e-brake boot comparison

[GTRS Fiero]

This comparison involved 4 e-brake boots: the stock boot, the TFS boot, and 2 boots from Russ88TTop.

Here is the stock boot:

Notice that the button for the stock boot is on the bottom, and that the stitching is visible.  Also, notice that the boot is a charcoal color, while the strap is black.

Russ leather boot with regular seam, Russ vinyl boot with French seam (via BTR), TFS vinyl boot with French seam:

Notice that the Russ boots are black, and the straps are a different material (elastic).  The straps are affixed with velcro.  Also notice that both of Russ' boots are made to have a default half-raised position.
The TFS boot lays flat and straight.  The strap is made from the same material.

The TFS boot most closely matches the stock boot in design, general appearance, and stitching.  Of the three, Russ' vinyl boot most closely matches the texture.  The stock boot is the least flexible.  Russ' leather boot most closely matches Rodney's shift boot in texture and stitching style, but not in suppleness.

[GTRS Fiero]

The front of all three non-stock straps is not flat.

I haven't pulled the stock boot to check, but I'm curious about this.

Both of Russ' boots have these bare spots on the metal frame, but the TFS boot does not.  Another curiosity.

[GTRS Fiero]

The underside of Russ' leather boot.




Here, you can see the 2 vinyl boots.  The top boot is the TFS boot.

The TFS boot seems to have tighter and more consistent stitching.  The stitching on the TFS boot is straight and neat.  Notice how the TFS boot strap seems to stick out.

The images above are a good illustration of straight vs wandering stitching.

[GTRS Fiero]

Russ' vinyl boot.  Notice the stitching at the front.

I find the difference of materials between the strap and the boot to be a bit glaring.

Notice the differences in stitching and how the boots lay.




The stitching on Russ' boots is not straight on any side.

[GTRS Fiero]

Here is a close-up of the stitching on the TFS boot.


Notice that the end of ths TFS strap sticks out past the boot.  Note also the raw edge of the strap.


Here, also, note the raw edge of the strap on the TFS boot.

[GTRS Fiero]

The stitching on the elastic straps is not to the same level as the stitching on the boot itself.  The stitches are different sizes and angles, and have loose ends sticking up.


Notice the raw edge on the elastic, but at least the end is down, where it won't be visible.


That's better than I can say for the TFS strap, which sticks up.  Remember that the stock strap is down.  The TFS strap sticks its raw edge and backside UP in full view.

[GTRS Fiero]

Here is a comparison of the stitching from the rear of the boots.

The TFS boot has good seams, straight stitching, and no bunching.  Notice that Russ' boots are cut and sewn from the rear to make them naturally position the e-brake about halfway up.

The snap is not centered.  The entire strap looks unfinished.  Unfortunately, it's the first thing you see when getting into the car.

Notice that the opening itself is a sewn (hemmed) edge.  Why not the strap?

Another view of the stitching on Russ' straps.

[GTRS Fiero]

For comparison, here is Rodney's shift boot:

[GTRS Fiero]

I've communicated with both vendors.  TFS is going to work to improve their strap, once current stock is depleted.

Russ has tried other materials for his strap, but the elastic provided the best result.  As for the stitching, that is as close as he could get the foot.

All 3 new boots are nice.  I am nitpicking.