Arlen Ness 1096 WP :(

[Guest]

When I changed all my gear 12 weeks ago I wanted to get some new Alpinestars SMX5 WP but they weren't in stock... so I ended up going for Arlen Ness 1096 WP boots instead. They were similarly priced, more "sporty" looking but very comfortable and supportive once I broke them in.

Well, two weeks ago the stitching on the outer suede/velcro tab came loose and this was only going to get worse with daily use, so I called up HG and they agreed to exchange them for a new pair. Bargain... a little annoyed 'cos I'd need to break them in again, but hey they were new.

Anyway this morning, after getting to work, I removed a boot and the stitching holding the zip to the velcro tab thing came loose! This isn't in the same location as my previous pair, but again very dodgy stitching.

Annoyed, I called HG and spoke to the same guy... he suggested I may be a little hard on them... when I said I'd only worn them 3 times since I had them he realised there may be an issue with quality and has offered me a pair of Alpinestars SMX5 WP in exchange.

I just wished I'd waited for them when I first bought them!

So a word of warning... stay away from these boots! You may find that yours are ok for now... but beware!

[Guest]

I have the Alpinestars, quite good boots

[Guest]

Well just returned to work with the new Alpinestars... so far very impressed, but will need to break them in properly before enjoying them!

I noticed there is a vent on the top of the foot... looks a weird place to have one... hopefully not too much water will get pushed in!

[stelmer]

I wish I knew about this before I got mine last year at the NEC

The velcro tab on the left boot broke off. The plastic adjuster thing at the top of the boot on the right boot keeps coming out.

Oh, just checked and mine have the bad stitching on that suede/velcro tab. All over there's loose threads.

Just found out they do not fit over my winter socks either.

Oh well. Back to the un-waterproof Nitro NB40's.

[Guest]

Sorry to hear this, and yet again its another example of crap workmanship on the part of Arlen Ness... tbh if they were budget you could sort of expect it (just!)... but they ain't, and are near the higher bracket of boot prices.

This probably ain't much help but so far the new SMX5 WP are great... I have found the foot to be slightly narrower than the SMX4 but they will break in nicely... eventually!