Alpinestars Tech 7 Boot Review

I have worn Alpinestars Tech 7’s on and off for several years now and enjoyed the mid level price point boot so much that I put my 14 year old son in them because of a few reasons we will get to below. The Alpinestars Tech 7 is one of the more popular motocross boots in the states as it’s lucrative price point seems to gel more with the blue collar rider. The Tech 7 is designed and developed in Italy, but manufactured in Alpinestars’ facility in Asia in order to keep the cost down. In doing so, the Tech 7 comes in about $230 less than the company’s top-line boot, the Tech 10. The most noticeable difference between the two is the fact that the Tech 10 uses an inner bootie, while the Tech 7 does not. The Tech 7 boot features several flex points and four aluminum buckles on plastic straps. There is also a Velcro closure at the top with a gaiter for closure. The Tech 7 has undergone some changes in the past couple years which include a redesigned dual-compound sole, as well as the instep and the Achilles accordion flex zone.

The Tech 7 requires almost no break-in as it will literally take a moto or two to get used to the feel of the boots on the track. The pivot and flex zones are well thought out, so you can unbox them for the first time on the morning of a race and have no problem. Another bonus is the fact that they are easy to put on, even for those of us with bigger calves/ feet. This is often a problem with inexpensive boots; manufacturers will resize the foot compartment for larger feet but use the same upper section. That means you can’t get your foot through the ankle opening or secure the top of the boot, but not so with the Tech 7. The Tech 7s are easy to put on and once the four buckles are fastened, they fit well and are comfortable. Sizing of the Tech 7 are true to size. I wear a size 10 and the Tech 7s fit just like my Tech 10s due, but with a slightly more ankle room.

In terms of shape, the Tech 7s fall right between Sidis, with a narrow toe box and Gaerne SG-12’s, which are wider. I still think if you have a wider foot, you can still appreciate the toe box area as well as how protective that area is when hitting objects on the track or trail. Protection is outstanding even without the inner bootie. I am more of an inner bootie type of rider, but not having one with the Tech 7 didn’t leave me wishing for more ankle protection. The sole is moderately flexible and wears very well. This is always a difficult balance; too much rigidity and you can’t feel the shifter or brake pedal, too much flex and the footpegs can beat your feet into submission very quickly. Wear can also be an issue with flexy boot soles, but the Tech 7s have tougher material right where the footpeg comes in contact with the soles as well as a steel shank. The sole and footpeg inset are replaceable, which is nice if you plan on living with these boots for more than a couple seasons. I like that the inside grip material on the Tech 7 actually works when squeezing the spars of the frame and do not wear as quickly as my Tech 10 inner grip panels. 

Overall, for $369.95 the Tech 7 to me is one of only a couple pairs of boots I would even wear in this price range. My son Aden loves his Tech 7s and prefers them over the Tech 10 because of how much lighter they feel when he rides. The tech 7s are 1.3 pounds lighter than the Tech 10 on the scales so when you’re putting in longer motos with deep ruts the lighter feel on your legs can come in handy.  

If you have any questions about the Alpinestars Tech 7 boot or any other boots for that matter email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com. 

Leatt GPX 5.5 Boots

My Leatt GPX 5.5 Boot Background: 

I get to test a lot of things behind the scenes and this Leatt GPX 5.5 boot was one of them. When I got asked to do some initial testing on this boot from Leatt a couple years ago, I was happy to help, but I warned them that I was a picky SOB when it comes to boots. I don’t necessarily have bad ankles, but I do like my ankles to feel secure/protected when I come up short on jumps. I also want a boot that doesn’t weigh a ton because my old ass doesn’t need any extra weight to haul around when I am doing a long Moto. I put in almost 100 sneaky testing hours in the GPX 5.5 boots and although we had some revisions along the way, these boots surprised me on how comfortable they were. With a price point of $389.99 you might expect not to get all the bells and whistles of a top tier off-road boot, but to me a lot of those boxes are checked with the GPX 5.5’s. The engineers over in South Africa, where the Leatt main offices are located, listened to any short comings I may have experienced with the boot during initial testing and fixed those problems along the way. After riding with these boots in silence for a while, here are some of my findings with the final production version that could be of use when maybe looking to purchase a pair of new boots in the future.  

I do know that Leatt is committed to protection, but getting a boot to look good is tough to do. I feel Leatt did a good job of getting a boot to look unique without it being ugly looking. The Leatt 5.5 boot comes in three different colorways and should please even the pickiest of gear snobs. The GPX 5.5 boot uses a FlexLock system that makes for adjustable boot flex, lockout of ankle movement, force reduction to ankle (up to 37 percent) and knee-force reduction (up to 35 percent). It has a SlideLock Velcro top closure, 3D-shaped impact foam over the ankles, a heel-grip ankle design and the toe box is low-profile and shifter-friendly. The Leatt boots’ sole has a DualZone hardness and has an extended footpeg zone to accommodate varying riding styles with a steel shank for additional support. It uses a grip material inside of each boot for rider feel, the buckles are forged with an over-locking function, and the inner liner is breathable mesh with anti-slip reinforcement for zero heel lift. 

