Prexport 597 Roadrace Boots
Not only was the Italian manufacturer able to make an already light boot lighter, improvements to the boot's armor have made it significantly stronger as well. It's not often that an equipment or apparel manufacturer listens to consumer's complaints about one of their products and reacts with the speed Prexport has with their top-of-the-line roadrace boot. Soon after our initial review of their model 596 boot, a four-star product that we considered an excellent choice for the serious roadracer, Prexport introduced a fresh new version. Their new model, the 597, features vast improvements over the 596. Surprising considering how good the 596 boot already was. Almost every complaint we had about the 596 boot -- and there weren't many -- were addressed in the redesigned 597. Not only was the Italian manufacturer able to make an already light boot lighter, improvements to the boot's armor have made it significantly stronger as well.
Significant improvements are found in the zipper closure on the 597 boot. A major complaint with the 596's was that its small zippers were extremely hard to pull -- even without gloves on -- making it difficult to open and close the boots. Prexport took these complaints to heart and equipped the new 597 boots with much larger, easier to grasp zippers, along with providing a larger velcro-closed leather flap that extends further back.
Other features carried across from the 596 boots include Prexport's exclusive adjustable ventilation system, strong toe-box area, full-grain leather uppers, soft fabric lining, dual density shock absorbing soles, and further protection provided by molded plastic heel plates, gear shift pad, and replaceable toe and calf sliders.
As you would expect, this extra high-tech protection does not come cheaply. Prexport is offering the new 597 boot at a retail of $249 U.S., fully $84 more than the 596 boot (which is still available). When considered alongside of other top-of-the-line roadrace boots like Alpinestar's GP Tech, the 597's price falls right in line, and offers what we feel is exceptional protection for the money. If you're serious about roadracing you need superior equipment, and Prexport's Model 597 boot is our clear choice, with features and improvements that make it a true five-star product.
Motorcycle Online Rating: *****
Prexport 597 Boots are available in black only, and retail for $249 (U.S.) plus $32 handling and shipping costs to the U.S. You can direct order any Prexport products through their website at www.prexport.com. The website also features Euro to U.S. size conversion tables.
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