Tech 6 Boot review

Webmaster posted on May 17, 2004 12:10

So what do you do when you are asked to go to a national level MX track, pull on a set of brand spanking new release Alpinestars boots and cut some laps on someone else’s bike?

You do exactly what you are asked to do. That’s what. And so it was when eatmydirt.com.au was invited to attend the new Alpinestars Tech 6 boot launch.

Monday May 17th, 10:30am – Barrabool MX track just outside of Geelong Victoria.

Jarrod Heathcote, Product Manager for Alpinestars Australia, and the boys from Monza Imports did a slap up job with the launch. Everything from the BBQ frying eggs and bacon on arrival to the plentiful swag of different bikes available made it pretty clear that it was going to be a bit of fun for all involved. Just to make sure a few TTR90s bored out (to 108cc I believe) were thrown in for good measure.

The 2004 Tech 6 Boot Specs

It is clear from first glance that the new Tech 6 is a serious effort, with a solid feel and some great features such as:

High quality internal / external construction
Durable full grain leather upper with new poly fabric lining and open cell foam. Impact and abrasion resistant PU components guard the foot, ankle, calf and shin.
New, exclusive dual compound sole with integral steel shank
Superior durability, improved grip, feel and a high level of structural rigidity.
New contoured shin plate
Redesigned profile provides greater coverage and security
Uniflex anti-torsion design and patented internal “ankle brace”
Comprehensive support and security built in to the external / internal structure of the boot.
New instep and Achilles flex zones
Redesigned leather instep and Achilles flex zones for optimum comfort and mobility.
Advanced top and bottom closure system
New low profile techno-polymer and aluminium buckles give easy adjustability with a precise, secure and streamlined fit.

Sean Hamblin, pro rider in the AMA series of MX / SX, put the boots through their paces during testing and development of the new release and is told to have put over 50 hours in without the sole plate needing replacing! That is serious longevity folks. That means money in your wallet at the end of the year. Nice.

Click for wide view of The Barrabool MX Circuit (200Kb)

The ride

If you know of the Barrabool track you would understand that it is no walk in the park. Take that to the next level by riding it the day AFTER the Mr. Motocross series has been held there and you have the perfect testing ground for a pair of high performance MX boots.

So who do you think got to get out on the track and test the dirt first? A resounding ‘Yeah, you go mate’ saw Phelpsy (eatmydirt.com.au founder) pulling on a spiffy new pair of Tech 6s and clambering aboard an RMZ250 for a couple of tentative first laps. Like he needed any prompting!

The boots proved themselves worthy when a small off saw no harm done – to kit or rider. Put notch number one in the Tech 6 belt. We’ll give Phelpsy the benefit of the doubt – it was on a nasty, off-camber, dust covered, downhill……you get the picture. In fact it was where a number of the pros came unstuck the day before.

It wasn’t too long before a few more ventured out for a spin in the new boot. A hearty bit of lunch (provided by the good folks at Monza again) and it was back to riding. A planned ‘tag-team’ media comp on the TTR minis was put aside simply because everyone was having way too much fun out on the track as it was!

Most riders who put the boots through their paces were surprised at how comfortable they felt right off the bat. With no inner booty ala the Tech 8 the Tech 6 seems to breathe a little easier which is always nice on a long track like Barrabool.

Phelpsy's Feel....

"Having been a big fan of the Tech 8's I was a little dubious at first whether these new boots would hold a candle to my old favourites. From pulling them on the new fastening system was first to grab the eye with it's new low profile design closures and a reversed top clip all made from aluminium and durable plastic. They closed fast and felt confidence inspiring in their locking system with a distinctive "click" once locked.

The boot itself is roomier than it's big brother. The "no inner bootie here" fit means a size 10 Aussie foot would fit neatly into a size 10 Tech 6. The feel straight out of the box was good with plenty of movement and comfort to spare.

If they feel this good new, they would have to be very comfortable once they're worn in. On the track they allowed plenty of movement on the bike as I gave them a workout around the Barrabool Circuit. Off the bike I could have jumped into the Nissan and driven home in the things. If you are looking for big name quality and a comfy boot at a good price then look no further. A thumbs up to Alpinestars for this one".


ADB's Chief Wigan slips on a 6	Line 'em up boys fun for all to be had	Brett (Birdy) Nicholas and Craig (Spy Optic) Rayner show Alpinestars Front Man Jarrod Heathcote how it's done

When riders the caliber of Ryan Marmont (1st Pro Lites SX Nationals series) and Mitch Hoad are singing the praises of the new Tech 6 then you have to sit up and listen. The new design has also seen some changes the the style department, with the Alpinestars 'Big Star' (our words not theirs) look clearly emblazoned on the shin plate. They look the goods.

Unfortunately these great new boots came off at the end of the ride and we didn’t get to swagger home with the bounty. A long term test of the new Tech 6 will have to come at a later stage I suppose!


V8 Supercar Legend Greg Murphy and Phelpsy at the launch smiles tell it all	Birdy Managed to kill the TTR cutting hot laps on the Circuit

EatMyDirt would like to thank Jarrod and the crew at Monza Imports for putting on a great launch and bringing us another piece of quality gear for our riding arsenal.

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