Poster: A snowHead
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Contemplating purchasing boots - know that the key thing is going and having them fitted properly - not too many shops in Dublin that do this and am contemplating waiting until i go to France in March
... in the meantime, what are the important considerations - how do the flex ratings work?, what are the best materials used in boot manufacture and how do they influence how the boot works with your body?
(just as way of experiement, i'm 6"3, have size 12 (wide) feet, weigh 95kg, am a keen intermediate skiier - but keep to the pisted stuff (or the stuff close to the sides of the pistes) at the mo, and i try and ski around 20 days per annum (being optimistic))
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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doogo, it's all subjective but what you don't want are boots at either end of the stiffness scale. If you buy beginners boots, you'll find they will be very comfortable at frist but you'll soon push out the lining (cheaper softer material usually) and the soft flex will not transmit your feet movement to the ski rapidily. Conversely, if you buy super stiff top-end boots, you'll spend all your time trying to flex the boot and they will be uncomfortable for a much longer period than a cheaper boot. So a good mid-range boot from a Swiss/Austrian last should do you, northern European feet tend to be wider then Mediterrean feet. I have wide feet and I've found I've never got on with Salomon but Head, Dynafit, Raichle have been fine. I'd have a look at Head or Lange, but don't look for a specific make when buying boots, buy the ones that fit, that are warm and waterproof, a lot of cheaper boots aren't. I don't care about materials, when I buy boots I want them to last for at least 10 yrs, after about 5 years they're nicely worn in.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Mon 14-02-05 18:45; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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The way flex ratings are measured vary from one manufacturer to the next, so a Technica "80" rating is not the same as a Salomon "80" for example. But basically the stiffer the flex, the stronger, heavier, or better a skier you need to be to get the best out of it.
I wouldn't get too wrapped up in boot materials (pun?). There are plenty of "soft boots" on the market but they tend to be aimed more at beginners & lower inters.
Most important consideration is fit. If you put up which resort you are going to, a Snowhead should be able to recommend a resort bootfitter who will see you right.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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David@traxvax, Lange boots for wide feet? Are you sure??
I have narrow feet and have just bought a pair of Langes, who have traditionally offered (one of) the narrowest fits around: they fit like a glove.
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don't look for a specific make when buying boots, buy the ones that fit, that are warm and waterproof, a lot of cheaper boots aren't. I don't care about materials, when I buy boots I want them to last for at least 10 yrs, after about 5 years they're nicely worn in.
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Certainly agree with that bit tho.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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the ice perv, David@traxvax, thanks for the replies - i'm going to Les Arcs and am willing to travel to any of the villages or BSM if someone can give me a good recommendation for a bootfitter
thks
D
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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doogo, You could try Twinner down in BSM they have a good stock and are usually very helpful. The Twinner in La Rosiere, blew out a guests new boots (purchased in UK) and ground down a raised edge at no charge.
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David@traxvax, thanks for that - are they in the village itself or on the outskirts (like the Intersport is)?
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doogo, on the outskirts, next to McDonalds a few hundred metres before you get to Intersport.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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thks againDavid@traxvax,
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there's something funny about the Lange fit, I was also told they were narrow but my feet are wide and they fit much better than Salomon XWaves...incidentally, the Langes I tried also had a stiff flex rating (120) but they seemed to me to flex easily....I ended up buying Atomic R:10 coz they were cheaper and fit equally well.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Cedric wrote: |
there's something funny about the Lange fit, I was also told they were narrow but my feet are wide and they fit much better than Salomon XWaves...incidentally, the Langes I tried also had a stiff flex rating (120) but they seemed to me to flex easily....I ended up buying Atomic R:10 coz they were cheaper and fit equally well. |
They've changed a little I think, the local fitter had to twist my arm/foot to get me to try them as I've high volume feet as well, in the end I didn't like them but they were a much better fit than I had expected.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Doogo, had the same problem in Dublin last year, definately recommend you do not buy in town. Myself and a mate went to Macski in Belfast, they are based in Lisburn Rd, just off the centre. They are good guys who know what they are at and gave us a great deal on gear, we had the custom fits done and still had change from Dublin prices. I had problems with previous boots because of my foot shape, but they realised the problem and recommended a boot that was cheaper than what I had picked out. If you are going to do it, go up early as the shop gets very busy and they will insist you spend a lot of time trying on boots etc. I think the website is www. macski.com. We also saved considerable amounts of cash by buying lots of beer and wine on the way home.
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thksherman41, hope the boots are helping you live up to your name!
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You know it makes sense.
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Doogo, unfortunately not, but nothing to do with the boots. They were great for dancing in and I have vague memories that they were kind enough to me on the stagger home.
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