G4 BOA - lacing breaks

5797 Views 26 Replies 20 Participants Last post by VTMatt, Dec 7, 2014

VTMatt

Discussion Starter · Aug 16, 2014

Got my G4's earlier this year, haven't really used them much, maybe 8 times (wet-wading season here) and just noticed both of the wires are frayed in the same spot on both boots...inside one of the plastic curved pieces closes to the toes. I didn't buy a replacement (didn't think I'd need to until Fall when I actually use them alot). Anyway, one boot had about 1 strand of metal left which was about to snap and ruin my days fishing for tomorrow... so I took it apart, snipped it, and then re-capped the end. A fairly easy solution, but I hope I'm not going to have to keep doing this every few months. I called Simms, and I've got a replacement set in the mail on the way here, hopefully before next weekend when I head out for early landlocks.

So, has anyone else had issues with the cables fraying or breaking without much wear? I make sure not to overtighten them...I wonder if there is an alternative lacing???? I remember buying titanium infused wire for pike leaders, which wasn't the stranded steel cable, but a single strand that was insanely tough - has anyone tried that?? In a larger diameter, I could see that lasting longer than the boots themselves.

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

Back Eddy

· #2 · Aug 16, 2014

Sorry to Here Matt

Exactly why I did not buy these read some reviews online, Same as Zippered Waders not sold on those either.

My suggestion see f they offer a non Boa System boot, exchange Bob is your uncle

VTMatt

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 16, 2014

Back Eddy said:
Exactly why I did not buy these read some reviews online, Same as Zippered Waders not sold on those either.

My suggestion see f they offer a non Boa System boot, exchange Bob is your uncle

Well, I got these to help take some stress off my back (pinched nerves). Having to bend down to tie laces every time I went out was getting annoying. The wire I was talking about was Knot 2 Kinky I think. I think its just as flexible as braided steel wire but way, way stronger.

If I keep having issues I'll just go back to laces....

fish0n4evr

· #4 · Aug 16, 2014

VTMatt - I aslo had issues with the BOA lacing system once. You know system is used on several different types of foot wear and in my case it was not a wading boot and it was the ratcheting knob which stripped. I purchased a set of ratchets and wires. But after REI replaced that first stripped knob for free - the lacings have worked fine and have yet to use the spares.

The laces on my Simms boots - on the other hand - burn up after only several weeks and I just replace them with 550 survival cord.

wrx_canoe

· #5 · Aug 16, 2014

Call BOA and get replacements under warranty. They sent me a pair for my Korkers.

clanger

· #6 · Aug 16, 2014

Had boots with boas and got rid of them,if your miles down the river and break Em you'll wish you had a spare set with you,can't beat good ol laces

fyshhead

· #7 · Aug 16, 2014

Sounds like a poor design! After breaking that quick I would send them back and demand a diffrent boot! Looks like no R&D happend with that style boot

DrBob

· #8 · Aug 16, 2014

I've been told to STAY AWAY from those. Wires break and f&*k up your trip. Also, sand gets in the mechanism and locks it up too. It's easy to carry and extra shoe lace...

thunderbolt

· #9 · Aug 16, 2014

I have the G4 boas and have not noticed any problems with the Boa system. I have always used normal lacing on my boots but thought i would try these out. I really like how fast they are and for me I haven't had any problems in the mud or sand. However when I first used them they were super stiff but I broke them in and they are awesome now. I like them much better than all my laced up boots. Especially when its cold with frozen and muddy laces. I do feel like you lose a little bit of fine tuning on your tightening when switching to boas but I don't seem to mind much. They are super sticky with alumabites.

paddymc

· #10 · Aug 16, 2014

I have had them, never again.

cebe

· #11 · Aug 17, 2014

For the price of those boots, and the fact that if they break you are done, Simms should include the spare with the boots, instead of having to order them or buy them separately.

BNF861

· #12 · Aug 17, 2014

My last four pairs of wading boots, including the ones I am using, have had boa laces. I personally love them. No laces coming undone. Easy to give a couple clicks to tighten if need be. Open up quickly and easy to remove the boot. I put a lot of days and miles on my boots and wear the boots themselves out pretty quick. Never had any issues with the laces or mechanism on any of the boots over the last four years until just recently. Had one lace fray and almost snap. I emailed korkers and had two replacements with in a couple days. Might be worth having a spare lace kicking around in your truck or something just incase but I think with they hold up pretty well

Stumpy

· #13 · Aug 18, 2014

I've had BN's luck. Love Boas. I do rinse them off after every use, but have had them last 3 yrs----longer than any boots have lasted.

The only fraying I've had is at the ends where they go into the hub. Better than the energizer bunny.

VTMatt

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 18, 2014

Hmmm...Simms has sent replacements for me but I think if I continue to have breaks I will ask for an exchange. They're really not hard to fix or replace but if it happens every few months I'd rather put up with the laces in the long run.

Tomas

· #15 · Aug 19, 2014

G4 boa

I had the same problem wire breaks at the first bend after the attachment just after a few weeks fishing noo good for being an award winner.

phomo

· #16 · Aug 20, 2014

Good experience with Boas for the last 5 years. However, I carry a backup replacement cable and gear when traveling, but have yet to need it - (the wire will probably break when I forget to bring it). The replacements are not that much more than replacement boot laces. I hear they may be a little more problem for saltwater guys with sand. I like them in cold temps with frozen hands - much easier to remove the boot.

VTMatt

Discussion Starter · #17 · Oct 12, 2014

Just had two more laces break on me in the last week. Fraying to the point of failure right where it goes into the plastic guides. Absolutely not happy right now. Last weekend I had to spend 30 minutes ripping out frayed cable from my boots and replacing it - ON the water.... Just got home today to see I literally have about 2 strands of cable left on my other boot. I had a 2+ mile walk back to the car today, if I would have gotten a break before the walk back, these boots would already be boxed and sent back to Simms.

I emailed both Simms and BOA about this issue. Wondering if my boots are defective....would still like to find replacement laces that aren't made of stranded steel. We'll see what they say.

paddymc

· #18 · Oct 12, 2014

VTMatt said:
Just had two more laces break on me in the last week. Fraying to the point of failure right where it goes into the plastic guides. Absolutely not happy right now. Last weekend I had to spend 30 minutes ripping out frayed cable from my boots and replacing it - ON the water.... Just got home today to see I literally have about 2 strands of cable left on my other boot. I had a 2+ mile walk back to the car today, if I would have gotten a break before the walk back, these boots would already be boxed and sent back to Simms.

I emailed both Simms and BOA about this issue. Wondering if my boots are defective....would still like to find replacement laces that aren't made of stranded steel. We'll see what they say.

Welcome to the Simms Boa club.

Never again for me :tsk_tsk:

Yeti

· #19 · Oct 13, 2014

Interesting experiences. I now have 30+ days in my G4 Boas. I bought a repair kit when I bought the boots and have not had to touch them. The wires look good as new. My boots normally have a 2 year life cycle and so far these are doing great.

GR8LAKES FLYER

· #20 · Oct 13, 2014

Well I don't have the Simms G4's , but I own the Korkers Metalheads , same BOA system . They are going on to 3 seasons , which the first two have been pretty hard . No issues what so ever yet . I purchased the repair kit and have not had to touch it yet . Best boots I have ever bought !! Love the BOA system !!

Mike

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.