Reviving a necrotic thread here but I just bought ThirtyTwo TM-3s with regular laces. I think they're the only company out there that still makes a super stiff high-end boot with regular laces.
I replaced a pair of DC Travis Rice double Boa boots that are supposedly the stiffest that DC makes, but feels like a noodle compared to the TM-3, even without the stiffener bars in. The DCs aren't that old (maybe 10 days on them over 2 years) but the Boas won't stay tight. They never broke but I was constantly fiddling with them. The Travis Rices have a steel cable that is stronger than normal Boa cables.
The footprint of the TM-3s is also about 1/2" smaller so I'm able to ride a stock Donek Saber 162 at my normal 27/18 angles without overhang. I have NX2-GTs and the TM-3s fit better than the DC except that the ridged achilles support going up the backside of the boot tends to catch so I get this weird notching when going heel to toe. If this keeps happening while riding I'll file down those ridges.
My son is nearing my foot size so the DC boots won't go to waste. He's lazy and loves the Boas.