For reference, I feel like the Fox Instinct boot is one of the only boots that I am able to ride with right out of the box without any break in period. The Leatt 5.5 boot doesn’t quite have that instantaneous take out of the box and ride feel, but does break in quicker than a set of Tech 10’s. It’s unique with its FlexLock design that actually DOES absorb energy, yet offers a good amount of feel on the brake/shifter. This is one area where a non-hinge boot usually lacks in feel and requires a longer break-in before you get totally comfortable with mobility, shifting and finding the brake pedal. The FlexLock is a multi-directional system that allows the boot to hinge forward and backward. Additionally, it has an inward and outward flexing ability that is designed to mirror your ankle movement. The amount that the boot flexes in this direction is limited by the FlexLock system.

The Leatt GPX 5.5 has far better foot mobility than a normal non-hinged boot, yet gives you the ability to lock out as much ankle movement as you want. The GPX 5.5 size 10 weighs just under nine pounds, which is around the same weight as most mid to top tier off-road boots. For most riders, especially us older guys, the lighter the boot, the better it can be for our legs, as it’s easier on your knees and mobility. It’s funny because when I weighed the boots I was expecting the GPX 5.5 to weigh less than it did because when riding with them, it didn't feel like nine pounds of boot on each leg. They feel lighter than a Tech 10 and DO NOT cause my legs to get as tired when the track is deep. 

I love the GPX top SlideLock closure (you can secure the Velcro, then buckle the top strap, which slides against itself in one direction), it’s simply genius! I appreciated the grip of the sole and how long the sole lasted, especially during my durability test of the boot. You can do yourself a favor and make sure to keep an eye on the small screws that hold some of the plastic pieces on the boot together as they can back out over time. If you are concerned about the fit for wide feet, don’t be alarmed as I feel the GPX 5.5 boot accommodates a wider foot. I don’t have a wide foot, but a couple of my test riders do and they didn’t complain about pinching. I however did get a pinch initially near the top of my foot during break in, but once the boot seated to my foot, the pinch went away. 

With the minimal break-in time, the fit as well as the feel through the ankle, along with the ease of the buckling system, I feel this is a lower cost option for the off-road consumer. I felt that the protection and comfort levels rated high, the durability of the boot was adequate and the price is very friendly, considering the high-end appeal of some other boots.  As of right now, I have around 28 hours on the production Leatt GPX 5.5 boots and plan to at least get to the 50 hour mark. 

If you have any questions about the Leatt GPX 5.5 boots or anything that relates to dirt bikes, Keefer Inc. Testing is here to assist in anyway we can. Email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com for any philosophical thoughts or questions. 

Fox Instinct Boots

Just in case you haven't listened to episode 7 of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested Podcast (Boot Comparison) I will now go over the Fox Instinct boot and how it performs//protects/feels/lasts. When the designers and engineers at Fox set out to design a new high end boot, they didn't just shoot for "almost perfect", nor did they accept that a finished product had to be flawed. They spent a huge amount of time designing, developing, as well as race testing various components, and after several years of gathering feedback from the top riders in our sport, they came up with a design that was ready to go into production for all us mere mortals. The Instinct boot design has been in production almost 10 years and in my opinion is one of the most comfortable boots to wear. Let me explain how they did this:

The key goals in developing the Instinct boot were to combine freedom of movement with the highest level of protection possible; in other words, safety and comfort were a must for the Fox engineers. This starts in the guts of the boot where five key components have been utilized to create the perfect fit: An athletic insole provides running shoe-like cushioning, a steel shank supports the arch, a polyurethane midsole offers energy absorption, a TPU support is in place for impact protection and stability, and Fox's exclusive rubber Duratac outsole provides grip on the peg and is backed by lifetime durability guarantees.

The rest of the boot is just as highly developed as the inside. A patented floating ball-and-socket buckle makes for easy operation with gloves on. Flexion is provided by a stabilizing hinge, which also ensures that the ankle cannot hyperextend past the predetermined lockout points. A host of other technical materials grace the boot to help create a solid weld between ankle and bike, and the overall build makes for one of the lightest boots on the market. Fox truly left nothing on the table when developing these suckers.

Over the course of the Instinct’s production lifespan, the sizing has been improved. I have noticed a true-to-size fit since early 2019, so if you have a 2018 Instinct and notice you went up a size from your normal sizing, the new 2019-2020 sizing is much improved. If you decide to purchase a new pair (and have an older Instinct model) you may have to go back down to your normal size. The toe-box is a little narrower than a Tech 10, but not as tight as a Sidi Crossfire 3, and the buckles are so much easier to operate than those found on some of the biggest brands in the sport. The first positive aspect/experience of the boot you will notice is the lightweight feel to the Instinct. My legs certainly do feel less fatigue when riding tracks that force you to ride leg high through ruts/corners. To me these are the lightest feeling boots that I have ridden with to date. The feature that I was most surprised with was the inner comfort of the boot. I am so used to have having an inner bootie for ankle support, I thought I would feel naked without it, but it literally took me only a few minutes until I appreciated how much comfort my feet/ankles had. I don’t have bad ankles, but I do ride a lot and my ankles can get sore from riding all day long. The Instinct boots do have more movement in the ankle area than a Tech 10, but I also don’t feel like my ankles are being overworked or stretched. The sole also has more grip than I was expecting, which provides excellent absorption/cushion to my ankles when slamming into jump faces or when I really screw up and case the crap out of something. Here’s a tip: After break in (which isn't very long at all) I will tighten up my buckles tighter than normal, so that I get a more secure lock around my ankle (this is important with the middle two buckles). The inner potion of the boots have excellent grip against the frame and this is an important feature to me because I grip with my legs a lot! Some boots use a rubber like material that simply doesn't grip well when squeezing, but the Instinct boot comes “stock” with great gripping material on the inside of each boot.  

