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October, 2024

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K2 BOA boots opinions

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BlueVillain
Posts: 405 - Karma: 2,398
What do you guys think of this?

I feel that this could be pretty awesome if done right and of course I haven't actually tried them but I think this could be a more prevalent thing in the future.
Feb 24 2023 5:42PM
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dognutz
Posts: 2292 - Karma: 29,813
could be nice to “feel” the buckles on the top of your foot less. and a good fitting boot doesn’t need those that tight so feels like a pretty good application of boa.

all the snowboarders i know with boa boots have broken tho


also there is already a thread

**This post was edited on Feb 24th 2023 at 5:57:47pm
Feb 24 2023 5:56PM
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BlueVillain
Posts: 405 - Karma: 2,398
Just checked it out thanks
Feb 24 2023 7:30PM
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,477
Feel like these things are gonna be blowing up every other day. I’m sure they make the boot better, but it’s a complex mechanism in an exposed position. I also don’t really want to be popping this thing back into place every time that I fall on it. Seems like a solution to a problem that never really existed.
Feb 24 2023 11:54PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,862
JITYFeel like these things are gonna be blowing up every other day. I’m sure they make the boot better, but it’s a complex mechanism in an exposed position. I also don’t really want to be popping this thing back into place every time that I fall on it. Seems like a solution to a problem that never really existed.


They won't be blowing up everyday, or with any frequency greater than buckles. The amount of force it takes to break the BOA dial will absolutely nuke a buckle. And if you do break it, you get a free one. Break a buckle? You are buying one.

The solution presented by BOA isn't solving a problem per se, but it is creating a better solution. Sure no one specifically asked for a BOA system, but the do ask for better fitting boots. This is the distinction between "solutions" and "needs". A buckle, a BOA, a power strap, a foam liner, etc. - these are all solutions trying address the need of "fit" and I would argue this is exactly what the market is asking for. Fit is one of the absolute, main needs associated with ski boots and this new BOA system takes fit to the next level.
Feb 25 2023 3:50AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
There is this brand you guys may have heard of call Full Tilt (I think K2 bought them or something) but they have been using cables for years and their boots seem ok :)

We are stoked with these new boots though. I genuinely believe we can build a better boot with the closure system than buckles and our testing is confirming this. I was out at the blister summit last week and sent out about 70 pairs of boots for people to test. In every case people loved the BOA system. Not everyone loved the fit as the boa system wont make a boot fit if its the wrong shape but if the shape works BOA will be better than buckles.
Feb 25 2023 1:21PM
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,477
onenerdykidThey won't be blowing up everyday, or with any frequency greater than buckles. The amount of force it takes to break the BOA dial will absolutely nuke a buckle. And if you do break it, you get a free one. Break a buckle? You are buying one.

The solution presented by BOA isn't solving a problem per se, but it is creating a better solution. Sure no one specifically asked for a BOA system, but the do ask for better fitting boots. This is the distinction between "solutions" and "needs". A buckle, a BOA, a power strap, a foam liner, etc. - these are all solutions trying address the need of "fit" and I would argue this is exactly what the market is asking for. Fit is one of the absolute, main needs associated with ski boots and this new BOA system takes fit to the next level.


Ok sure, but I’m still a bit concerned about the complexity. How many shops will have these replacements on hand, and will they be able to provide them for free if you break one? Also, the cables on full tilts are protected by an indent in the plastic of the boot, and they still break relatively often, I understand that these cables are stronger, but they are completely unprotected from your edges when doing grabs that cross the skis.
Feb 25 2023 1:58PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
If a shop sells boa boots they get the parts free of charge directly from boa. When they begin to run low they just request more and they are always free. Compare that to buckles which they either need to pull off old boots or buy from manufacturers getting hold of boa parts will be much easier.

As for Full a tilt cables breaking relatively frequently we honestly don’t see that some break of course but it’s a really low percentage and as you say this cable is stronger anyway. We have had Joss Christenson skiing boa boots for the past year and he has yet to break any components so they are handling newschoolers type skiing well so far
JITYOk sure, but I’m still a bit concerned about the complexity. How many shops will have these replacements on hand, and will they be able to provide them for free if you break one? Also, the cables on full tilts are protected by an indent in the plastic of the boot, and they still break relatively often, I understand that these cables are stronger, but they are completely unprotected from your edges when doing grabs that cross the skis.
Feb 25 2023 3:32PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3777 - Karma: 16,967
tomPietrowskiIf a shop sells boa boots they get the parts free of charge directly from boa. When they begin to run low they just request more and they are always free. Compare that to buckles which they either need to pull off old boots or buy from manufacturers getting hold of boa parts will be much easier.

