I started on a 156 then moved up to 159 (had two of them) & Now as I get older (& wider myself), I am stepping up to a 161. It dominates the park, screams on groomers, & cuts pow like a hot knife thru butter. Bismarck fleet repair

None . .

1) BOA laces for easy access and removal. 2) Lightweight lightweight! 3) Design 4) Warm and Toasty 5) BOA did not freeze up while my CamelBak straw with insulation did. 6) BOA laces did not break after riding down the diamonds of Snowbird and Solitude in Utah

1)Cramps up my foot when tightening it enough to prevent a heal lift. 2)Boa turning knob needs an improvement like: a better grip because with gloves on...it's harder to turn the knob. 3)Boa knob is not very accessable because the gator of my pants or the my pants itself is covering the knob...on the other hand if I fold up my pants to have easier access to the knob then the snow will get inside the boot. (I may need to customize my pants...like putting a hole where the knob is...which I won't do!) 2)Boa system not as useful as first thought because initially, I was thinking of loosening them when on the lift then tightening them when getting ready to ride but this convenience is a nuisance. (my buddies are all waiting for me to tighen this damn thing so I decided to leave them tight all day which then cramps up your foot) BOTTOM LINE: BOA may be greater use for hockey skates,roller blade but I don't really see any usefullness with snowboarding (it's just nice to have and the good looks)

Boots were very light and has a great design- I was impressed! I was wearing them for hours riding in a train then in a car to get to the ski resort. Very comfortable loose but once after tightening the BOA laces it will cramp up your foot.(maybe because it was new)

Similar Products Used:

( inside the store) I tried on the Vans Fargo 03 which felt about the same as Contra. I hate the bulky and heavy BOA DC stratus...same thing with the NORTHWAVE and the K2. Vans was the best.

Comfort and fit BOA lacing system (loosen up for the lift up, crank tight for the ride down) replacement BOA cable included

BOA laces may break A tad stiff for my liking

Great boot. I have worn DC, Northwave, Burton and Airwalk. Absolutely no heel rise in these Vans. Warm too I bought them for the fit, the BOA laces were just a nice extra luxury. I have not had any problems with them so far (knock on wood). The laces are the wound steel cable type. I heard that older model BOA's had just steel wire that tended to break. I am not some sissy beginner either. These boots have been ridden hard, in deep snow, chop and off big kickers in the park and there has been no trouble with the BOA laces. If they fit your feet and bindings then you are in for a treat.

Similar Products Used:

DC (with the Reebok-like pump) Airwalk Burton Freestyle Northwave

Boa lacing system!!!! Boa lacing system!!!! Boa lacing system!!!

Uncomfortable. Longevity of boa system not tested yet.

Perhaps the most painful pair of boots ever! I don't have an exceptionally wide foot, but these boots killed my feet and had some horrible pressure points which I didn't feel until I was on the slopes. Never had a problem with the lacing system snappingm, but I only rode them 3 times. I'm going to try the newer, less stiff, version this year (Vans Fargos). The Fargos also have the Boa system and felt much more spacious when I tried them on in the store. We'll see. I love the Boa idea, but can't find a boot that uses it that's comfortable enough.

Similar Products Used:

Burton Rulers, Burton Motos

easy on, easy to tighten, easy to get out, light and comfortable.

none yet.

Great boots. Light, durable, and most of all comfortable.I have absolutely nothing but positive reinforcement for these boots. I am buying a pair of these for my girlfriend so I don't have to tighten her laces all of the time.

hmmm.... still looking If you don't ride seriously, I suppose they are slightly convenient to put on.

Laces break or pull out of the knob... rendering boot completely useless.

Suckered in by this cool concept, this boot is the biggest piece of $hit that I have ever bought. I first had the steel laces with this system. If you are a hard rider, often in the pipe, or dropping off cliffs, I guarantee this steel lace will break sooner or later. If it does, and you are on the mountain, or even worse backcountry, you are screwed. So, after I broke my first steel lace, I went to the shop where they told me of the new titanium laces for the system. Not wanting to waste my 400chf, I opted for the titanium laces. My second day out with them, these laces pulled out of the tightening knob while on the hill. Luckily, I had the tiny allen wrench necessary to stick the wire back in, (takes 15 minutes, longer in the freezing cold of the mountain), but the $hitty things never managed to stay in, no matter how hard I tightened the locking screw. Eventually, the locking screws stripped the threads and became useless. These boots are a complete waste of money, if you plan on putting pressure on them. (pipe, backcountry) Mine ended up smashed against a concrete wall when they broke for the 20th time.

-Tighting -Comfort -Look

Could that wire break?

These boots are the best boots ever. Despite there price they tighten great and the are soooo comfortable. Buy these there is nothing like them.

Similar Products Used:

Nothing compares.

Easy on/off and really comfortable. Has a foot insert that can be molded.

Wire started to twist on one of the boots after 2 weeks solid use. Not sure where (or cost!) of replacement wires.

I bought these boots at a knockdown price in Sydney (AUS$250!!!) and has to be the best buy ever. Very comfortable and easy to tighthen/loosen as the day goes on. Don't know why all boots don't use this kind of system!

Similar Products Used:

None

-Boa Lacing System -Comfort (conforms to foot) -Light

-How long will the lacing system work???

This is an awesome boot! Fits like a glove and is very easy to put on. I must say, this is probably one of the best boots out their right now...but then again, Vans always puts out good snowboard boots...

Similar Products Used:

-Burton Ruler boot

Very adjustable so loosing for the lift up and tightening for the ride down is now routine.

Wonder about lifespan of wire and spindle.

Unreal support and comfort. Cannot imagine using anything else.

Similar Products Used:

In 20 plus yrs of skiing, boarding and skating I have never had such comfort!