Spreader boots to prevent chafe

[NewToTheRoad]

Adding new sails this year and I want to protect my investment.  The spreaders were previously taped and had a tendency to chafe and eventually rip the 150 genoa.

From experience, which type of spreader boots do you prefer and why?

Rubber ones.  https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?name=taylor-made-rubber-spreader-boots&path=-1|118|2358491|2358503&id=1004624
The sewn on leather kind.  https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1344/spreader-boot-kit-leather-c-250-cp-26-c-270-c-28-c-30-c-310-c-34-c-36-c-400.cfm
The wrap around fabric kind. https://www.westmarine.com/buy/taylor-made--spreader-boots--P002_065_007_507

BTW, my mast is down so I can easily sew new ones on if that is the limiting factor.

Thanks,
  Bryan

[mdidomenico]

i purchased the ones from CD a few years ago for a C250 i had.  i was fairly disappointed.  the boot didn't fit very tightly, they were difficult to sew and they changed color as they aged.  i have to complete the same task this year.

[Noah]

I have always used leather on other boats so, I bought the leather ones from CD instead of cutting my own, and was not too impressed. Although they work, the fit is mediocre. They have lasted 3-1/2 year so far, so I can't complain too much. Sew them on wet for best fit.

[Jim Hardesty]

I have a MKll with the aro-shaped spreaders and have always purchased from the spar OEM.  However I'm thinking of installing some rollers to help the sail slide over easier.  Think there are more options but here is what I'm talking about.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/forespar--jib-rollers--111864?recordNum=2

Jim

[Ron Hill]

Guys : Any spreader boots do NOT last forever!!  You need to check and see how "nimble" they remain after a couple of years! 
UV, rain & drying out always does a job on them over time.

I always had good luck with the "rubber" boots, but changed them every 4 or 5 years.

A thought

[Jim Hardesty]

Want to add my 2 cents about wrapping too much tape.  Don't want to trap water and start corrosion.
Jim