I can't add anything to the rubber vs. hardshell debate...the opinion I'm forming (based on reading everyone's comments...not from experience) is that hardshells are likely to increase comfort and performance...but they will also increase the chances for injury severity, not necessarily frequency. I can give my own review of the Wiley's setup as I switched to them this year and have been very satisfied. I've worn them on 2 skis...'06 Evidence and '07 Monza...fit on the ski itself has been fine, though I'm not sure why they need to use 3 different types of screws. The craftsmanship appears to be solid...espcially in comparison to Animals and Approach...I'm not bashing HO, I like the Animal setup...but I've seen quite a few overlays rip in the few short years I've been skiing. I have always considered myself a "both feet in" guy on falls...but I'm finding that both come out on the OTF (I've only had 2 memorable ones so far this season)...I'm finding that it hasn't really mattered so far. At first, I was a little concerned with the sizing...I'm a size 10 shoe so I guess that makes me a tweaner for Wiley's sizing...I use a M front and L rear. I guess this might be one disadvantage to not having laces like the Animals. It took some time...mabye 20 sets and warmer weather/water, but the front has seemed to formed to my foot where there is no cramping on stiffness even after 7 - 10 passes. I was a little concerned at first b/c I felt a L was too big for my front and the M was real snug...but Wiley's was real cooperative in working with me on the getting the correct size. As for the rear boot...the M was intolerable (too narrow)...switched to a L and have been fine ever since. Anthony