Product Report: Gaerne SG-12
|
4,537 views |
GAERNE SG-12
PRICE: $559
SIZES: 7-14
COLORS: White, green/black, orange/black, black, red/black, blue/black
RATING: 9.5
WHAT IT IS: Gaerne has long been one of the leaders in the boot market, producing top-of-the-line footwear that has arguably become the benchmark for which a quality boot is measured. New for 2009 is the SG-12. Not designed to replace the long standing high-end SG-10, the SG-12 is rather supplementing Gaerne’s boot lineup by offering one of the most advanced boots money can buy. Featuring a completely redesigned chassis with numerous enhancements, the SG-12 is made to perform under the harshest conditions. The buckles aren’t new; rather they are made out of alloy and are the tried and true non-failure system that is found on the SG-10 boots. The shin guard is completely new and is now anatomically correct and adjustable for larger legs or knee braces, giving it a near perfect fit for almost anyone. The grip guard on the inside of the boot is made of rubber and offers padded protection from heat while still giving the rider excellent unobstructed grip on the bike. Next is the most important new aspect of the SG-12, the double stage pivot system, which provides excellent lateral support. Other smaller aspects of the boot include the new gaiter to keep dirt and water out of the top of the boot, a new stronger Supercross shank for increased support, and lastly a new insole, sole, heal cup, toe-box, and toe cap for improved comfort.
HITS: When we first slipped on the new SG-12, the first thing we noticed was the exceptional comfort. This boot is probably one of the most comfortable boots out there. One thing that was really liked about it was the fact that break-in time was minimal, as all it took were a few laps and the boot felt as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. We’ve been riding with a pair of the boots for a few months now—several times a week—and we have yet to break anything on them or have the sole wear out like other boots have in the past. As for the new double stage pivot system, we’ve twisted our foot in the boots a few times and the lateral support of the SG-12 is awesome. Unlike the older pivot system on the SG-10, which had an actual pivot at the ankle that you could feel while gripping the bike, the SG-12 has a seamless flat inside surface that makes gripping the bike easy. If we were to recommend a high-end pair of boots to anyone, it would likely be the SG-12.
MISSES: These boots are expensive, but be that as it may, it’s a small price to pay to keep your feet and ankles safe while pounding out laps at your local motocross track. The boots also tend to fit a size small, so it’s probably a good idea to try them on at a dealership before ordering a pair.
THE VERDICT: Despite the high price tag, we stand firmly behind the Gaerne SG-12 boots. They fit remarkably well, look killer, and offer a great amount of protection that not every boot does. Sure, you can spend a little less on a pair of boots, but they likely aren’t going to protect you as well as the SG-12 does.
Visit www.gaerne.com
Tags: Gaerne, product report, SG-12
Current Issue: February 09
»
Why would you say “try them on at the dealer before ordering?” Don’t you want people to buy boots at the bike shop? How about everone quit subscribing to your mag and just read it at the store instead of buying it.
The price of these boots is more than the price of reconstructive ankle surgery. I think the only reason for these boots is to make us think that the over-priced SG10’s and Teck10’s seem reasonable. I love my SG10′S but come on! I look forward to buying them on clearance once the dealers can’t move them.
I guess you lost the point of me saying you should try them on before buying them. There is such a thing as the Internet or mailorder businesses. You can purchase boots and various gear from these businesses, and sometimes the price that you get them for is cheaper than your local bike shop. If you are in fact planning on purchasing from an online business or mailorder, you should probably try them on first. Seems simple enough, right? Oh, and Mr. or Ms. Anonymous, what hospital do you get your surgeries done at? I can’t believe that your ankle would stay together for roughly $600…
600.00 is way to friggin much for a pair of boots……..there are plenty of boots in the 200-300 range that are just as good……they wont sell and will be on sale in a year…….not to smart in this economy for overpriced gear
Another good reason to try them on at your dealer is to make sure they fit. I’d hate to pay $600 for a pair of boots online only to find they’re a half size too small. And as far as supporting local dealers goes, they make enough money off me with their overpriced oil and clutch levers. I’d buy from the internet in a heartbeat if it meant saving $100 or more.
