Boa is the name of the patented system found on various models of snowboard boots (K2, Vans, DC, Flow, ThirtyTwo, and many other brands) . Boa uses thin cables and a tightening knob in place of traditional laces. As with most snowboarding technology, it has gotten much better in recent years. I heard of some reports of breakage years back, but not some much with todays Boa systems. See some examples of Boa Boots here.
