Today I was at the dealer, looking at gear, and was trying on different boots. I usually try to avoid the salesman around here, because they don't know much unless it's printed in the catalog. They all just ride street bikes. Anyway...

I was comparing the fit, comfort, and protection of the different Alpinestar boots, specificaly the Tech 8, Tech 6, and M3. The salesman walked up and asked if I needed help. I said no, I was just looking, but he stayed anyway. So I told him I tried on the Tech 6 & Tech 8, and thought they felt and looked very similar. So I asked him:

"What makes the Tech 8 better than the Tech 6?"

Now here comes the quote of the day; he replied:
"Well, it looks like the Tech 8's cost more."

That's all he could tell me. Couldn't say if they were stronger, better quality, or anything. I asked him why it would be worth buying the 8's instead since he claims the price & colors are the only difference. All he could do was point at a poster and say how all the pro's were wearing them.

Guess I'll have to stick the internet where I can get educated answers! :-)

 

Well, I don't know how educated this may be, but I think the major difference between the Tech 5 & the Tech8, aside from the fact that the 8 is the newer model, is the gel bootie that comes with the 8 model, plus some other differences in the support design inside the boot on the 8. Both are top grain leather, making them more flexible & easier to break in than split cowhide...also makes them more expensive. I personally like the new Sidi flex boot in the same price range; it too is top grain cowhide with a hinged ankle. making it easier to walk in them and needing little or no break-in. Ive had mine about a year & can find no fault with them. Sidi makes two models in the flex; one with a replaceable sole & one with the conventional sewn-on sole. Of course, the sewn-on one can be replaced by a good shoe & boot repair shop, anyway. Sidi also has a new style boot called Trial Zero, which is a lower boot with fewer buckles & a rubber sole. It may be an even better bet for quad riders.
I've worn Sidi boots for more years than I care to think about & the worksmanship has always been A-1. But then, those Italians have always made good footwear.

 

Thanks! I could tell the difference between the Tech 5 & Tech 8's, but the new Tech 6 is even closer to the Tech 8. I guess it will come down to how much I want to spend.

A replaceable sole will be somthing I definatly want. I am hoping I can get a trials type sole, along with a mx sole, and trade them out as needed. I don't want a trials or "atv" type sole all the time, because I have already found that tread on the bottom of the boot is NOT good when riding 2-wheelers. Although I mainly ride quads, I ride bikes enough to want somthing that I can use for both.

Thanks again, and I will check into those Sidi's!

 

o

 

my favorite quote....
"If you give some one $20 and never see them again it was probably worth it. "
c-ya,