/4/2013 8:50am
What do you consider the line between a boot that is comfortable and broken in vs worn out? Reason I ask is the last few practice sessions I've noticed my ankles hurt afterwards. I contribute some of it to being 39 and really ramping up my practice sessions. But, I also have some reservations about my current gear sponsor and the quality of my gear or lack of quality. I've been thru 3 sets of jersey/pants and a boots in less than 6 months. I recently received an offer from another well known gear company, so do you guys think its chicken shit to jump ship in the middle of a contract (morally speaking) or just ride it out and switch at the end of the contract?
Boots are another matter - if you're just wearing their co-branded generic boot (Oneal, MSR, Moose, etc), I'd stop that right now and buy a reputable brand asap. A-star, TCX, Gaerne, etc. Same applies with helmets of course.
I had a relationship with Moose for a long time, but never ran their boots or helmets. Line, drawn.
@Flatliner how was the breakin with the TCX?
@anyone, any real world info with the Gaerne's?
This is a problem for lots of racers with muscular legs.
I cant even get A-stars fastened without struggling. And with knee braces? Forget about it.
The Shop
The Tech 7 and Tech 8 boots did not last even a single season for each of them. I really liked the bootie offered by the Tech 8, but I had heard a lot of great things about the Gaerne boots and decided to switch.
From my standpoint the price was wroth it.
Im going to try the new fox instinct.
As far as the gear thing goes, you signed the contract bud, live up to it. Also, it might not hurt to professionally voice your concerns about the durability of the gear.
Pit Row
the gaernes sizes run large. The fox instinct run small. I wear a 10 in gaernes and a 11 in the instinct. Try them on!
For me, the Tech 8s fit perfectly. I never have had an issue with them lasting or falling a part. I also take very good care of my boots.
Gear for me has always been about whats the best deal and what will last. I will buy the MSR lower level stuff and get two sets for the price of the higer end stuff and it seems to last just as long. I also get hooked up at my shop so thats a plus. But if you are sponsored, try another brand if you have the chance. I was fortunate enough to have a TR rep that got me what ever I needed so I had a few options on gear.
I will say this, I wont EVER run fox gear or anything fox related. I tried to get sponsored by them when I was younger and it never happend. Still salty over that! haha
As for gear, are you buying their top of the line model? In most cases, when you step down a level or two to save some money the quality and reliability can really go down. I've worn Oneal gear for years through the same type sponsorship deal you speak of. I'm not a fan of their Element line. It looks good but doesn't hold up near as well as the Hardware line. Their Hardware stuff has earned its name with me. That stuff is rock solid. I think one of the mags did an article several years ago comparing a lot of gear manufacturers jerseys and how they hold up and the Hardware jersey got highest marks for durability and colorfastness.
Anyway, if you want the stuff to last make sure you are using the top level gear. I'd highly recommend the Oneal Hardware line if you're tough on your gear.
I'm considering buying Fly gear this time around. Mainly because they support probably my two favorite riders and it appears to be long term relationships with Short and Canard.
Post a reply to: Lets talk boots/gear