RONIX FRANK 2010

We got the opportunity to try one of the latest 2010 RONIX boots models, the "Frank", a closed-toe boot this year.

The "Frank" are the most affordable model among Ronix heat molded bindings. The properties of the foam allow the liner to expand and contract to the shape of your foot. You can do this by heating the boot in a special oven in retailer shops. Some people do it by sinking it in hot water or by using a hair drier .

In Ronix's range, this model is said to be softer than "Cell" and "One" models, but more rigid than the "Relik". For kiteboarding, the ultimate reference in 2009 Ronix range is the "one" boot, used by many pros, like Andre Phillip. It's mainly because of this that we asked for a test of this gear, originally 100% Wake gear.

Test conditions:

Between 15 and 20-25 kts

About 6-7 hours in the water

Butter flat to moderate chop water conditions

Board used: Cabrinha Custom 140

Rider Level: beginner- medium with uber geek tendency.

The aim of this test is not to compare those boots to all models on the market ( that we don't know by the way ), but to try and describe, at our level, what it feels to put on high-end wakeboard boots with a kite.

Description:

The boot is very well finished, no defects, the materials used are quality. The boots aspect is full of details, really well "pimped" ( braille scriptures, etc...)

The footbed is integrated to the chassis. It feels like the sole is put directly on the board: "baseless binding"

The Frank has a double lace system, quite handy to give more or less pressure on the top of the foot or on the ankle. It also allows a very good overall tightening.

The upper lace goes in a special slot on the side:

The mounting system is 6" standard ( 15,4 cm insert spacing ). NB: in 2010, most major wakestyle board companies adopt 6" spacing standard. The system is very well put together, easy to rig. The boots come stock with american standard screws. 22mm Tool less screws ( see photo below ). We used our 20 mm, M6, european thread screws and it works perfect.

Weight:

The boots are very light. We did'nt weigh them, it's useless, they're so light. Shouldn't be lighter either, to keep the "smooth" feel and inertia of wakestyle riding. Wet boots are still very light, and we've got a good manoeuverability / inertia ratio with a kiteboard.

The boot has a velcro strap on top of the foot. We didn't find how this rigging feature is useful, except for "pimping". This strap is useful to reinforce the boots top when the foot needs leverage.

In the water:
The "Frank" are reasonably easy to put on. You need a little time to tighten and clip everything. However, don't expect to be able to put them on super fast, cross the shore break and tighten them up when you're out at sea. You can't really do it, due to the time needed to tighten everything. On the good spot, it's no problem, as long as the rider isn't hit by waves.

Once you're in the boots, you feel the great work on the inside. Even without "heat molding" them, we feel real comfy. The liner's material is very soft, we feel as comfy as in sneakers. Perfect hold, but with the right amount of freedom in movements. The boot is quite "loose", quite soft. Looser than Reliks for example ( we only tried reliks on dry land ). NB: when choosing your size, keep in mind that you need to take a smaller size than the reliks, for eg. All in all, for the Franks, just pick up the size you'd take for regular shoes.

The work on water drainage is excellent, relayed by numerous holes all along the sole.

Draining holes:

Inside the boot:

Under the sole:

With the cabrinha custom + franks combo, loading is pretty easy and natural, this model gives good control and good boost without effort. The sole is pretty low, we liked this direct feel. I don’t know if it’s because of this, but we felt some extra manoeuvrability in tricks like raileys thrown too low… We were surprised to have time landing it instead of a big crash as usual.

Crashes :

In Small crashes, we like the hold, and the fact you don’t lose your board too easily. Good heel and feet hold. In big crashes, the release is good. However, be careful, those boots are not meant for « pussy riders » . When tightened hard, you can be pretty well torn apart when you catch an edge and get worked out before the feet get released. Then, when released, you need to master perfectly you kite to put them back in deep waters ( you’ll want to release the kite on the 5th line, if you’ve got one )

In conclusion :
Hard to find a flaw in this boot : it’s « loose » character answers perfectly kiteboarding demands. Comfort and performance are there, as well as pleasure. We don’t have these boots for months, so we don’t know how they’ll get on in years, but everything feels quality and durability. "Uber pimp" model, very comfy, the only flaws we found were the thinner cushion as compared to other « non-baseless bindings » and the fact that you need a minimum riding level/ability to enjoy big crashes with laces fully tightened. ( these aren't real flaws ). The strong points are incredible comfort ( you can ride for hours ) and the good flex/hold compromise that’s really in line with kiteboarding needs. Then, according to personal tastes and level, you can choose stiffer boots... Anyways, go and try it !


Thanks to SPORTPULSION ( Ronix France ) for lending the boots, and Fabric3 for his help.