Like a good running shoe, the insole has enough cushioning and support without feeling too rigid or bulky. Off-road riders will love this boot based on the fact that it truly can be worn all day, but Fox also offers the Instinct in an off-road version as well with a more aggressive sole. The protection level certainly feels sufficient for the usual battery of rut-snags and rock-hits that I encounter on any given day of testing. However, to me, the Instinct is built for performance and comfort, but the integrity/support of the boot can break down a little quicker than other boots out there today. This is the only boot that I can wear straight out of the box and feel my pegs as well as my shifter/brake pedal without any issues. I can’t pull a set of Tech 10’s out of the box and feel “good” right away, but I am able to do this with the Instinct’s. The Fox Instinct boots DO NOT hardly need any break in period. They are ready to rock! 

The flip-side/bad news is when the Instincts get some time under them, they can get somewhat flimsy in the ankle area to me and I can feel my ankles flex too much when landing hard off of jumps. I usually keep boots for a fair amount of time (around 60-80 engine hours), but the Fox Instincts felt looser in my ankle area around 42 hours of engine time. This is where you will need to keep up pn your middle to buckles. I constantly adjust my middle two buckles to ensure I get a tighter fit around my ankle. I can’t stress enough how huge this is with this boot! Think of these middle two buckles as your daily routine of bike/gear maintenance. Just because the middle two buckles were good yesterday doesn't mean that they are correct for the another day. Tighten them accordingly and your ankles will thank you. Other pieces to the boot like the outsole, buckles, insole, and hinges never broke or failed, but I just feel the boot to be super soft (in ankle area) after some time of usage without adjusting the middle two buckles. Fox Instincts have lasted me over 40 engine hours, but have only seen stock pegs and not super sharp titanium oversize pegs, so your sharp peg riders keep an eye on your outsoles.

Send Them In!

The Fox Racing Instinct Sole Warranty: Something that you may not know is that Fox offers Instinct buyers a free outsole replacement if your Instincts meet their requirements. Do yourself a favor and make sure to keep an eye out on your soles, so they don’t get ate up past the red indicator strip/marker. If they are worn and aren’t past the red indicator strip/marker, send your boots into Fox Racing and they can install original Fox Duratac inserts in for you at no charge! Here is the link: https://nushoe.com/fox-head.html

Overall, the Instinct features an impressive level of performance and comfort that definitely lives up to Fox's claims. Coming in at $459.95, the Fox Instinct is less expensive than the Tech 10 or a Gaerne SG-12, so the decision to purchase shouldn't be about price. In my opinion, the Fox Instinct boot is the most comfortable boot out of the there, but will need more attention/adjustments to the middle two buckles, if you want them to protect your ankles, like Fox intended after some time of use. I look at the Fox Instinct boot like a factory spec tire that is available to us non factory guys. It provides maximum comfort and performance on the track, but just doesn't last quite as long structurally. Head over to https://www.foxracing.com/moto/mens/boots/ to get yours as well as view all the styles and colors.

If you have any questions about this test please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com and I am here to help!   

Hidden Gems (Acerbis MX Pro Socks)

By: Michael Allen

I decided to start this series of short reviews because sometimes there are products that either slip through the testing cracks or are just overlooked altogether. From time to time I come across products that aren’t often talked about and I think to myself “man how come I didn’t know about this?” So, from now on when I come across a great product that has slipped through the cracks without getting any attention, I’ll be sharing that info with you, the loyal Keefer Inc. Testing reader.

For the first installment of “Hidden Gems” I’ll be telling you guys about a pair of socks that I randomly purchased two years ago (yes, I’ve been wearing them on and off for that long). I forgot my socks at home one day so that forced me to swing by my local shop and buy a pair on my way to the track. I was in a hurry and these were the first pair I saw, so I grabbed them and was on my way.  The Acerbis MX Pro Sock is a very minimalist sock made of a thin mix of 60% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 10% polypropylene and 10% elastin. The socks pull up just below the knee and over time the elastic never seemed to get stretched out. I am fairly hard on gear not just when I wear it, but also with washes. Some people tell me I over wash my moto stuff, but I like everything to be clean at all times so I wash all my gear after every time I ride, so I have no doubt these socks have been washed at least 80 times. 

Like I said, these socks are on the thin side, so if your boots are a little big or you’re riding in cold weather, you’ll want something a little thicker. Whenever it’s not cold these have become my go to socks and I have yet to wear a hole through them or have the threads come apart. This is most likely due to the fact that Acerbis reinforced the socks in the necessary areas of wear to help with durability. With a price tag of $20.88 these socks are a great deal. I liked mine so much I went back and purchased a second pair for when I need them. The pictures attached will look different than the ones on websites because they changed the look, but that just goes to show you how long mine have lasted. I hope this little tidbit of information on a not so talked about product was helpful for your next purchase. Stay tuned as I write more about some other “Hidden Gems” I come across in the near future.

