With due respect to Dynafit for producing an otherwise excellent ski touring boot — The Hoji Pro power strap is lame. The end of the non-buckle side is a thick wad of plastic that’s difficult to insert into and remove from the buckle. You can cut the kludgy end off and taper-melt the webbing so it inserts easier, but the factory-length strap is already too short for an easy grab-and-pull, cutting the tip off makes it even shorter. My solution, demolish and replace.
The short OEM strap with the wad of plastic cut from the end, that made it worse in terms of length, though easier to insert and remove from the buckle.
For some reason the WildSnow modshop has a box of power straps.
Nearly every strap in my stash was too wide. Width needed is 20 millimeters to fit the Hoji Pro ski boot power strap buckle. I found a set of Raichle straps that were close enough. As with most power straps they were loaded up with hook-loop, which I removed by cutting the stitching. I found quite a few 20 millimeter webbing options on Amazon, some are probably too thick but I’m certain the correct material could be easily sourced as nylon webbing is not the 119th element.
Custom longer strap above, ready for installation.
I tapered and fused the new strap end, then tapped with a hammer on hard surface to make it perfectly flat. It easily inserts in the buckle. A slightly stiffer end could be better. This could be accomplished by impregnating the end with epoxy, I didn’t feel a desperate need for that, perhaps later.
I have a slow-speed rotary grinder for removing rivets, water spray prevents heat damage. With care you can use a Dremel tool for this.
Short strap removed.
Rather than a rivet, I used a T-nut to fasten my new strap. I dislike rivets, though one could be used here. Lighter for scale.
The T-nut required a slightly larger hole. Step bit is the correct tool for a clean circular hole, rather than a twist drill.
Mocking up for hole location.
I used a heated drill bit to melt the hole in the webbing, done carefully so as not to be too large.
Finished.
Unintended consequence: With the added length, I can leave the power strap buckled while inserting my foot in the boot. Fiddle-fooling eliminator!
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.
9 comments
I’d agree the stock power strap is a little short, plus with the cam strap buckle, it flops around and gets twisted when the boots are off of your feet.
I was wondering if you are seeing any wear on the fabric of the tongue?
Both boots of my tongues have come partially unstitched. I’ve only put about 20 days on them. Dynafit’s response has been 1) normal wear and tear, and 2) send in boots for tongue replacement if it bothers you. It’s left me somewhat disappointed as others I have spoken with are having the same issue.
I was thinking about lengthening or adding a proper pull tab like this on my ZeroG’s as the stock webbing doesn’t really let you get leverage on it to really make good use of the strap.
Lou got a good source on those low profile t-nuts?
I always like the unbiased Wildsnow reviews.
Lou, I’m enough of a gear head to enjoy reading about your mods. But, I just can’t bring myself to drill a hole in a brand new $700 ski boot. What’s it like to be so bold and carefree?
Phil, the operative words are “reading about.” You can get your vicarious drill bit thrills without spending a cent! (smile) Lou
I use a small drill bit and drill out the rivets. Less chance of grinder wandering and chewing up something. Might have to use small vice grip on back to hold it still.
Great Mod on that Lou!
Slightly off topic – I saw your box of straps and got all excited. Were those the Scott Superguide straps that I saw loosely wadded up in that box? Those things are a nightmare to source and they definitely do wear out quickly. If those are the Superguide straps (with buckle attached) and you want to dump them….I’d luv an opportunity to purchase them from you!
Hi Ryan, I don’t sell that kind of gear, but am happy to do you a favor if I have a pair of those straps. I liked them as well, with that cool wire spring. Contact using the contact option above. Lou
This exemplifies what I love most about Wildsnow gear mods….the chance to refine a product and shave a few grams, while offering the excuse to acquire several hundred dollars worth of new tools for the workbench! ?
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