The yellow buckle was added to the stocker power strap.
I’m not the first guy to put a buckle on a power strap, but I’m seeking accolades and fame as the first to publish doing so as a Hoji mod. In honor of Hoji the modder, of course. My left ankle is messed up (as regular WildSnow readers might remember), it needs a STIFF boot, especially with good blocking in the forward flex. Hoji ski touring boot is fairly stiff, but due to only one buckle on the upper cuff, and a rather meager power strap, I was challenged with getting the boot wrapped tightly enough around my lower leg. Changing the power strap to a hybrid buckle worked well. We’ll see how testing goes, only issue I can see is my attachment to the thin nylon strap using only a small T-nut. If that fails, I have other nefarous ways to attach such things. A few photos from the WildSnow modshop:
The salvage buckle cable loops fits OEM Hoji power strap anchor.
Adjustability retained. I snug up with the buckle open, then snap buckle closed for that final pressure event.
Buckle attached to OEM strap.
My buckle bin. Lots of options.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain. For more about Lou, please see his personal website at https://www.loudawson.com/ (Blogger stats: 5 foot 10 inches (178 cm) tall, 160 lbs (72574.8 grams).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.dawson.writer
15 comments
This is kind of a cool mod, but is it any lighter/better performing than replacing a wimpy power strap with a real-deal Booster strap? I’ve been doing that on lightweight boots for years and the minor weight gain is totally offset by the added support.
Then again, I suppose the price was right on your mod…..
Maciej, no matter what kind of strap, if it’s just a simple buckle/webbing type I can’t get it tight enough without excessive fumbling, Most people can probably get the power strap tight enough. But ski boot buckles were invented for a reason. Lou
Hey Lou; what’s the verdict on the Hoji powerstrap cam locking mechanism…is it bomber or does the strap ‘slip’ with hard forward flexing? I’ve got the last incarnation of the Vulcan and the strap slipped in stock form, so i modded the locking mechanism by hot gluing a piece of coarse grit emery cloth on the mating surface with the strap. Survived over 80 days of use and still grips like a pit bull. To test it, I pull strap with brute max force by hand…it’s gotta survive that to be certified adequate.
Swiss, it’s the same buckle as TLT 7 and others, in my recollection. I’ve not had any trouble with slipping, but it’s not exactly the most beefy buckle out there. IMHO, the power strap on the Hoji doesn’t equal the design level of the rest of the product, in terms of innovation and quality. But it’s probably okay for most folks. Lou
I find it interesting to read everyone’s different boot set preferences. My power straps hang on a nail in my gear room.
Hi Lou
What’s the advantage of the Tlt7/Hoji powerstrap?
Is it a dynamic like the “booster”or is it the cam lock buckle makes it easier to tighten?
Cheers
Arn
Hi Lou, Best place to get these from?
Thanks Frank
Dynafit: “Hey Wildsnow, we made this boot less fiddly like you are always talking about!”
WS: “cool, cool…”
–Dynafit leaves the room—
WS: “Let’s made it more fiddly and heavier by modding with another buckle”
ahahahahahah
Cody, thanks for the laughs this morning. And I’ll start thinking up more mods (smile). Lou
Arnie, I like the Hoji strap because it’s minimal, doesn’t use hook-loop fastener, and has a small pull-cord for release. It’s fiddly to buckle, but comes off instantly. It’s not dynamic, which I also like, as I want my power strap to be firm. Lou
Hi Lou,
Have you seen a pair of the Hoji Free? The folks over at blister have ~ 1 hour of talking about it on one of their podcasts, but no one else is talking about it. Think of the mods – THE MODS!
Gee, I have seen the Hoji Free. Not sure what’s going on with “talking about it.” There is always a lot of confusion about what’s embargoed and what is not. We’ll of course eventually cover it. It looks nice, but I’m not panting and drooling on my keyboard (smile). That’s the job of the real gear sites. Lou
Hoji PX in hand has hook-and-loop power strap. Is the Pro power strap different?
Just got the answer. Seems odd the two Hoji versions have a different power strap. Maybe it saves a whisker on cost?
Just to be clear I love your guys continued tinkering and science projecting that those of us without deep part bins can’t take on or are too scared to mess up our own pair of boots!
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