Velcro Lacing system

[jimmy 194]

Anyone have the link to the velcro lacing system someone mentioned a couple of weeks ago. I did a search for velcro but can't find that thread. Thanks.

[AfftonDad 88]

Is this what you are talking about? (I didn't see the original post)

http://www.chooseoptionb.com/

[jimmy 194]

yup that's it thanks. going to try a set.

[iceman8310 105]

really? why?

[Amiroo39 121]

This would result in some epic chirping from the opponent.

[hunterphfr 12]

Target market appears to be young, elderly and special needs skaters. I don't see any potential for a performance advantage at all.

[laserrobottime 149]

One of our refs was hit by a car and lost most of the use of his right hand -- I'll let him know about these.

[jimmy 194]

I'm one that fits in the old/lame category. After forced out 1 year with a concussion, when I returned it was extremely difficult to bend over to tie the skates, I lost that range of motion and despite stretching every day, still have a hard time with left foot. Since my Mako's fit like a glove and really don't need the laces cranked down for support, I think these will be perfect for me. At $25, worth a shot.

[wrangler 157]

I'm very interested in hearing how those work out for you.

[SirJW 207]

Good for pond hockey too.

[TeamHonda401 54]

I was thinking these would be good for pond/outdoor mini rinks as well. It sucks trying to tie skates when its 5 degrees outside when your hands are numb from the cold.

[Vet88 674]

They might also be an interesting option for those that suffer from lace bite. You have found a skate that fits you in every way except the volume, it's just a bit too shallow. You can still lace up to the 4th or 3rd eyelet then use these for the top 2 or 3 eyelets. The wider strap might stop any lace bite occurring.

[OptionB 0]

So if any one has any questions about Option B skate straps they can *Post them here*

Players at a variety of levels are using these straps from entry level to NCAA Div 1

[methosb 5]

Might also be good if you have problems with laces loosening. Assuming that they don't restrict your usual movement.

[OptionB 0]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq5bEE-X-3s Option B video

[Vet88 674]

So if any one has any questions about Option B skate straps they can *Post them here*

Players at a variety of levels are using these straps from entry level to NCAA Div 1

How much tension can you exert on them when doing them up? Are the buckles plastic? I'd be worried about cranking these up tight if they are.

[Monty22 833]

Looks like the tension would be fairly uneven from top to bottom. With laces you can have pretty consistent tightness from top to bottom. With the straps it looks like you'll be skipping the top eyelet (if you want to or not) and it will be tight where the first strap is, then loose until the next strap and so on.

[smcgreg 81]

To me, this is a feature, not a bug. For example, on my Makos, I struggled for months to find the right lacing pattern that gave me good heel lock, lateral support and forward flex. I was either too tight at the top or didn't get good heel lock. I actually got to the point that I used two separate lacing systems. I would lace the bottom and tie with the top two eyelets empty, then use another lace for the top two. It actually worked fantastically, but was a huge pain in the ass. Now I just lace the bottom and tape around the top where the lace would go. This would solve my problem quite nicely. I could even use a combo of lacing below and strap up top. So, I'm quite interested in this product for myself on my main skates. Not to mention for the other reasons that have been mentioned (e.g. outside in the cold and for my son on his inlines, so, he doesn't need me to tie them for him).

[jimmy 194]

I'm just the opposite, my Makos were sized perfectly and they fit like a glove, so I don't need a lot of lace tension to hold them on my feet. This is where I thing the velcro straps will work perfectly. If your skate doesn't fit right or is too big, they may not work as well.

[Vet88 674]

Looks like the tension would be fairly uneven from top to bottom. With laces you can have pretty consistent tightness from top to bottom. With the straps it looks like you'll be skipping the top eyelet (if you want to or not) and it will be tight where the first strap is, then loose until the next strap and so on.

My concern isn't the tension from top to bottom. If I crank my laces up because I like a stranglehold grip in my skates, can I do the same with these? How robust are the buckles when I start to really pull the strapping hard to get a tight fit?

[notquitedeadyet 13]

I'm thinking that its a lot to ask of those 3 pairs of eyelets to take all the tension of keeping a skate tight enough for game play. I'd rather see it attaching to multiple eyelets to share the load. I understand that would complicate the design, because the distance & shape between eyelets varies, but it seems to me that's the only way to make this product credible.

That & I'm having some trouble with the senior citizen mall walker look...

[Vet88 674]

My Grafs have started to give me some wicked lace bite as the boot begins to break down. Over the weekend played around with some D rings and velcro on the top 2 eyelets as a test. Lace bite gone and the tension was ok. If the optionb buckles are strong enough then imho this would be a good product for a variety of uses.

[OptionB 0]

I see some great discussion and questions about Option b skate straps. So it is new and there should be lots of questions, so keep them coming. Many users are happy with the 3 straps per skate, but some have ordered a fourth because of personal preference. All the testing proved that 3 is enough, I have no reports of eyelet failure due to the stress. Some people are using just one strap at the top and lacing the rest. Any other questions?,please ask

[McDugan 89]

http://nashsports.ca/option-b/

So, is this for real? (Edit to clarify - obviously they are real, but I mean, will we start seeing these in locker rooms regularly?)

Obvious benefits for certain "niche" elements - young kids, the developmentally or physically challenged, etc.

But it also looks like actual regular old players are using these.

An answer for lace bite? An unnecessary but convenient tool? Better, worse, the same as traditional laces? A ridiculous gimmick? What say you?

[mojo122 535]

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/64443-velcro-lacing-system/