Alpinestars Tech 10 Review

Alpinestars introduced the new Tech 10 last summer, but since then, the boot has gone through a revision for a less rigid feel. You might of noticed that if you purchased a very early edition of the new Tech 10 (or “version 1.0” like I call it) it was super stiff right? They were so stiff I couldn't feel my brake pedal or shifter for a few days on the bike. I have been putting a ton of time in on the “revised” version of the Tech 10 and wanted to give you guys some thoughts/updates about both the product. As always please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com if you have any questions about these boots.

When Alpinestars introduced the new The Tech 10 last summer they were guided by three priorities as the Alpinestars technical footwear development team looked to improve overall functionality, performance and safety, decrease weight, and reduce material volume. Maximizing these priorities was the overall goal of the new Tech 10 and to be honest I have been a harsh critic of these boots when they first came out. If you listened to show #88 of the Keefer Tested Podcast you would know what I’m talking about. 

The older Tech 10’s comfort were legendary and it was a pleasure to wear the boots in all conditions. A key objective for the updated Tech 10 was maintaining the boot’s feel while enhancing its performance, functionality and safety.

The most significant upgrades to the Tech 10 (from older pre 2018 Tech 10’s) performance are unique technologies: The Frontal Flexion Control Frame, the Asymmetrical Dual-pivot Arms, the patented Dynamic Heel Compression Protection Shock Absorber which is integrated into a redesigned foot shell and the slimmer, more streamlined, outsole.

Fact! The new Tech 10 is lighter than the older version, the result of Alpinestars studying all the boot components and their connections (basically how the boot comes together). A re-design of every single one of those components has been undertaken to reduce volume and weight.

New material composites have been created that are lighter in weight and aim to be more durable to ensure they try and hold up to the rigors of off-road riding. The new, cold-forged, aluminum buckles are a result with an easier to operate, more durable and self-aligning closure that offer a positive hold across the upper surfaces of the boot. The result has yielded over 400 grams (almost 1lb.) in weight reduction from the older Tech 10.

The new design also reduces the Tech 10’s profile and physical size. It is more streamlined with newer, lighter, more durable composite materials and a more integrated approach to the construction of the components, which dynamically enhances the chassis of the boot and utilize more advanced bonding processes.

Even though Alpinestars hasn't came out and told me exactly what the revisions were on the new Tech 10’s, I can tell you that the front three bars of the ankle area have been “revised” to soften the feel.

Built into the Tech 10’s unique and lightweight single-piece co-injected foot chassis is the patented Dynamic Heel Compression Protector (DHCP), an innovative safety feature, which includes a fully integrated collapsible heel area with expanded poly-foam to absorb high impact energies during a crash.

DCHP features a directional impact protection system which significantly reduces the effect of excessive, potentially injury-causing energy being transferred to the ankle and lower leg.

Once my foot slipped into the updated Tech 10 it felt snug enough in all the right places, but the area that I felt the new Tech 10’s needed help in was “break in” and flex in the ankle. Last summer when I tested the first version of the new Tech 10’s I couldn't even move my feet or feel the shifter/brake pedal. It was like wearing a cast and I was feverishly looking for the older Tech 10’s like a child looking for candy. The new Tech 10 is not as tall as the old boot, but that never really came into play (good or bad) when I rode with them.

It still takes a little long to break in the “2.0 version” of the new Tech 10’s (one full riding day or 4-5 engine hours), but once broken in I felt like I could bend my ankles freely, feel the shifter and brake pedal so much better than the first version. The new Tech 10 is still on the stiffer side compared to Gaerne’s/Sidi’s/Instinct’s, but I have grown to appreciate the support that I am getting when I send it off jumps to flat. There is more plastic to the new Tech 10 than the older one and that results in a lighter weight boot, but also makes it slightly less grippy on the inner side of the boot. When pinching with my legs I get more locked in with the older Tech 10’s than I did with the new ones. Could that be from not having as tall of a profile? Possibly… This is something that some of you may not notice, but to me was worth noting. 

There is more plastic on the new Tech 10’s (compared to pre 2018), which makes it much lighter, but also have slightly less grip when pinching the bike.

A huge plus for me with the new Tech 10 is that it doesn’t get water logged and or heavy as quickly as the older version. Riding in muddy conditions and power washing boots over time have made my older Tech 10’s weigh almost two pounds heavier than when they were new (and they were already heavy when new)! The 2019 Tech 10’s have more plastic built into the boot, which saves weight, but also repels water much better than the old leather panels. So there is some give and take with getting a boot that weighs less.    

The toe box is smaller and that could take some time to get used to if you’re coming from the original Tech 10’s, yet it can make shifting a little easier by getting your foot under the shifter. The high impact, cold forged aluminum buckle system is easy to adjust and can actually close shut or open even when muddy. 

The Tech 10 boots are much more comfortable on hard landings and have an incredible soft feeling sole. The shock absorbing quality of these boots are second to none and the older I get the more I appreciate this. My ankles and feet have never been sore after a long day of riding with the new Tech 10’s. The new version of the Tech 10 boots weigh in at roughly 8.8 pounds and while they are still not the lightest boot on the market (Fox Instincts hold that honor), the protection I do feel on the track is so good I am willing to overlook the heavier feeling with the Tech 10’s. 

