BOA® Lace Replacement: Step-by-Step Instructions

A BOA® lace replacement on a pair of snowboard boots is a repair that most people can complete at home in the comfort of their living room. All you need for this project is the correct spare parts, a few simple tools, and about 30 minutes to get the job done.

In this overview, we’ll guide you through a BOA H3 snowboard boot lace replacement with step-by-step instructions from the equipment experts in Burton’s warranty department.

• How to Get BOA® Replacement Parts for Burton Snowboard Boots
• What tools do you need to replace BOA laces?
• How to Perform a BOA Lace Replacement: Step-by-Step Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions about BOA Snowboard Boot Repairs

How to Get BOA® Replacement Parts for Burton Snowboard Boots

BOA lace replacement kits can be ordered directly from BOA by submitting a BOA Warranty Claim. Make sure to have your boots handy when submitting your claim, as you will need to identify exactly which version of the BOA Fit System you need parts for.

Pro tip: Snag an extra spare parts kit, in case you need to perform a replacement in the future. Additional parts kits can be ordered via BOA Spare Parts and are reasonably priced.

Getting Replacement BOA Parts for Non-Burton Snowboard Boots

If you have non-Burton snowboard boots and need spare parts to fix your BOA lacing system, contact the manufacturer to learn what your options are. Fortunately, BOA offers one of the best warranties in the industry so even if your manufacturer can’t help you out, there’s still a good chance that BOA can get you fixed up. Good luck.

What tools are needed to perform a BOA lace replacement?

To perform a BOA lace replacement, you’ll need a few simple tools in addition to your BOA parts kit.

• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Scissors (or wire cutters, if necessary)
• Lighter

BOA Lace Replacement: Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble your tools and spare parts and find a well-lit area with a solid work surface, like a kitchen table or a work bench. Before starting, note that the following instructions specifically describe how to replace a BOA H3 lace. If you have a different BOA system on your boots, the process will be similar but may require additional tools and a slightly different procedure. We recommend using this article as a reference, but ultimately, you should follow the instructions that are specific to the system which came with your BOA spare parts kit.

1. Remove BOA dial from bayonet: Start by disengaging the BOA dial by pulling it outwards until you hear or feel a distinct “click”. Next, using your needle-nose pliers, grab the reel housing, which is just behind the dial, and rotate it clockwise. You may also want to use a flat-head screwdriver to manually disengage the BOA dial retention tabs, which are recessed inside the bayonet (the rigid plastic housing that is sewn to your boot tongue). Consult the instructions in your BOA spare parts kit for directions on how to do this. There will be some resistance until the inner retention tabs of the dial disengage from the bayonet. Once disengaged, remove the BOA dial and spool from the bayonet.
   Pro tip: The BOA fit system is durable, but not indestructible. If you are struggling to remove the BOA dial from the bayonet, contact your local snowboard shop and ask if they can help. And make sure to treat them kindly if they help you out.
2. Unwind BOA laces from cartridge: Next, unwind the BOA laces from the cartridge so that they are fully extended.
   
3. Disconnect laces from BOA spool: Using scissors, cut the damaged laces so that the spool and BOA dial are no longer attached to the boot. If your laces are made from metal cable, you will want to use wire cutters for this step.
   
4. Remove BOA laces from snowboard boots: First, take a photo of your boot laces before you remove them, to aid in re-lacing. Now, pull the laces through the bayonet and lace guides, fully removing them from your snowboard boot.
   
5. Install new BOA laces in boots: Using the lace threading tool that came in your BOA repair kit, begin installing the new BOA laces, starting at the toe of the snowboard boot. Re-install the nylon lace pull at this time. Once the new laces have been installed through all of the boot lace guides, feed them into the holes on either side of the bayonet. Finish this step by adjusting the laces so that the ends are even with one another.
   
6. Feed BOA laces through bayonet and adjust length: Feed the newly installed BOA laces through both sides of the bayonet and adjust so the ends of the laces are even. Refer to the included instructions to determine the proper length of the laces. You may need to trim excess lace length using your scissors.
   
7. Reconnect laces to BOA cartridge: Feed the ends of the laces through the corresponding holes in the BOA cartridge and then melt the trimmed lace ends with your lighter so they don't fray. Finally, tie a small overhand knot at the end of each lace so that they can’t be pulled out of the cartridge.
8. Re-install BOA dial: Now grab each lace, from the outside of the bayonet, and pull evenly, allowing the laces to guide the BOA dial and spool assembly back into the bayonet. Once lined up with the bayonet, push the BOA dial in so that spool retention tabs snap into place in the bayonet.
   
9. Test BOA dial: Now test the system to confirm everything is working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions about the BOA Fit System & Snowboard Boots

For more information about BOA snowboard boot repairs, the BOA Fit System, and BOA lace replacement, review the following frequently asked questions.

Q: Does BOA have a good warranty?
A: BOA has one of the best warranties in the outdoor industry. Visit BOA to learn more about their range of products, technology, and customer support services.

Q: Is it difficult to replace a broken BOA snowboard boot lace?
A: Replacing broken BOA snowboard boot laces is something that most people can do at home with a few simple tools and the correct spare parts. Visit BOA Warranty to find out if your boots are covered and to order replacement parts.

Q: Where can I find instructions on how to repair other BOA laces, aside from the H3 system?
A: There are quite a few different BOA dial and lacing combinations out there and BOA offers a repair video for just about every one of them. Instructions are included with every BOA repair kit, but if you need additional support, check out BOA Repair Guides for detailed tutorials.

Q: Are BOA laces better than traditional laces, or Burton Speed Zone™ laces?
A: People’s preference for any one specific type of snowboard boot lacing system is a very individual choice, and for that reason, we encourage you to try them all. For a comparison of traditional laces to BOA to Burton Speed Zone, read Burton Snowboard Boot Lacing System Explained.

Q: Are BOA snowboard boots covered by Burton’s warranty?
A: If you damage your Burton BOA snowboard boots through normal use, you’ll want to review the Burton Warranty to see if you qualify for repair or replacement. In short, Burton boots are covered by a 1-year warranty, however that doesn’t guarantee a replacement, especially in the case of abuse, misuse, or neglect. The BOA components on your Burton BOA snowboard boots are covered by BOA’s Lifetime Guarantee.

Q: Will BOA snowboard boots make me a better rider?
A: The truth is, no specific piece of snowboarding equipment is going to make you a better rider. If you want to up your game, make time to get out on the snow and practice, practice, practice.