The major difference I noticed in Hype's boots this year is the width and weight of the bindings. They look so much less bulky than alot of the other closed toe bindings on the market. I didn't look to hard at the Ronix stuff because it was out at O-dub as opposed to the expo floor. I'll see their stuff soon enough. Altho I did go ride the cable twice, I just never walked out to the tent. There was alot of good looking boards and bindings. Gator has really stepped up their bindings and the boards look great. Liquid, of course, has some very comfortable stuff that is stylish as well while remaining functional. Slingshot's new boots are going to get some water time for sure....very cool. The CWB closed toe Zeus boots will be a love 'em or hate 'em type thing, but they are different looking and feeling, so I like them. There looks to be movement towards raised graphics or textures on boards this year. Pretty cool, but mostly cosmetic. Overall, I was probably most impressed with Hype's new line up, boards and bindings, with Gator and Slingshot right behind. I'm always impressed with LF's stuff, but I don't get out on their boards and bindings too much due to the local dealer so I won't ride their stuff until they switch dealers in my area. Their new clothing line is the shiz though. All in all, an exciting year will be upon us shortly in terms of gear. There's no way to tell the durability of any of the new stuff there as most of it isn't shipping to dealers yet. Excuse me while I cure my 5 day hang over.
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