One other standout of the Tech 10 is that if you don’t ride on the balls of your feet—like you should—the sole will feel a little awkward because it is shaped to almost make you ride on the balls of your feet. I don’t know if Alpinestars designed the sole to help the rider in this aspect, but I like that this boot helps proper rider technique! When standing on the pegs it feels as if the front and rear of the sole is raised, and this makes you ride in that sweet spot (the balls of your feet). It took sometime to get used to this feeling when I first started riding in these boots, but now it’s second nature to me and forces me to ride like we all should. When I ride with other boots I really have to pay attention to scoot my feet back on the pegs, but with the Tech 10’s my feet get in the correct position much easier.

The Tech 10 boots offers a seamless feel on the bike and will not catch or snag on any part of the machine. After several months of use I did find that the soles of the new Tech 10’s are better than the older style. I am told Alpinestars offers a resole and if you feel that the DHCP has been crushed from a crash you can send it to Alpinestars and they can evaluate and replace if needed. 

Overall, the updated “2.0 version” Tech 10 boots are still one of my favorites to slide into and give me the protection and comfort I am looking for in a boot. You can check all of the Alpinestars boots out over at alpinestars.com or rockymountainatvmc.com. 

In order to save my incoming email inbox I have already asked a couple questions for you right here….

Popular Question: “How do I know if I am getting the “2.0 version” or not Keefer?

Answer: “Although I can’t give a clear cut and dry answer I do believe that all the colorways besides the Battle Born Tech 10 are version 2.0”.

Popular Question: “Keefer if I can save a couple hundred bucks and buy the pre 2018 older Tech 10 boots should I do it”? 

Answer: “Yes, you should! I still love the older pre-2018 version boot and still have some that I wear”! 

2017 Favorites

The holiday season is upon us and 2017 is almost a thing of the past. When I am at the track I often get asked what are some of my favorite things I have tested and used for 2017? Although this is tough to narrow down because I have tested so many great things throughout the year, I wanted to compile a list of some of the most memorable bikes, parts, gear and accessories that I either wanted to keep in my garage or I would purchase myself. Here is part one in no particular order. 

2017 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition: I liked it so much that I got heat from Matthes on if I was going to turn full orange brigade. I chose to race the 2017 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition at Loretta’s and became a fan of its smooth roll on engine character, an air fork I could live with and a chassis that loves hard pack square edge tracks. Although I struggled at Loretta’s, I learned a lot about the bike and what its advantages and disadvantages were. It was reliable (for the most part) and I enjoyed my time on it on thoroughly. One of the top three bikes for me in 2017. 

2017 Yamaha YZ450F: You knew this was coming. No, it’s not the sharpest handling 450 machine out on the market, nor is it the lightest of them, but the Yamaha is stable, has an incredible engine (that is exciting) and suspension comfort every other manufacturer should try and emulate. Did I mention it was reliable? Yes, that too! 

Arai VX-Pro4: One of the most comfortable helmets you can put on your head. The inside of an Arai VX-Pro4 is like wrapping a soft, cozy pillow around your brain bucket. The round shape of the shell fits my head well and I appreciate some of the colorways Arai offers. The Arai VX-Pro4 has been around a while, but they have updated the helmet and gave us long nose riders more room near the chin bar now which is a welcomed site. The helmet has ventilation you can open or close and an eye port big enough for wide peripheral goggles.  

FAAST Company Spoke Torque Wrench: The most important tool I have in my track toolbox is this Faast Company spoke torque wrench. This spoke torque wrench comes pre-set at 48 inch pounds, but can be adjusted to  your specification anywhere from 10-100 inch pounds, select your own torque or use Faast Company’s recommendation for your application. Simply tighten the spoke until you hear and feel a click, and you know the spoke is adjusted to the correct amount of tension providing you an even pull over your whole wheel for exceptional strength. Dumb ass proof! Just the way I like it! 

Oakley Airbrake Goggles: Expensive, but there is no other goggle that is as comfortable on your face as the Oakley Airbrake. Most average consumers would not want to purchase a $160.00 rigid frame goggle and I understand that. I am simply putting the Oakley Airbrake goggles in here because they are the goggle I look to when I get geared up. A wide peripheral goggle with a lens changing system that literally takes 10 seconds, foam that is not only plush but soaks up sweat well and laminated tear offs that do not distort your vision when you stack 14 or more on!  

CTi Knee Braces: After all these years riding a dirt bike and I finally got a pair of CTi knee braces this year. CTi knee braces are custom fitted to your legs and are second to none in quality. The carbon frames are super lightweight when putting them on and the rotating knee cup system is smooth and never gets hung up inside your pants. They mold onto your legs and almost feel like they are not on at times. When it comes to protection of the knees, these braces set the standard for others to follow. 

Works Connection Elite Clutch Perch/Lever: You want a buttery smooth feeling clutch pull? You have come to right place. The Works Connection Elite Clutch Perch/Lever has been around for years, but never gets old when you put one on your machine. Whether you have a brand new 2018 or you got your old 2004 two-stroke sitting in the garage, the WC Elite Perch/Lever makes your clutch pull feel like new. The adjustment wheel is big enough that you can adjust on the fly and the detent pressure is set to just the right amount of pressure to make it easy to spin in the air. 

