Korker 1100 vs. Hodgeman Gladiator

[piemma]

Clogston29 we fished together last fall at the naps in the rocks. Don't think you noticed but I wear the Korker 1100. I ALWAYS duck tape them on. So does my partner RIRockhound. We fish rocks almost exclusively.
We do wear out the studs. You can buy replacement carbide tip studs from Korker for $18.00 for 60. 60 last me more than a year. I end up replacing a few each couple of trips. No big deal. There is a tool you can buy for $6.00 that is used to set the new studs. You punch out the old ones with a nail punch or round cold chisel.
I have used this sysem for the last 10 years with no problem. I do replace the Korker laces with extra long bootlaces which last a lot longer but a new pair are only a $1.98 at Wally World.

[RIROCKHOUND]

I have the hodgmens...
I drilled mine out and used bolts a-la DZ etc...
Added a few extras as well; got 1.5 seasons out of them... time for a change this spring... need some new bolts....
I have 5000 Korkers with the spikes... they dont egt used often,,, if its shallow bowling balls w/o much weed I just use felt boots...

Duct tape all the time...
Duct tape is like the Force... it has a light side and a dark side and it holds the Universe togethor.....

[Spiderman]

Korkers suck! They are not made the way they used to be. I would lose 12 to 20 studs in a night at montauk and once you try to replace them they fall out even faster. I've been using the hodgemans for a couple of years now and find the to hold up much better. I always duct tape the the strap buckle and the clip for the laces. I dont mind wearing down the studs but i hate when they fall out. I go through about three pairs a season.

[BasicPatrick]

I have all three and have gone back and forth...In the end I like the Hodgean Gladiator design for attachment with the lace section and strap/buckle system up top. Duct tape in extreme areas is a must. Studs are gonna wear and tear out and that is just fact.

I do install bolts in my fins for skishin and climbing on the rocks.