Hey guys I'm looking at getting some new boots just wanted to see if anyone has some suggestions. Basically looking for a stiff boot that can take some punishment, ride the ronix codes but need to upgrade. On my list so far I have ronix one and ronix codes. Any scoop on the hyperlite system range? Liquidforce? Slingshot?

The Ronix will only last a couple of months, their warranties are good, but the boots are not up to it.
2015 Hyperlite cradles break and the boots with the boa system, you will get stuck in.
I'm using LF Raphs this year as they are the stiffest lace ups. They have lasted well, and are still quite stiff.

Just bought some H3 for 400$. Light, low cut and more flexible. My Ronix One brand new for 750$ are sitting around alongside the Hyperlites. Ronix top but don't last long so I just look at them so they last longer and the Hyperlites are ok but the actual boot is not nearly as comfy as the Ronix. The H3 are actually quite comfy so far. But if you want stiff then forget about these. Happy to let you try my Hyperlites but it's size 9 and your feet look bigger

You can't go past the new ronix ones, in my opinion they are one of the best boots ever made, and most comfortable. I know previous models have had issues with bending bases and stitching coming apart and the boots falling apart, but the 2015's are completely redesigned. I use my ones for kite, cable and wake and are showing no signs of wear in 6months. The only issue I've had are the lace locks which I've replaced with an LF lace kit. I have owned most most brands including systems but really love the new ronix gear, just hate the price.

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juicerider said..
The Ronix will only last a couple of months, their warranties are good, but the boots are not up to it.
2015 Hyperlite cradles break and the boots with the boa system, you will get stuck in.
I'm using LF Raphs this year as they are the stiffest lace ups. They have lasted well, and are still quite stiff.

Cheers man Raphs sound promising. When you say they are the stiffest lace ups is that the LF range or across all lace boots?

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RussKraut said..
Just bought some H3 for 400$. Light, low cut and more flexible. My Ronix One brand new for 750$ are sitting around alongside the Hyperlites. Ronix top but don't last long so I just look at them so they last longer and the Hyperlites are ok but the actual boot is not nearly as comfy as the Ronix. The H3 are actually quite comfy so far. But if you want stiff then forget about these. Happy to let you try my Hyperlites but it's size 9 and your feet look bigger

If the H3 were high cut, stiff and with laces I would be interested for that price!! haha yeah feet too big cheers anyway

what ever you do dont get the blue north pop boots, they suck.

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glendog said...
what ever you do dont get the blue north pop boots, they suck.

Do they really suck, or is it cause yours are too small? lol.


I ride cab h3, they are OK. By for the lightest boot on the market, and built tough. Be sure you put big ass washers on them tho. Otherwise the bolts eat away at the baseplate, and eventually brake. The warranty was good tho. Surffx sent me a new pair!

I'm holding out now for a new set of the humanoids in Oct.

I ride LF Ultra CT 2014 model.
18 months in and still holding STRONG.
Got a great price on ebay, and considering my rather large feet they fitted very well,

Na they suck. They were the right size coz the next size is too big. The reason they suck is because the top toe padding snd the sole are separate. Which means on a hard landings your toes go in that gap between the top and bottom and hit the plastic. On other boots ( ronix) the sole wraps around from the bottom to the top so if your foot slides forward it hits padding.

Get systems and ride for a year or two, or get others and buy 3 sets a year... Systems aren't perfect or indestructible, but they are a big step forward. The only boot with consistent stiffness for it's lifespan (a big thing when you spend 99% of the time kiting on an edge).

Ultras as mentioned also seem to last a lot longer compared to other regular boots.

^^^
Just don't buy the marek boot - the boa system in mine failed first use.

To be fair I got a refund but is a known issue - they really shouldn't still be making something they clearly have a massive issue with

Anyone tried the Airush AP boot? Looks like it could be decent

I have the Mareks, you have to release the spools and clean them and silcon spray regularly. About every 4 rides and get out of the shorebreak. Did have to cut a couple laces before i worked that out.

Slingshot KTV's by far the easiest to get on and off. Fits my foot really well and super comfy. The Velcro straps are replaceable after a couple years of use.

if you kite near sand, the ratchets on the systems clog up real quick with it and become quite annoying.
Best scenario for systems is if you kite somewhere with a rocky/ barnacle bottom and you may need to do the walk of shame back in.
Otherwise just get a normal setup.