Alpinestars Tech 10: I ride with a lot of different brands of boots, but the Tech 10 has been a staple for me and my size 10 feet for quite sometime. The Tech 10 boots are very comfortable on hard landings and have an incredible soft feeling sole. The shock absorbing quality of these boots are second to none and as I get older I appreciate this more. My ankles and feet have never been sore after a long day of riding and the Tech 10 boots have me feeling secure and locked in on the bike. The Tech 10’s weigh in at roughly 10 pounds and while they are not the lightest boot on the market, the protection I do feel on the track is so good I am willing to overlook the heavier feeling I get at times. As you can see these are a fairly worn pair of Tech 10s, but they are still in the rotation and keep my feet happy on long test days. 

VPT4E: Looking for a good pump replacement fuel? The VP T4E is great for all early and late model four-stroke motorcycles. The newly blended T4 fuel, which now is called T4E gives you better throttle response and more pulling power from bottom to mid range. It’s not going to transform your machine to an instant fire breather, it just gives a little extra crispness and is more consistent of a fuel than your standard pump gas. 

Garmin Forerunner 910XT: If you don’t have a manfriend or a hot chic with large ta-tas to write times on a pitboard for you while you are doing motos the Garmin Forerunner 910XT is the next best thing. The GPS enabled watch can record your lap times with its auto lap feature, take your heartrate, speed, how many calories you burned and much more. This is one thing I don’t leave home without when I go to the track to burn laps. I can log all of my data from my watch to my laptop at home with just a simple USB cable. If you're looking for a do it all moto/cycling watch the 910XT is the best that I have found. Check out Amazon for the best deal on these suckers!

Asterisk ZeroG Pant: You're a knee brace guy and your knee braces slip down over a long day of riding Asterisk has the fine for you. The Asterisk Zero G pant is a base layer compression pant that encompasses the knee brace to help keep the brace in place against your leg. The extra long length of the pant can fold back up and over the brace, traps the brace and a Velcro enclosure (located at thigh area) holds it all together. The Zero G pant is designed to make it simpler for all of us to slide the pant over the knee brace, as well as allowing the brace to move with your legs without restraint on the bike.

Fox FlexAir Pant And Jersey: The new second generation FlexAir  pant has a new chassis that includes a new knee design that removes some material for a more aerodynamic, streamlined fit. There is an updated two-piece rigid waistband and closure system along with the removal of the pant liner to try and decrease ounces and unwanted heat for the summer. The updated 2.0 FlexAir jersey has a new bonded cuff along with a TRUDRI fabric blend to keep weight down and breathability up. For 2017 this was one of my favorite gear sets to wear on any given day. The fit was great and the ventilation of the gear was second to none. Not to mention all of the LE colorways Fox came out with in 2017 was insane! Come on Fox lets see some bad ass LE colors for 2018! 

Pro Taper Fuzion Handlebars: Are you a crossbar kind of rider? If you're looking to go from a 7/8 handlebar to a 1 1/8 size the Fuzion is a great option. The flex locking system allows riders to choose between a stiffer, more controlled handlebar feel or a softer more shock absorbing feel depending on terrain and rider preference. Changing the bar from “Locked” to “Unlocked” takes only seconds by simply turning a knob. The Fuzion utilizes Pro Taper’s exclusive aluminum alloy, 4mm wall design for lightweight, strength and comes in six different bar bends. If I am going the crossbar route, this Pro Taper handlebar is a less rigid choice. 

Fox 180 Boot Review

The 180 boot is Fox’s brand new offering for 2018. The 180 boot comes in at a lower price point than the Instinct and has a couple new features we haven't seen yet from a mid line boot. Completely redesigned and built off of one of my favorite boots to wear, the Instinct, the 180 boot aims at getting the rider a precise performance fit at a lower cost. Some of the features of the 180 boot is a floating cuff system that aims to provide lateral support & fluid linear movement while locking out before the hyperextension of ankle, aTPU shin plate, calf guard, heel cap & full toe coverage, an exclusive silicone closure system on shin plate allows the shin to flex with the motion of the boot, a rubber medial and burn guard provides excellent grip, a rubber outsole with internal steel shank, two Instinct style lower buckles for a secure zero heel lift fit and a break in period that aims to give the rider instant step-in comfort. The Fox 180 boot comes in four different colorways and a MSRP of $249.95.  

           The Fox 180 Boots comes in four different colorways to match your ensemble. 

The floating cuff system allows the boot to move naturally while riding on the bike, but also locking out to prevent hyperextension.The closure system is also designed for support and rider movement with 3 closures: two lower Instinct buckles to lock-in your fit, plus Fox’s exclusive silicone strap at the calf, the boots are designed to fit ultra-snug while providing flexibility where you need it. To get the boots on, set the two lower buckles using the set-it-and-forget-it memory settings, and pull the top closed with the silicone strap. The silicone strap has four size settings for a precise fit just in case you have calves like Gary Sutherlin (that is big, just know this). When it comes to coverage, the 180 boot has plastic plates at the shin, calf, heel and toe box. The rubber medial and burn guards are there to provide maximum grip and long-lasting durability.

The top silicone strap of the 180 has four different settings (for wide range of calve sizes) that lets the rider easily choose how snug he wants the boot to be.  

