SG12 vs Tech 10/7

The current tech 10’s do wear on the inside, but they can wear REALLY bad before the shields actually need to be replaced. I think they offer the best ankle protection, and they definitely have the best feel so I deal with the minor wear. SG12’s have an extremely stiff sole, and the boot in general is quite a bit more stiff than the tech 10. The SG12 also does not have good ankle protection and the toe box is hard/roomy. I’ve had 3 pairs of tech 10s and 2 pairs of Sg12s. The sg12’s will last longer in terms of durability, but you’re definitely sacrificing performance. There is a new line of the Tech 10 boot coming out so I would wait to try those out. It looks like they fixed the inside shield of the boot. Tech 10’s also look WAY better.

I too have always worn the Alpine star tech 6,7,&10. They do wear out quickly compared to the Gaerne's.
My friends all swore by the SG12's, so i pulled the trigger on some. I tried them for 3 rides, and i just couldn't do it.
For me, after wearing the Alpine Stars for so many years, i just got comfortable with the style and fit. Personally,
the toe on the SG12 was so bulky, i couldn't shift. i was really struggling on the bike. Purchased some Tech 7, and have been happy every since.

Just my 2 cents.

I have SG12s and they are very protective. I havent had any issues with shifting

I'm a desert dude that does moto every once in a while, so take it with a grain of salt, but the SG-12s have been the most comfortable and protective boot I have ever owned. I should have broken my ankles so many times by now, but they have done their job. I have probably 120 hours on mine, most of those on super sharp ti Pro Pegs, and the sole has been bomb proof. They didn't feel like they needed any break in out of the box. The buckles have worked very well and haven't broken or come undone on me. I'll be buying another set when these are toast.

The Tech 7s offer more mobility and are a little bit lighter. On the other hand, the SG 12 are also very confortable, but stiffer and more confidence inspiring at least for me. I don´t really care about weight, I only want the most protective boots possible, that´s why I prefer the SG12. Durability has been pretty much the same with both boots in my case.

NJKawi913 wrote:

I am in the market for new boots. Have always been an A-star guy, wearing both 10's and 7's. I do enjoy their fit (size 12) and comfort. However I've noticed in my last few pairs that their durability is not what it once was. I ride three times a month if i am lucky, and they have worn down more than i would like to see in an expensive boot.

A couple freinds swear by Gaerne SG12's. And i would like to give them a chance. My biggest pet peeve, No local dealers carry them. I really want to get one on my foot, as nothing is worse than boots that don't fit well.

Can anyone give me some input on pros and cons between the SG12 and Tech 7/10's. please chime in if you have actaully worn both A-stars, and Gaerne's.

Hey bud Keefer has a really good podcast out there you should listen to. He talks a lot about those two boots specifically.

I made the switch from Astars to SG12's about 4 years ago. I'm sticking with Gaerne's going forward. They do feel more bulky and at first riding was challenging. I found myself brake tapping and down shifting by accident all the time. I looked like an even bigger spode than I usually am. But after about 5-6 hours of ride time, I made the adjustment. Protection with the SG12s is excellent. Durability versus AStars was better too. But definitely a transition period is needed. They run about 1/2 size big too.

Tried them all. For me fit and ankle protection was top of the list, so I went w the SG-12. If you normally wear shoe size 9 1/2 or 10 (for example) definitely go with a size 9 boot.

I’d been wearing nothing but Alpinestars (Tech 8 and then the Tech 10 when came out) that since 2001 and decided it was time for a change for the same reason as you. I ended up buying a new pair of Gaerne SG12 boots, as well as a pair Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots. The Gaerne boots are still in the box, so I cannot give an honest thought about them. I’ve been wearing the Sidi boots exclusively and I’m very happy with them. They’re a little more snug in the toe area than the Tech 10’s are, but they feel lighter to me. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve never had an ankle injury wearing any boot, but the firmness of the Sidi gives me a better feeling of being safe than the Tech 10 did. Every part of the Sidi is replaceable, the buckles are top notch, and they feel good on my feet.

Sidi gets my vote.

I had tech 8s switched to the Sg10 wore that boot till it broke down and hurt to even wear them loved the sg10. Went to the sg12 and I couldn’t do it. To stiff I had a hard time feeling the brake, and always have to use a hammer head shifter to put it out farther so I can shift. Tried them for a year went to the tech 10 like the feel better, it does tend to wear more quickly and just got a set of tech 7s to try. So no more booty and half the price.

Thats crazy you astar guys saying the sg12s are too stiff. Ive owned a few tech 10s and sg12s and felt the t10s had almost zero ankle flex and had weird pressure points around my ankle. I loved my sg12s

I've had two pairs of sg12's and about a year ago decided to try the tech7's, used them for two rides and both time the bottom buckle that goes across the top of the boot bruised my foot. I sold them and bought my third pair of sg12's.

FWIW, SG line of boots are just made better IMO.

my tech 10s would last me about 3 months no matter what buckles would break the soles would wear out quick. tech 10s are very comfortable, but on the other hand my sg12s are better for me. ive been wearing sg12s for almost 3 years now and i can get about 8 months out of a pair. ive never had buckles or anything break. i think they are both great boots you really just have to pick your poison. Go with a size down for sg12s for sure

I sold my SG12 and got some TLD Tech 7's...what a mistake. The tech 7 feels like a mid level boot compared to the SG12. Does not feel safe like my SG12's did. That being said the SG12 are quite a bit more than Tech 7's.

IMO get the SG12 you will not regret it.

Not sure if SG12 or tech 10 are better.
But I can definitely tell you to forget about the Tech 7. You can fold them up even when they're new...

I prefer Sidi for several reasons

I love my SG12's. Like others have said, go a size down.

I wore the tech 8s back then and switched to sg12s around 2009 and loved them . Now after riding with the new model sg12 I like the tech seven much better as it's way smaller over all . I personally know 4 people including me with broken ankles that all wore the new 12s in the last 3 months . I believe the boot being bigger than before causes it to catch on ruts and stuff

SG12s for the win. They just feel safe on my feet, I've had a couple good falls the last couple years where my ankles should have been toast and came out fine. Only downside is how squeaky they are walking around Lol

SG12's are the most comfortable and durable boots I've ever had.

I have a pair of never worn tech 7s black, size ten. Will let them go for pretty cheap

I switched from astars tech 7 to sg12. I tried the tech 10, but couldn’t get comfortable with them The sg12 blew me away in comfort and durability. I like that the 12 forms to my ankle and foot, plus they are consistent. I have 3 pairs and all fit exactly the same.

rongi#401 wrote:

I have a pair of never worn tech 7s black, size ten. Will let them go for pretty cheap

Still got those tech 7s?

I've used SG12s for the past few years, switched to Tech 7s, will never go back to SG12s... The Tech 7s are smaller and half the price (for us in Canada).

Sg or sidi