Sidi Discovery Boots
I'm one of those who really care about the quality of boots I wrap around my feet when I ride. The reason is protection! Protection from a nasty get-off or smacking a rock with your foot is of the utmost importance. But protection from the elements, such as water and mud, can also be vital. There are plenty of low-cost boots on the market that may or may not offer this type of protection. Sidi designed the Discovery boot using only the finest materials. They're constructed from top-notch Italian grain leather and flexible Lorica. One of the interesting features of the Discovery boots is a "te-por" water barrier membrane. Sidi claims that the model is the most waterproof off-road boot on the market. On the outside, an anti-wear chamois split-grain leather protects the rider from external heat. For the off-road trail enthusiasts, they will enjoy the soft rubber sole that allows optimum traction when you're off your quad. And one last thing, the heel is anatomically shaped and shock resistant, which means less pain traveling through your boots and into your legs while you ride.
The second I began wearing these new Discovery boots, I noticed how easily it was to snap the buckles in place. I've often had trouble with the buckles on many of the boots out there. Sidi produces what I'd consider to be the best buckle system available. After they were mounted up, I immediately noticed how quickly the breaking-in process went. It didn't take long before they felt natural to walk in. They were lightweight and could be your best friend while out on a long day of riding. The only downside for me is that they're very small and compact boots which felt a bit awkward. But aside from that, I felt that the Discovery boots offered great protection, were built with quality in mind and, best of all, my feet never got wet, even on nasty days out in the mud and water. All yours for $250. -Thad Josey
| GEAR | 85 |
| Style | 12/20 |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Function | 45/50 |
| Wash/Care | 10/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
Bottom Line: For $250, Sidi offers a great boot for trail riders that are easy to move around in, possess great traction and keep mud and water out.
Sidi Boots:
877/789-4940; http://www.motonation.com
QuadBoss Weather-All Soft Luggage
There are few things that can compete with the excitement of being a photographer at ATV Rider. You never know what remote and desolate area you'll find yourself traversing to capture the ultimate shot so that we can grab the attention of anyone who happens to be thumbing through the pages. While locating a suitable backdrop can be demanding, getting delicate camera equipment on site is quite a nerve-racking task.
With the new addition of QuadBoss Weather-All storage bags to the racks of my gear hauler, life has become much easier. Six hook-and-loop mounting straps are compatible with all ATV racks and hold the versatile bags snugly in place. The simple mounting system makes swapping the bags between machines effortless and can be accomplished in a matter of moments.