My systems never got clogged up with sand, but I did snap the Base in half. Then the boots fell apart.

As rowdy said, they don't loose there stiffness. They are a bit of a pain in the ass. Not the boot for me anyway.

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kemp90 said...
My systems never got clogged up with sand, but I did snap the Base in half. Then the boots fell apart.

As rowdy said, they don't loose there stiffness. They are a bit of a pain in the ass. Not the boot for me anyway.

I am interested in the systems because of the lightness and stiffness but then that sucks if the base plate snapped

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saltydawg said...

kemp90 said...
My systems never got clogged up with sand, but I did snap the Base in half. Then the boots fell apart.

As rowdy said, they don't loose there stiffness. They are a bit of a pain in the ass. Not the boot for me anyway.

I am interested in the systems because of the lightness and stiffness but then that sucks if the base plate snapped

I glassed it back together and used them for a bit longer but then the boot fell apart. A boot maker fixed it but I've moved on since then. They are just a pain in the ass, especially if you have to walk some distance, plus they rubbed me raw. Had to were socks with them, then they would be too tight haha. The novelty wears off real quick

I have ridden many boots and have found the LF wake ultra's to be the best. Double lace up system with soft footbed and fantastic support. The only thing with the Ultra's is that the laces need to be replaced every 2 months if you ride most days. I also don't mind the new ronix range offering a nice looking boot. Haven't ridden them but have heard really good things about them.

Thanks for everyone's input here is my list I have come up with, might help someone in the future.
In no particular order;

1) LF Raph
2) LF Watson
3) Ronix codes
4) Hyperlite, process (a little turned off now with the system)
5) Slingshot rad
5) Airush AP???-will find out later!!

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saltydawg said..
Anyone tried the Airush AP boot? Looks like it could be decent

i have a set, will be trading in soon if your interested, have been a great boot, still stiff, nice high cut which works for me, PM if you have any specific questions/

What about the humanoid (best) howl boots?
Haven't been able to find much about them, anyone got any feedback??

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joelz87 said..
What about the humanoid (best) howl boots?
Haven't been able to find much about them, anyone got any feedback??

Lowest cut floppiest things in the world. H3 is much better built and lighter. Still too low for me but good boots. I have the Raphs and Shane's and I love them both. If anyone is looking for some 11-12 Raph I'm selling them cheap as I have too many pairs of boots at the moment.

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saltydawg said..

Cheers man Raphs sound promising. When you say they are the stiffest lace ups is that the LF range or across all lace boots?

Yeah I did mean in the LF range. They feel about as stiff as the Codes, but they don't loose it after a couple of months like the codes.
Unlike the Ronix the base plate is still flat after a season too.
This year was the first year I tried LF after many years with Ronix. I don't think I'll ever bother with Ronix again

Am I the only person who hates the system?
Thay where the biggest pieces off $hit I've even ridden.

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Capt Loopy said...
Am I the only person who hates the system?
Thay where the biggest pieces off $hit I've even ridden.

Aside from the issues I had with the boa system I thought they were ok - good stiff and supportive boots however I thought the ratchet system was rather lacking in terms of construction - ratchet slipped twice on the left boot during nose slides - not good!

hahaha. Not saying the System feel or flex is for everyone, but I do feel bad for those that don't like it, it's honestly the best the boot solution for kiting (design wise) that's ever been made. The majority of people that don't like System boots are people who don't like stiff boots, if you don't like stiff boots don't ride systems.

Systems aren't made perfect and the quality isn't indestructible, but no boots are, all boots will break and every manufacturer has warranty issues. If you get a good pair of Systems (014 and onwards) they will 100% last you longer than any other design. If you get Mareks, cut out the BOA wire and add a couple of lace eyelets, it's easy to do and cost nothing, Marek is by far the longest lasting boot.

This is speaking from 12years experience riding boots. (I don't get paid to ride Hyperlite and I don't get them for free).

Anyone able to feedback on slingshot rads or LF vantages?

Particularly interested in any comments on how they come up size wise as it seems to vary a fair bit!!

I use to ride vantage. I really liked it. Well made, high cut. Unfortunately they broke, repaired then, then exploded. But it took a wile before they broke.

How did you find the sizes "came up" on the vantage?