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Boots! BOA Worth It? Brand Preference?!

17K views 77 replies 49 participants last post by  SKI-CAT-DOO  
#1 · (Edited)
Looking for new boots this season. Is the BOA system worth it? I have heard and read comments where the system has broken down for some owners. Not sure how wide spread these complaints are. Not the type of thing you would want happening on a long weekend or overnight trip. They do also seem to demand a higher price tag. Laces can be fixed or rigged trail side.

So my questions are:

  • Is the BOA system reliable? I am mainly thinking Klim and FXR.
  • Assuming reliability, is the higher price worth the convenience?
  • Is there a noticeable difference in the boot structure or build quality of the boot with the BOA system versus traditional lace style?

Anyone regret purchasing one over the over?

I would like to add, I am not looking for snow-board type stiffness out of the boot. Ideally something that is comfortable enough to ride on the ATV's, run the snowblower, etc.

Last question, anyone with experience between Klim and FXR boots for trail riding? I do not need the top tier model, but I am also not adverse to paying for quality, warmth and dry feet! My last pair of boots lasted me over 7 years.

Thanks guys.
 
#2 ·
Going on my 4th year with the Klim Klutch Boot. Average 3000 miles a year. So far been really good and no cold feet. Would I say the BOA system is worth it???? A Big YES>>>> For me anyway. First pair of boots in many years I really actually like. I also wear the right type of sock also which could make or break a pair of boots for you. Can Not compare between the FXR and Klim. Just have had Klim.
 
#3 ·
I bought the Klim Adrenaline Pro GTX, (on sale at the moment at Fortnine)
https://fortnine.ca/en/klim-adrenaline-pro-gtx-boa-boots

These have the dual BOA system, I tried the Klutch boot first, but found with the single BOA I couldn't get a comfortable balance of tightness around my ankle without it getting too right around my foot. The dual BOA allows independent tightening.

I have not tried them yet, but I will be wearing some type of technical sock with them such as merino wool to wick moisture.

brian
 
#4 ·
I really like the ease of the BOA system. Not many issues have been reported. The BOA system has been around for many years now and any problems have been worked out. Boots are light weight and warm. As stated above the right socks make a big difference. I purchased the Korker 1200 with the interchangeable soles. Great boots for more than just snowmobiling.
 
#5 ·
I used a pair of Klim boots with a single boa last year, and they were awesome. It's so much easier to get changed (dressed and undressed) with them. The system is very robust, and I would be surprised to hear of any snapping/breaking.

I just picked up a pair of Tobe Nimbus that have dual Boa and I'm guessing the two adjustment points will make it even easier to get in and out of.
 
#6 ·
I bought a pair of Tobe's last season, and I love em. Expensive, but what isn't nowadays, and if you want to ride alot, good gear is worth every dime.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Took a chance and bought a pair of these for last season...Cant beat the price, and they are as warm/comfortable as any other boots I have worn in my previous 50+ seasons of riding...Also paid less than the advertised price @ my local farm n fleet store
NORTHWEST | Men's Boot – Baffin - Born in the North '79
 
#9 ·
I have three seasons on Fly racing Boa boots my son has two on his FXR ones both have worked great and will be in use this season. The FXR ones are stiffer and heavier than the Fly as a trail rider I prefer the Fly ones. One complaint about both is non removable liner makes drying more difficult even with those fan boot driers they sometimes don’t dry out quickly enough. We both agreed we would never go back to lace’s on our boots.
 
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#13 ·
Glad to see this, I've been wanting to try the BOA system on Klim or other winter motorsport gear too. Sounds like so far BOA wins. I already have p-cord in the toolkit so laces dont add safety while out. I've been through pacboots, bunnyboots, Baffins, and now battery powered heated socks and I'm slow getting ready, plus cold feet unless 'powered up.'

I want to hear more about exactly what sock setups you guys are using. I use merino wool liners under the battery socks. Before that it was merino wool liners under wool boot socks.

Edit to note this is in interior Alaska temps, sometimes riding at -30 or -35F, voluntarily.

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk
 
#14 ·
Hi All,

Thanks for the replies thus far. The experience and opinions so far have been valuable.

In fairness I will admit, that the complaints I have heard were in fact several years ago. So based on the comments in this thread it does sound as though the BOA system has proven reliable overall. Like anything, those experiences could have been early adopters, one-offs, abused boots, etc. Doesn't sound like anything to be super concerned about from what I gather.
 
#18 ·
Someone eluded to it above, but Cabelas Extreme Pac boots are great. BOA or lace. Their warmth ratings are usually double what a sled specific boot gives you. After doing much research over the years, you want two things: the thickest sole and if possible, a removable liner. If you have those, the rating drops to about -150 F. Ratings are meant to be read as the boots will protect you down to -150 if you are using high energy such as actively walking and/or not just sitting still. They are meant for long days in the woods or on the sled. Trail riding is generally not considered high activity from a boot standpoint in my opinion. No special combination of socks either. Place foot in boot and go. Lifespan is about 5-7 years of heavy use. That includes ice fishing, shoveling, playing with the kids, hunting, etc. If only used as a riding boot, I’d guess about a 10 year life.

At the ripe old age of like 36, I had a major back surgery and lost a lot of circulation to my feet. I went through many years of single season use of boots until I went to the PAC boots. The PAC boots are heavier than most and a bit more clunky but if you get stranded, your feet will survive the night….if the rest of you does. For about $200, you can’t go wrong.
 
#19 ·
IMO Klim boots are not the best for people with cold toes… tried several models over years and then went to Sorel with a removable liner for a while - that model is gone - then two guys in my crew got FXR Backshift with BOA and raved about them so I got a pair last year . The liner can be removed to dry out and it’s super soft and comfortable. Of course you need to size properly to have air for toes to breath and a good Marino wool sock or Marino wool blend or synthetic sock, but my toes were warm. They are a stiffer boot but I am ok with it ….the BOA makes it super easy to get in and out .
 
#23 · (Edited)
I had HMK Pro Boa's for years, great boot.Last season I trashed one of the Boa Dials and didn't look like I could fix it. Ended up going with Tobe 's. They are a great boot also, they mold to your foot with use. They do run a bit small,I normally wear a size 11 and went with a 12 and they fit perfectly. Great ankle support kinda like a ski boot. The Boa System is the only way to go in my opinion.
 
#24 ·
Last year I waited on Klim Klutch, which never came in. Purchased 509 (509 and Klim are owned by Polaris).
Definitely like the boa system. My Klim boots with laces would come loose, and end up collecting ice through the floor boards. Sometimes I couldn't get off my machine without help and had to cut the laces to dismount.

i was also concerned with Boa, but I read reviews that if you don't crank them very tight they don't break.

just my .02
 
#25 ·
Boa is fantastic, i think ive been riding with them for over 5 years now. Double boa is the way to go though, while i liked my single boa castle boots, i found that i could not get them to support the way i wanted and properly tight 100% of the time. I bought 509 raid double boas for this season, should be fantastic. You also couldnt pay me enough money in the world to buy fxr junk, unless your a masochist and like having cold and wet feet, while simultaneously not getting any customer support.
 
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