So what does all this mean in the real world of riding? Well…On some mid level pricepoint boots at times the feeling that I come away with is that I don’t get the protection I am looking for when riding. The boot is either so stiff I can’t feel the shifter and brake pedal or they break down so quick I feel like I am wearing a pair of Vans when I land from a jump. I was leery about the silicone strap system when I heard about it from Fox, but I can say with confidence that it’s a very good system. Once my foot was in my size 11 boots and both buckles and silicone strap were secure, it stayed that way over the course of every ride I took them on. It's wide enough for my foot and does not create any hot spots while I ride. 180 boot is true to size and fits similar to the Instinct. In fact I feel like I can get a snugger fit with the 180 boots than I can with the Instincts. The bottom buckles can seize up after some use so make sure to have some WD-40 on hand to give them the spritz every now and again. As far as the top strap, just know this. I am on board with the silicone strap people! Don’t be surprised to see more of this on other boots as well in the future. It's easy to take on and off, never gets seized up, will not get clogged with mud and gives me a snug enough fit around my shin plate (which I like). However, the one draw back is that if you are in the heat of battle and someone runs it in on you and hits your boot, it could be more susceptible to un-latching itself. This didn't happen to me when my buddies thought it was funny to play take out one day, but I can possibly see this happening in some extreme cases. The break in period is a little longer than the Instinct, but not so bad that you can’t feel the brake pedal or shifter on the very first outing. The Instincts are good to go out of the box, so it’s tough to hold a candle to those. 

The burn guards have tons of grip that leaves the rider with a positive feel against the machine. 

Once riding I felt the Duratac rubber sole had tons of traction and found it very easy to get locked down in on your pegs. The sole is “very grabby and sticky”, but it does take some getting used to. The sole is on thicker side on the 180, but once you ride in them a couple days you will begin to get used to it. After spending a lot of time landing hard off jumps, my ankles were in one piece and not sore the next day. Like I said earlier, when going down in pricepoint on some boots you can lose protection, but with the 180 boots that never happened. The toe box feels feels bigger than the Instincts, but I never really noticed it while riding. The inside rubber burn guards have great traction against aluminum and steel frames and gave me a positive feel while gripping the bike. The 180 boots are slightly heavier than the Instincts at almost 10 pounds per pair, but that doesn't correlate when you ride in them. They feel light and the only negative that I could find is the lack of ventilation. The 180s are on the warm side when the temperature outside rises. My feet were all sorts of sweaty after the first moto of the day, but once cooler temps prevailed in Southern California, the boots provided my feet the warmth that they were looking for. Wearing thin socks on a hot day helps combat some of the heat that I was feeling with the 180s. The good news is that they don't stink to high heaven after a few rides like the old Instincts used to. What about durability you ask? The Fox 180 boots have been great in that department as well. So far, the Duratac rubber sole is holding up with only minor teeth marks. The silicone strap and buckles haven't been a nightmare and are still intact. Fox provides an extra buckle inside the box of every 180 boot, so that is very cool, just in case you need them. The downside is that Fox doesn't have a replaceable sole you can go out and purchase for yourself. You can however send your boots back into Fox and they can replace the sole for you. Just make sure to send them back before they get too damaged or else they will not be able to re-furbish them for you.  

The Duratac rubber sole has great traction on the pegs and also has great shock resistance for your ankles. 

So at $249.95 are these worth purchasing? The answer is a resounding yes! For about half the cost of Instinct’s you are getting a very comfortable and durable boot. Yes, the Instinct’s are slightly lighter, a little more comfortable in the footbed area, takes less time to break in, but are much more expensive. For the average blue collar working type of rider the Fox 180 boots are a great buy. I even gravitate to these over the Instincts at times when I go to grab a pair of boots off the shelf in the garage for a day of testing. To me that says something! 

Alpinestars Tech 10 Review

The Alpinestars Tech 10 has been around the motocross and off-road world for a long time. If you listened to my “Boot Review” podcast you know this is one of my favorite pair of boots to wear. The Tech 10 boot has received continuous R&D development updates over the years, but has remained unchanged for the last couple. The TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) blade on the Tech 10 is said to prevent frontal hyperextension and offer greater flex control, while the medial-facing panel improves structural stability. The TPU calf protector plate utilizes a rear blade system to protect the heel and features a hyperextension guard. Its TPU shin plate uses a dual closure system with an internal microfiber flap, and the buckle-closure system is self-aligning and replaceable. The Alpinestars Tech 10 comes in full sizes only, no half sizes. I wear a size 10.5 shoe and a size 11 Tech 10 fits me well. The attention to safety and comfort extends to the inner booty as well as the torsion bars help control ankle rotation. The dual Velcro enclosure ensures a secure fit on the foot and prevents dirt from getting inside the bootie.

These Alpinestars Tech 10's have seen some serious track time. 

Once my foot slipped into the Tech 10 it felt snug enough in all the right places. It does take a little time to break in these boots (more than a SG-12 or Sidi), but once broke in (about an hour or so of riding time) I felt like I could bend my ankle, feel the shifter and brake pedal just fine. The toe box is fatter and could take some time to get used to if you’re coming from another boot; yet it can make shifting a little easier with the fatter toe box area. The high impact, bridged aluminum buckle system is easy to adjust and can actually close shut even when muddy. However, when they are muddy they are tough to grab a hold of and unbuckle. To get them unbuckled quicker, get a flat blade screw driver to dig some of the mud out of the buckle area to release. Riders with bigger calves may have some difficulty getting the middle buckle to reach its perch even with the strap in its outermost position. (I would suggest if you can’t get the middle strap fitment correct, order a top strap, which is longer). My calves are on the skinny side, but the strap was almost at its full-extended length so take note of this. 

