I have the Vandall boots and a 142 Severance...The board is pretty much the same as last year, minor differences and new graphics, but the boots are WORLDS apart...soooooo much better!
I've never ridden velcro boots before but I tried on the LF ones a few seasons ago and wasn't a fan, these Vandalls though are great, a really good fit (although I dropped a size) and easy to get super tight. I have a long thin foot and they hold my heel in really well, with just the right amount of flex to get a good press going on rails or tweak to grabs on the boat. The FIS system is sweet too, very quick and easy to adjust on the fly!
In short...I'M A FAN!