As for Full a tilt cables breaking relatively frequently we honestly don’t see that some break of course but it’s a really low percentage and as you say this cable is stronger anyway. We have had Joss Christenson skiing boa boots for the past year and he has yet to break any components so they are handling newschoolers type skiing well so far

Didn’t you mention in another thread we can request free parts for the boots if we own them as well?



I would just have a couple extra parts on hand and call it day.
Feb 25 2023 3:45PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
Yeah everything is free of charge for life so anyone can just get free parts to have on hand. It’s going to be so much easier than trying to get buckles and racks etc.
PartyBullshiitDidn’t you mention in another thread we can request free parts for the boots if we own them as well?



I would just have a couple extra parts on hand and call it day.
Feb 25 2023 4:12PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,862
I'd also add that it's not like buckles are universally compatible with each other- not every buckle fits on every toothplate and not every baseplate matches the shell/cuff mounting area. Unless the shop has the exact buckle you broke, or at least both the buckle and toothplate are being exchanged, it can be a pretty annoying search to find the right match. Even Salomon makes a toothplate that is literally 1mm wider than ours and it causes our buckle not to fit onto the toothplate. Absolutely fucking retarded.

But, let's say you are absolutely worried about breaking something on your BOA boot and being shit outta luck on ski trip somewhere far from home. Then get a spare and travel with it. I couldn't imagine going on a mountain bike trip without a spare derailleur hanger (or some odd bolt for my frame). The odds of me breaking it are high and the odds of a random shop having the EXACT & ONLY one that fits my frame are slim to none. If this really is a concern for people, then at some point you have to plan ahead.
Feb 26 2023 5:28AM
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tawmi
Posts: 102 - Karma: -151
I'm open to it! As has been mentioned, it's almost identical in principle to the Full Tilt/FL3X cable ratchety guys.
However, as I've been thinking about it, I actually see a disadvantage to the Boa system. With the cable buckles, you set them to where you like it, and then you never have to set them again. With the Boa dial, you're gonna have to set it every time you put your boots on, or when you loosen them for just chillin or whatever.
It's still way more convenient than the traditional rack buckles, and it will help some people fit better in their boots, but for me who fits perfectly in Revolvers, I don't see it as an upgrade tbh
Feb 28 2023 3:05AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8886 - Karma: 35,768
tawmiI'm open to it! As has been mentioned, it's almost identical in principle to the Full Tilt/FL3X cable ratchety guys.
However, as I've been thinking about it, I actually see a disadvantage to the Boa system. With the cable buckles, you set them to where you like it, and then you never have to set them again. With the Boa dial, you're gonna have to set it every time you put your boots on, or when you loosen them for just chillin or whatever.


Idk if you've ever been in board boots, but this isn't really an issue. It's very easy to get the feel down on how tight you like it and it takes 3 seconds.

Also, since its on the bottom buckles, they really shouldn't be "tight". If you're like me and unbuckle on the lift you probably don't need to bother with loosening the bottom buckles here. Theoretically is should just be a beginning-of-day and end-of-day thing.
Feb 28 2023 12:44PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
I actually find the fact you can have a perfect tightness a big advantage. Personably I don't want my boots the same tightness all the time. If im cruising the park or just skiing some groomers Im going to have my boots much less tight than if Im skiing powder or something steep and tech. With buckles making these adjustments is not always super straightforward as you may need to adjust the micro adjustment and you certainly cant easily do it on the fly. With BOA i can have the perfect tightness for any type of skiing by just turning the dial. I find I have much comfier feet throughout the day as I always have them set just how I want not just how the buckles happen to be set.
tawmiI'm open to it! As has been mentioned, it's almost identical in principle to the Full Tilt/FL3X cable ratchety guys.
However, as I've been thinking about it, I actually see a disadvantage to the Boa system. With the cable buckles, you set them to where you like it, and then you never have to set them again. With the Boa dial, you're gonna have to set it every time you put your boots on, or when you loosen them for just chillin or whatever.
It's still way more convenient than the traditional rack buckles, and it will help some people fit better in their boots, but for me who fits perfectly in Revolvers, I don't see it as an upgrade tbh
Feb 28 2023 2:22PM
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tutipups
Posts: 1686 - Karma: 10,559
tawmiI'm open to it! As has been mentioned, it's almost identical in principle to the Full Tilt/FL3X cable ratchety guys.
However, as I've been thinking about it, I actually see a disadvantage to the Boa system. With the cable buckles, you set them to where you like it, and then you never have to set them again. With the Boa dial, you're gonna have to set it every time you put your boots on, or when you loosen them for just chillin or whatever.
It's still way more convenient than the traditional rack buckles, and it will help some people fit better in their boots, but for me who fits perfectly in Revolvers, I don't see it as an upgrade tbh