Anyone who thinks a 200-300 dollar pair of boots is going to give you the same protection is an idiot. I used to have boots like that, and guess what… I busted my ankle putting my foot down. I now own a pair of SG12’s and they are amazing. I will never go back to those other crap boots.
i broke an ankle w/sidi crossfires………..all boots are 200-300 except for these and the sidi’s…..you are exactly the prototype marketing/sales people love….has that 1000.00 pipe made you faster?
idiot?? alpienstars tech8 (300rate) ivan tedesco - jeremy Mcgrath wore those boots and other riders wore tech10
i think that this boots are siick!! and comfortable
but they are to expensive!!!
Wow dude , really? …..an idiot? Strong words.
Riders have been wearing tech 8’s ($300 range) for quite some time which have provided ample protection for the money depending on your speed an how you ride.
The point that Dunn 2500 was trying to get across was along the same thinking as yourself. Its an expensive boot… thats all.
The Sidi SRS crossfire at around $450 is a real comfortable, high end boot thats made with Italian quality.
broke my ankle last week x-rays and cast all together $63… at a first rate hospital… of course i live in china
I have SG-10’s and cannot say enough about them. I love them and find that they’re great! When they wear out after a few years (like my previous SG-10’s did, I’ll be getting SG-12’s. I never want to look back at an injury and think…”If I only owuld have spent $150 more. Thus, my $400 Leatt brace and $500 Arai helmet. Man… never did the math before but for just the lid, Leatt, and boots…over $1100. WOW!!! I need a 2-stroke!
“If you are in fact planning on purchasing from an online business or mailorder, you should probably try them on first. Seems simple enough, right?”
Brendan Lutes, how do you suggest one tries on the boots?
Go to your local bike shop. Or somewhere close to your home that sells the boots and has them in stock to try different sizes on. I guess if there isn’t a shop that sells them around you, or they won’t let you just try boots on, you’re outta luck. Seems simple enough, right?
Brendan, those shops where you advise people to try their boots on, have to buy and pay for all of those boots! And the helmets, chest protectors and riding gear also. Sure these boots are expensive, now imagine if you had to buy all of the most popular sizes and colors, just to have them in stock for people to try on, when they have no intention of buying them. I think the concept of local shops making millions off of clutch levers and oils is pretty hilarious, but I guess that’s a whole different subject.
I let Donald Trump know about these boots.
If you get the boots at the dealer you have the chance to make sure you get the right size. Ordering them from your locals supports local economies wich we need right now. As far as a dealership making a killing on clutch levers and oil…dealers are lucky to make 30% to 40% before a discount, on a sale. Other retailers…clothing, jewlers, electronics…are making a higher than a 100% on each sale. Locals are hurting now, what happens when our local dealers, service, and parts departments are exstinct?
I gotta go with brendan on this one besides like hell if i’m gona pay that much and the boots not be perfect might not pay that much at all.
Brandon,
You wrote a good product report. The manufacturers have opened the doors to alternative marketing via SH, MX Resultz and MX Sponsor. You don’t have to apologize for this shift in how we buy our stuff. Basically we can get stuff now for close to what the dealers pay. Who wouldn’t take deal in our sport. It’s a bummer for the dealers but the riders didn’t open that door.
The guy that thinks surgery is less than 600 bucks better think again. I Just broke my ankle the telis in two, just for the hospital $57,353 for 7.5 hours of surgery, and I have not seen the bills from the ortho Surgeon, or the anesthesiologist. Best guess looking at probably 80K when everything is said and done. Luckily max out of pocket from insurance is $2500, but $600 is better than $2500 and several months off the bike. I was wearing fox F3’s simply over jumped a double and bam, not to say this couldn’t happen with the SG-12’s but as soon as I’m out of my cast I will be getting a pair.
Thanks for write up and review Brendan! Now when you say the boots fit a size small, you’re meaning that if I normally wear a size 10 I should consider possibly moving down to a size 9 with the SG-12’s…right?
I think like that first one
Leave a Reply