> I take it you use them, so how do they really compare to Lavers?
IMO, they are not even comparable! Really, I have finally found my holy grail. They are getting more difficult to find now, so I ordered two more pairs as backups. They are pretty expensive though, about US$80/pair.
Ok, the most significant improvements are the instep (where you stall the clipper), stability, shock absorption, and traction (I can play on slippery floors now). The toe, feel, and weight are the same as Lavers, and nothing is worse about these shoes. I can't decisively comment on durability yet, because I've only been playing in them a few months, but so far I'm pretty sure they outlast Lavers.
> Do you mod them? If so, how? I noticed that they're leather, and I didn't think that leather gripped all that well. Do you just remove the outer layer of the leather?
While everyone was screaming "NO LEATHER", others were actually trying them, and in fact the Leathers turned out to be better than mesh after modifying them as you mention- removing the outer layer. The funny thing is it's much, much easier to remove the other layer than the inner layer (canvas) which most people do on mesh lavers, so everyone was up in arms against leather lavers for no reason, only because everyone else was saying it.
Now modifying the g6 is slightly trickier than removing the leather from Lavers, because there are more layers of material. There is the leather outer, then thin padding, then a lightweight canvas, and finally the layer you want to keep (inner layer). You can safely make a single cut, so it's not like you have to do it one layer at a time. Still, you do need to be very careful not to cut all the way through. FYI, on every single pair of Lavers I've modified (cutting out the canvas), I've cut through both layers in at least one place, and I've modified at least 12 pairs. However, I did not cut through the G-Units at all, so that should tell you how much easier it is.
Modifying the toe is the same as Lavers, except I laced mine a bit differently. Also, I went the extra mile on the tongue, but that's too difficult to explain to you by email, and especially since you don't have them in front of you to compare. I don't think the tongue mod is necessary though, I'm just picky about my shoes.
Hmm, I realize I didn't elaborate on the improvements, so I'll just say the most important one for me is the Instep. I never have clipper roll-out anymore, never- unless I'm just not in the right position. And all my sets are either improved or unaffected by the change, something that's pretty rare when experimenting with new shoes. In all, I feel like I'm a much better player in these shoes, and my form is even improved.
I can't say that everything will be the same for everyone- this is my personal opinion based on personal experience- but this time I am actually recommending them for anyone who doesn't mind paying a little more for better freestyle shoes.
Regards,
