Baller Texas6 Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 I saw a thread n this subject a few weeks back but wanted to reignite it because I can’t find the thread with the recommended fix. I’ve had every version of these bindings, going back to the original RS-1 (and every ski). I am clearly a fan and an advocate of both their products, their support, and the people behind the brand. Having said that, I’ve broken every pair of these I’ve owned, all in the same spot. In fact, my 15 year old son broke his yesterday, and mine blew out today. That gets expensive. I’ve tri d letting them dry, but must be doing something wrong. Advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 Both my '16s did that too, though not as catastrophically as in your pic! Warranty took care of me on the front one but back one was out of warranty by the time it got bad. So far, so good on the Carbitex version they replaced my front with. Should we be treating these things with some sort of rubber conditioner or something? I've been pulling my liners out to dry lately in the hopes that prolongs the life, though stuffing the liners back in even with the laces loosened up seems like it's adding unnecessary stress cycles to the rubber also... Love the boots otherwise though. I have shoes that aren't that comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted July 31, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 @UWSkier - I agree 100%. I have tried drying without liners but I’m convinced putting them in and taking them out is harder on them than not drying them, because I broke those faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtrskier197 Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Same problems on the vectors. Have blown out three front boots and two rear boots from from various years. Ripped out right at the seam like yours. Got one pair replaced under warranty. I like their products and have been wanting to go to the profile or vapor but I keep holding off hoping that one of these years the new boots will no longer have the rubber on the back of boot. I have yet to ski these bindings, but i modified a pair that was out of warranty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 I hope someone has an answer because my experience is the same. I usually get a bit more then 2 years out of a pair. I love the bindings but am trying other things because at $320 a pop that gets expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Lars Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 Same here, I've ripped 2 rear boots in the same spot. Fortunately, I found a 2016 B stock rear boot at waterskis.com for half off, just a vibrant color. I'm hanging onto the broken boot in hopes I can somehow stitch a fix and keep a backup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ScottScott Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 I just picked up a new carbitex vapor, hoping they have learned from the previous year issues and improved on that so these will hold up better. I have known a couple people with vectors that had that issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted July 31, 2018 Baller_ Share Posted July 31, 2018 Dont throw em away! I can fix em!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted July 31, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 Now that’s impressive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ISP6ball Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 @Jody_Seal Hobby Bindings can be expensive when the hobbyist is limited on their own skill and expertise..... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Sivota Posted July 31, 2018 Baller Share Posted July 31, 2018 Only speaking from personal experience, I have enjoyed the orange Vapor and the 2017 Vapor [with the green name on it]. I have had no problems at all with either. I also use the HRT. I was lucky enough to only have a couple of OTF crashes on the orange and none on the 2018. When I crashed the liner came out. I do not tighten the upper lace much and always loosen the upper lace [removing it from the top clips] and the BOA in the water before I remove the ski. When I do so my foot comes out of the binding without pulling the liner out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 Is there a way to get the replacement rubber so that it could be sewed back in by a shoe repair shop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 @Lars I hope you trimmed the plate off where it hangs over the edge of the ski! That will cause a problem... Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 @mmosley899 while he's at it he should probably pull his fin protector out from under his third binding too. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bill22 Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 All you need is a neoprene arm rests cover from an old truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 @Jody_Seal Bravo! Example of global thinking )) Keep us updated when more elegant solution for ends of latex tube will be found. I will certainly use it, because it looks like smart release stystem :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TEL Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 My 2014 Vectors have held up fine so far, I bring in my ski, vest, gloves and rope in side after they have quite dripping. They take days to dry if at all in FL humidity. If I put my ski in my ski case I never Zip it closed, over the boots. Several people in the past say they leave them in boat or in the garage. I know that my garage is very hot and humid all the time in the summer not a good place. Bringing in my mountain bike from the garage has stopped the dry rotting of the tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Justin_C Posted August 1, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 1, 2018 I had a pair of vectors a that did the same. Sold them on my old ski and the purchaser took them to a local show repair person and they put new rubber on the back. He sent me a picture and it looked great but I can't speak for performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Lars Posted August 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 2, 2018 @mmosley899 @UWSkier hehe the old boot is still attached to the ski ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted August 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 2, 2018 @Lars @UWSkier ha ha didn't realize there was three bindings on that ski! No wonder the plate was hanging over the edge! Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DaveD Posted August 2, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 2, 2018 @texas6 You are a lot more patient with binding failures than I am. My 1 year old vMax Crop Top rear binding just started separating from the base around the heal. Loved that binding and how easy it was to lift my back heal going into the ball. So, I'm back on my Wiley's rear boot again. Foot hurts after a few passes and I can't easily lift my heal but I'm not taking a chance on the fabric bindings again until someone develops one that lasts as long as a rubber binding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 3, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 3, 2018 @DaveD - quite possible after looking at my growing inventory of broken bindings that the joke is on me. We agree completely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted August 3, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 3, 2018 @Bill22 that might be the best use of Spiderwire I've seen yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadW Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 I’ve had 3 different sets of Vapor boots. The 1st 2 sets lasted a little over a year. The 3rd set has lasted 2+ years. The only thing I’m doing different, is I take out the liners after every set. When I put them back in, I do it by hand, not with my foot in the liner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted August 4, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 4, 2018 Had 3 sets of different year boots since 2012 and never any issues. Always taken liners out and kept out of the sun and heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ghutch Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 @Jody_Seal, how do you get the eyelets in the sides? I've had 2 pair of Radars blow out the same way. On my 4th set and if they blow I'm going to Reflex. Love the Radars but can't keep buying binders and only getting a couple seasons on them. I am now taking my liners out and letting them and the boots dry thoroughly, then putting the liners back in by hand as gentle as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted August 5, 2018 Baller_ Share Posted August 5, 2018 Check amazon you can get a metal / brass grommet set kit for as low ass $10.00.. pretty simple to punch and set the grommets.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Anyonr having a dead right boot 11 foot who wants to donate it to research LMK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller coach3 Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Took mine to a shoe shop and they glued and sewed a Wileys rubber piece to the back. cost me $12 and survived 2 more years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 5, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 I just implemented the @ScottScott fix and kept it as a backup for when it happens again. Next time I’ll try the Wiley’s Fix, also a great idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 5, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Frankenboots!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 5, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Thanks for all the great ideas! Much appreciated. @ski6jones I’ve got a grommet machine, grommets, and rubber tubing if you want to venture down the Frankenboots path - I understand completely if I don't see you on that one:) just swing by anytime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dano Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 You guys that are having this problem. Are you putting liners on foot and then stepping in? I'm in second season with mine and it still looks brand new. I do put liner in shell first, and then step in. liners come out to dry every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 5, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 I generally leave liners in. I’ve done both with the same result. But given how many people have said you need to pull them out, that’s what I’ll do moving forward Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 I'm not too snooty for Frankenboots @Texas6. I have thought about using rubber and snaps. May make that a fall project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted August 5, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 5, 2018 Good thread topic by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ghutch Posted August 6, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 6, 2018 @Dano, yes my liners are in the boots and I step in them. I ease into them as easy as I can. No yanking and tugging. When done skiing the liners come out and I wipe dry the boots as much as possible to help with drying (insides). Keeping my fingers crossed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted August 6, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 6, 2018 I leave my liners in the boots. I step in on dock. Ski is indoors when not being used. Never had any problems so far with RS-1s, 2010 Stradas or 2016 Vapors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted August 6, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted August 6, 2018 So that leads me to believe heat is actually the culprit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller WoodySkier Posted August 9, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 9, 2018 Boa fell off my vapor binding today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted August 9, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 9, 2018 @Texas6 Maybe heat adds to the problem? But, not sure. My ski with my 2013 Strada boots stays in the bed of my pickup truck (with a tonneu) when not skiing. Never any issue with the rubber parts on these shells. Maybe I'll be kinder to my new Vapors just the same. And, I always insert liners, then feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller igkya Posted August 9, 2018 Baller Share Posted August 9, 2018 @WoodySkier Similar thing happened with mine earlier this year. The inner part that holds the screw was cracked so the screw wouldn't hold. I added a small drop of non-expanding gorilla glue and put the screw back in. Once the glue dried, the BOA System was working again. The other option was to take the binding to a local shoe repair shop and have them sew a new BOA System into the binding, which I may do in the off-season. FYI - You can contact BOA directly and they will send you any parts for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller fu_man Posted September 12, 2020 Baller Share Posted September 12, 2020 @Jody_Seal I like the grommet solution. How has it held up over time? What type of tubing did you use? Looks more robust than regular surgical tubing which tends to degrade pretty rapidly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted September 13, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted September 13, 2020 @fu_man So far so good, seems the grommet fix for me has been successful. I use general black tubing like what we use on the slalom course. I am going to experiment with long stripped innertube material. Disclaimer: I am mounted on a mob release plate on my slalom. So I have not had the discomfort of finding out if it still works like designed originally. I have used one of the repaired vapor/carbonex boots on a trick ski. Took a good face plant and squirtted out of the boot and liner.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Oldkier Posted September 13, 2020 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2020 Handy man's secret weapon, duck tape! Look at my vmax on my profile picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skierjp Posted September 14, 2020 Baller Share Posted September 14, 2020 2 to 3 years is all they last here in Florida. I never take my liners out. They are air dried in front of a fan. I have had a few replaced under warranty. I probably have 3 pair of liners that are brand new because I use my old liners. No matter what you buy it won’t last forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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