The Tech 10 boots are very comfortable on hard landings and have an incredible soft feeling sole. The shock absorbing quality of these boots are second to none. My ankles and feet have never been sore after a long day of riding. The Tech 10 boots have me feeling secure and locked in on the bike. The Tech 10 boots weigh in at roughly 10 pounds and while they are not the lightest boot on the market, the protection I do feel on the track is so good I am willing to overlook the heavier feeling I get at times. This usually only occurs at the end of long motos or when it is super muddy. One other standout of the Tech 10 is that if you don’t ride on the balls of your feet—like you should—the sole will feel a little awkward because it is shaped to almost make you ride on the balls of your feet. I don’t know if Alpinestars designed the sole to help the rider in this aspect, but I like that this boot helps proper rider technique! When standing on the pegs it feels as if the front and rear of the sole is raised, and this makes you ride in that sweet spot (the balls of your feet). It took sometime to get used to this feeling when I first started riding in these boots, but now it’s second nature to me and forces me to ride like we all should. The rubber like material on the side of the boots are very grippy and offer tremendous grip against steel and aluminum frames. The Tech 10 boots offers a seamless feel on the bike and will not catch or snag on any part of the machine. After several months of use I did find that the central dual compound soles are a little soft for super sharp footpegs, but almost gets the same amount of wear as other top brand boots on the market. The central insert of the boot can be replaced yourself or if you want Alpinestars to do the work for you, they can replace the complete full sole for you if you send them in.  

                                  25 Engine hours on these soles and still pretty good. 

The colors that Alpinestars offer are some of the most eye popping and can go with any type of gear that you might be wearing. #BESTDRESSED The cost of the boots will set you back $599.95 and come in sizes 7-14. You can check out the complete line of boots at alpinestars.com. 

Gaerne SG-12 Boots

Gaerne SG-12 Product Evaluation

The Gaerne SG-12 boots have become one of only three sets of boots I go to grab when I go ride. 

If you listened to the “Keefer Tested” Boot Shootout Podcast you know the SG-12’s scored very high marks. I have been wearing the Gaerne SG-12’s for a while now and they have quickly become one of my favorite boots to put on my feet when lacing up to hit the track. The SG-12’s are Gaerne’s top-of-the line motocross boot as it incorporates a hinged ankle design, large grip guards on the inner calf, a carbon fiber shank in the sole, and a dual durometer Vibram replaceable rubber sole. The boots weigh in just over nine pounds, which is around the same weight as a set of Alpinestars Tech 10's. However, the funny part about that weight is that it feels lighter while riding than what the scales are telling me at home. When lifting my leg up high in corners the boots feel like they are more compact (without pinching) around my ankle than a set of Alpinestars Tech 10's and I don't feel they are as fat or heavy when doing long motos. The sizing runs a size big as I am normally a size 11, but I wear a size 10 in an SG-12 so be aware of the sizing or try some on first. The toe box area is also not as fat as a Tech 10, yet bigger than a Sidi Crossfire boot. The colors that Gaerne offers are some of the most eye popping and cleanest there is.  

The inside of the SG-12's have great traction against the frame on any machine. 

The buckle system is excellent with easy moving buckle straps and three available shin plate settings. I am very picky about buckle systems, but the Gaerne rates at the top of my list with four secure, easy to use replaceable clasps. The only other boot that I have tried that has as good of straps as the SG-12 are the Sidi Crossfire's. The boots have held up very well and I have yet to see a ton of wear as they still clean up nicely with a soft brush and some soap and water (don't judge my cleaning abilities in these photos however, I was tired from a long day at the track). The dual-composite, anti-shock sole provides good feel on the pegs and is holding up great against my razor sharp titanium footpegs. Getting accustomed to the SG-12's took very little time and comfort of the non-bootie design is worthy of an all-day ride. Break in time didn't take that long and I was comfortable after my second ride on the track. 

The soles of the Gaerne SG-12 boots have plenty of cushion on those hard landings. 

Gaerne has created a terrific boot with the SG-12. My favorite features by far are the easy to use (even when muddy) buckles and the rubber grip guard, which is the grippiest I have felt on a hinged boot. The flat, grippy inner profile makes squeezing the bike very simple yet is seamless enough not to catch anything on the side of the machine. I was also impressed by the dual-composite, anti-shock sole, which felt great on long test days where I am pounding lap after lap. Some non-bootie designed boots hurt the bottom of my feet on a long day, but the SG-12 has enough cushion for my pushin. Yes, the Gaerne is not cheap (at $549.95), but when you’re getting a quality boot that is comfortable and has so far held up very well I will gladly spend the money. 

The Gaerne SG-12 is going to be continuing to be in my steady rotation of boots and hopefully I will be getting some more colors added to my collection soon. If you want to check out the SG-12’s you can go to www.gaerneusa.com. If you have any questions about this test you can drop me an email at kris@keeferinctesting.com anytime and I will try to respond.