dude its not hard to just spin a dial until it feels good
Feb 28 2023 7:00PM
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dfdny444
Posts: 12 - Karma: -112
tawmiI'm open to it! As has been mentioned, it's almost identical in principle to the Full Tilt/FL3X cable ratchety guys.
However, as I've been thinking about it, I actually see a disadvantage to the Boa system. With the cable buckles, you set them to where you like it, and then you never have to set them again. With the Boa dial, you're gonna have to set it every time you put your boots on, or when you loosen them for just chillin or whatever.
It's still way more convenient than the traditional rack buckles, and it will help some people fit better in their boots, but for me who fits perfectly in Revolvers, I don't see it as an upgrade tbh


Salomon put hash marks on the shell. In theory it seems like a good idea to find a spot that works for you and look for the number the next time you're tightening the boa.
Feb 28 2023 11:27PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
dfdny444Salomon put hash marks on the shell. In theory it seems like a good idea to find a spot that works for you and look for the number the next time you're tightening the boa.

Yeah we did the same, it does help give a point of reference for knowing roughly how tight to go for different feels.
Mar 2 2023 2:58PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1529 - Karma: 11,288
Can I swap the steel cable with Dyneema? What's the diameter of the cable?
Mar 2 2023 6:34PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
Not really sure why you would want too but no you could not easily do it. Could you manage it if you really tried probably, but I wouldn’t. Replacement cables are really easy to install so if you were worried you were going to break one on a big trip or something just grab a couple of extras to have as a back up.
jompcockCan I swap the steel cable with Dyneema? What's the diameter of the cable?
Mar 2 2023 8:58PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1529 - Karma: 11,288
tomPietrowskiNot really sure why you would want too but no you could not easily do it. Could you manage it if you really tried probably, but I wouldn’t. Replacement cables are really easy to install so if you were worried you were going to break one on a big trip or something just grab a couple of extras to have as a back up.


Thinking in terms of weight reduction on a touring boot. I'm aware it would be very slight to the overall boot weight but if spliced properly it seems like it might work. Idk I like to fuck around with my gear and have been splicing a lot of Dyneema at work lately. 3mm Marlow D12 has 3000 lb breaking strength and is really resistant to chafing and cutting. If I did the math correctly it also weighs 1/5th that of steel cable and is several times stronger.

I would do a brummel splice which takes up almost no space compared to any knot. Dyneema is extremely slippery so a knot is unlikely to hold but a brummel eye splice is a mechanical lock that will snap, not slip out.
Mar 2 2023 10:50PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7145 - Karma: 17,457
you would have a hard time seating it in both the dial and the terminator. I’d guess with some work you could get it working but it really would not be worth it but could be fun to try.
jompcockThinking in terms of weight reduction on a touring boot. I'm aware it would be very slight to the overall boot weight but if spliced properly it seems like it might work. Idk I like to fuck around with my gear and have been splicing a lot of Dyneema at work lately. 3mm Marlow D12 has 3000 lb breaking strength and is really resistant to chafing and cutting. If I did the math correctly it also weighs 1/5th that of steel cable and is several times stronger.

I would do a brummel splice which takes up almost no space compared to any knot. Dyneema is extremely slippery so a knot is unlikely to hold but a brummel eye splice is a mechanical lock that will snap, not slip out.
Mar 2 2023 11:11PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1529 - Karma: 11,288
tomPietrowskiyou would have a hard time seating it in both the dial and the terminator. I’d guess with some work you could get it working but it really would not be worth it but could be fun to try.


Ok noted. Probably won't try it for a while but maybe I'll go for it if I try to retrofit it onto another boot when I get a hold of replacement parts.
Mar 3 2023 12:23AM
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penner.park
Posts: 4 - Karma: 25
i fell the boots would be great for casual skiers but not for hard park riders like myself because i feel the cables would break and repairing that would be a lot more expensive than just going to get a new buckle and fixing it your self
Feb 6 2024 3:54PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3777 - Karma: 16,967
penneri fell the boots would be great for casual skiers but not for hard park riders like myself because i feel the cables would break and repairing that would be a lot more expensive than just going to get a new buckle and fixing it your self

The cables are stronger than buckles. You need cable cutters to cut the new boa cable for alpine.



the new alpine boa parts are free from boa once you own the boot. You can request free parts as needed. So no it’s not more expensive to repair. It’s free.
Feb 6 2024 4:01PM
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