RRP: £439.99 / $595.00
Contact: www.sidi.com | www.sidiselect.co.uk
If you’ve read my review of the Sidi Crossfire 2 SRS boots (www. rustsports.com/stuff/sidi-crossfire-srs-2_2196.html) then you would know that I am a fan of Sidi as a brand, and in my opinion, for good reason. The Crossfire 3 SRSs continue where the 2s left off. They remain slim, lightweight and very tactile on the bike. And there are some pretty good improvements over the SRS 2s. These new features include a new hard-limit ankle pivot stop system designed to prevent hyperextension at the ankle. Also, at the ankle the 3s have an all-new rigid, shock resistant, anatomicallyshaped heel design that holds the rider’s foot firmly in place and helps resist twisting, while offering added protection. The new 3s sport an entirely redesigned and upgraded sole system, too, the sole is thicker and more concave and Sidi claims that this change creates a firmer sole. To me, the sole feels more secure and transmits less vibration through the boot.
The Crossfire 3 SRSs are 1cm taller than the 2s and features laminated Technomicro fibre as the base material which delivers a slim, non-bootie design. The calf adjustment system stays the same as does the excellent buckle system which is the easiest, most stable and secure buckle system on any boot I’ve tried. The 3s also feature a heat resistant suede grip panel and removable arch support. The 3s are also lined with anti-abrasion Cambrelle in the foot area for comfort, the upper is lined with Teflon mesh which is claimed to prevent complete absorption of water and sweat. My feelings: the improved sole and heel design were immediately noticeable (as was the lack of squeak that plagued the Crossfire 2s) and after 20 hours of riding so far, my impression is that the new design has improved an already excellent boot. I chose to ride with the Crossfire 2s and 3s back-to-back over two days (average six hours a day) so I could effectively rate them against each other.
The upshot: the 3s are better and feel more stable at the ankle. I liked the ankle stop pivot design as I ride on the balls of my feet and by the end of the day my feet and ankles felt less fatigued than when using the 2s. That said I still love my Crossfire 2 SRSs and given the deals available on them (post the release of the Crossfire 3 SRSs) they are a very good buy. So I rate both; grab the 2s for top quality and value for money, buy the 3s if you want the ultimate motocross boot… Warren Malschinger
