The laces for my Hi-Tech Magnums tend to die within several months of ownership. Honestly, I'm just not sure what damage and abuse I put them through, but they don't hold up.

The Armorlace laces are solid, durable and feel like a tiny corded steel ropes. You can feel the quality the moment you open them. As others have said, they're not black and are more of an ashy gray color. That said, if you can live with that and need laces that can take the abuse (and then some) they live up to their name.

On the downside, given their durability, they don't tend to flex much and are somewhat rigid. As such, if you hold onto them too tightly and the laces slip through your fingers when tying your shoes... it's one hell of a rug burn. Just saying.