Boa laces?

[Sylvaneous]

I got an ad for new boots by Sqwalla with laces and it made me wonder why there USED to be more boots with BOA closures, now not as many. I think it's the 'bee's knees'.
I might have asked this question some years ago, but was still wodering if anyone has any solid reasons why BOA lacing systems aren't more prevalent. I have used only BOA laced boots for many years.
Syl

 

[Trapshooter]

I have Simms Boa's. When I first saw Boa's on the market. I thought that would make getting ready faster. It does. They work fine.

 

[jgish92]

Love the Boa system. On my second pair of boots with them.

 

[Troutmeister]

They work great, but are more fragile than I expected. Had to replace the cables every year or even more often.

 

[RLeep2]

I'm in my 2nd season of the BOA system on Korkers Darkhorses and like them better than the lace-up option, but only marginally so. They are quicker to answer the bell, that's true. But I've also found that regardless of how tightly I torque them down, they still loosen a few times during a 4-5 hour session. Additionally, the bulk of the BOA wheel makes it all but impossible for me to pull the gravel guard down far enough to hook it into the fixture on the boot. This is with Caddis brand waders though, so that may be a factor.

All in all, I'd call the BOA system better with a lower case "b" and no exclamation point, I guess..

 

[leonidjbjv]

I think BOA lacing’s faded a bit because traditional laces are simpler, cheaper, and don’t break down like a BOA system might. BOA’s awesome for quick tightening, but it’s pricier to produce and repair, it’s probably just a practical choice.

 

[Gibbon]

I have avoided BOA just for the simplicity of laces (construction not use). I never worry about them breaking stream side because when I see wear I replace the laces. If one would break stream side it's an easy knot and back to fishing.

 

[TCWNY]

I like my Korkers with BOA. A friend walks across a beach to wade for stripers and the sand and salt destroyed his in days, he went back to laces

 

[dano]

Hated the boa as they kept loosening.
I do like those elastic quick laces.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Laces were invented over 200 years ago with very few changes in the technology. If an old fat guy like me can tie his boots on in less than 5 minutes, I don't see the point with a wire/twist-wheel system. I also carry spare laces in my kit and can replace them in about 5 minutes.

 

[wildtrout2]

I also carry spare laces in my kit and can replace them in about 5 minutes.

I keep spares in my vest as well. A broken lace with no back-up could quickly ruin a day on the stream. Expect the unexpected.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

As I get older and bigger around the middle, I see the value again. I almost bought @HopBack 's 🙂 I just don't need 5 pairs of boots...

That said, I agree with @Troutmeister that they don't hold up if you are fishing many days a year. Carry spare parts if you are walking a good ways into a crick.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

I keep spares in my vest as well. A broken lace with no back-up could quickly ruin a day on the stream. Expect the unexpected.

I expect it's also easier to splice a break with a square knot on fabric laces than it would be on a metal wire loop.

 

[Steelhead13]

I got an ad for new boots by Sqwalla with laces and it made me wonder why there USED to be more boots with BOA closures, now not as many. I think it's the 'bee's knees'.
I might have asked this question some years ago, but was still wodering if anyone has any solid reasons why BOA lacing systems aren't more prevalent. I have used only BOA laced boots for many years.
Syl

Love the BOA system. I have heard complaints, but after 2 years of very heavy use, mine are still going strong, thanks Korkers!

 

[ryansheehan]

Love the boa system, been using them exclusively for around 15 years. Never a single problem.....knock on wood.

 

[Bamboozle]

I keep spares in my vest as well. A broken lace with no back-up could quickly ruin a day on the stream. Expect the unexpected.

I always wear a paracord bracelet when I fish...

First of all, I look stylish and I am sure to be invited to various affairs where rustic accoutrements are in favor.

Second, I can fabricate a macrame plant holder or small game snare with a few knots in a few seconds if necessary.

Third, I can hang myself if I get skunked or decide that fishing for stockers isn't as bad as I've been led to believe.

Fourth, I can chop off the required amount to replace a broken lace on my wading shoes if the need arises.

However, the first reason is definitely the most important... 😉

 

[5footfenwick]

Love the boa system, been using them exclusively for around 15 years. Never a single problem.....knock on wood.

What is your plan for a break?
Do they come with spare wire?
Is it possible to replace one on the stream?

 

[wildtrout2]

What is your plan for a break?
Do they come with spare wire?
Is it possible to replace one on the stream?

To quote Elon Musk, "the best part is no part". 😉

 

[5footfenwick]

I’m honestly curious about these. I’m curious if anyone has broke one and had success fixing it streamside. I love the idea of it. But a two mile walk back to the car with only one shoe tied sounds like no fun.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

Let's be honest, boa systems are basically this. Is it so hard to tie your shoes??? 😉