ian c wrote:Ride whatever is best for the conditions
This is excatly what an experienced rider would say.
For some kind of odd reason I always end up reading posts that Pimp some kind of riding style or preference all the way to the bitter end. Mostly it depends on how well are you riding, where, when, what gear, etc.
The truth is that - you go out there and test it out yourself and find what best suits to your riding style and conditions.
boots:
pros - locked directly onto the board so can ride hard and landings are awesome
cons - power hungry so not good when its light and crashes hurt way more.
Usually ridden in flatter water as in the chop the boards used with boots are very skatey, also chop is no good for wakestyle so why bother with boots. Although if it is usable small chop you can edge harder with the boots so can still get some good pop. Dont usually loop in boots as the wipeouts will be harsh
straps:
pros - lightweight and efficient, good in light winds, able to move your feet around slightly, so good in changeable conditions. when you crash your board comes off so less painful
cons - looser feel to board so landings not as solid
I have both and use whichever is going to be best on the day. Usually boots for lighter winds and straps for 7m weather when its looping time or very light winds when boots board wont get going.