I've always been a fan of LF Ultras in the past... I've been riding on them since 00'(2nd generation)... I still think they're the best but there's one thing that annoys me... that little lycra thing that they added in 04... I bought my 04 Ultras in june and loved them but I got kinda tired of that lycra thing... I used to get into my Ultras without any lube or soap but now, it seems it makes them even harder to get into... now I have to use lube and it annoys me... for sure it makes the bindings more comfortable but I think it suits best lace up bindings like the transits, sphynx and alphas... I'd rather have standard EVA undelays with heel kidneys... I was only wondering if anybody else thought the same way...

i havenot yet experienced the new lining, but i plan to get a pair of the 05' sphnx which has it, it supposedly is supposed to make it easier to get into and no lube needed, but you may be right about the lace up boots versus non-lace-up.

I think it feels more snug around my foot. I've ridden '03's and '04's. I think the little extra effort I use to get in is worth it. The lube washes out really fast too. I can't tell the difference if I use lube or not to get in 'em.