 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
I'm an experienced skier of some 25 years. I fully embraced parabolic skis, in preference to my aged Dynastar SL and GS Course skis, some years ago. I've skied Salomon XScream for a couple of years but defected this year after skiing Rossignol Bandits and the awesome K2 Apache Recon. However I am still using my 'original' red/white Dynafit 3F Comp Foam boots. Am I missing out by not updating my boots, as I have skis? The boots still fit like new and are a perfect fit. I squeeze into them each ski morning (an ordeal if the boots are cold) crank them up, and wear them all day without having to loosen/adjust any buckles. I can can walk distances in them if neccessary. I am loathe to buy new boots while my old ones are so wearable but wonder if I might be suffering technique-wise by not investing in new 'boot' technology? ...thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
seb400, I'm not sure if new boot technology would make much difference if they fit well and are comfortable and you feel they enable you to ski how you'd like. However, to be sure, you should check your fit and show your boots to a proper expert (one of the few in the UK). Like snowbunny, I can highly recommend CEM who you can find here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I read in one of the mags 2 years back that the "modern" boot has stiffness/flex in different areas to older boots to work better with the modern shaped skis, and the fact you pressure by rolling your ankles, as opposed to driving forwards.
Now it could have been a load of bullocks spouted by the ski mag, I'd be interested in hearing what someone like CEM (also recommended by me if you got for new boots) or SmallZookeeper says?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
seb400, I'm in a similar situation with a pair of old Lange's that I acquired from a mate 5-6 years ago and are at least 10 years old but are super comfy.
I have also been wondering if I'm missing out on something compared to new boots so hired a new pair for a weekend in January .. I went to one of the top boot shops in Val d'Isere but I'm not sure I was able to rent the sort of quality that you'd be likely to get if you bought and I wasn't that impressed .. they skied ok but certainly no better than my old ones and they were less comfortable .. particuarly by the end of the day.
It's a tricky situation in that, unlike skis, it's difficult to try out a top quality pair that are appropriate for your ability/style. I'd be more than happy to invest in a new pair if I thought it'd improve my skiing but if I don't wamt to splash out for no reason.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Thanks all for your replies. We seem to be, for the most part, in agreement.
I do believe that my boots may be a little stiffer than ideal, but not worth changing because of their comfort.
Snowbunny - are you involved with Beans?
Since Touchwoods has now disappeared Beans may well be my nearest 'local' ski shop.
The sole of the boot is worn, which I realise may affect binding efficiency. I've been meaning to replace the rubber toe and heel sections for years!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
seb400,
interesting that you still find the old liner comfortable, normally by the age of the boot the PU foam in the liner will have gone hard or broken down which can affect the boot comfort. boots this age is also at risk of fracture due to UV light affecting the plastic that was used all those years ago..... as for heel peices i ran out of these a few seasons ago (and we had a large stock of old heel peices)
modern boots have come a long way in terms of lasts (shapes) and are now much more 'foot shaped' than the old style box with clips... now your boots are foam injected so this will turn the 'box' into a footshaped box. the flex on modern boots is also softer than boots of the same level from years ago, they tend to be laterally stiffer to help transfer pressures onto the ski correctly (for modern skis and technique). Without seeing the boot itself and the foot it is very difficult to say which boot will give you the fit you are looking for and the comfort / performance balance that you want. PU liners are still available, better than they were way back then, the foams are a little softer and more comforatable, however i would not normally recomend a PU liner unless you ski at least 3-4 weeks a season or have a problem foot shape. again without seeing your foot it is impossible to say what is most suitable. in saying this PU liners (and many of the other aftermarket liners ie zip fit) will last longer than the stock liners provided with a ski boot, but whatever boot you were to get (when you do change) it should be fitted properly.
so what happened to Touchwoods......... the city centre shop was always going to close, and the remainder of the business was bought by CCC the outdoor shop, they specialise in camping and caravaning and own the massive go outdoors store in coventry. bit of a shame but i am always concerned by ski shops that sell only one brand of boot!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Yes, I've seen boots split too.
A buddy of mine bought a pair of top range Dynafit boots (trendy red/green flashes!) on the strength of my 'old' style 3F comps.
His only lasted 3 years before the shell split in half whilst skiing!
Dynafit were obviously cutting costs, the plastic on my boots is much heavier - probably why they weigh 5.6kg a pair!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
seb400, not just Dynafit, i have seen the same on Tecnica, Nordica and Salomon to name a few
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
"Dynafit boots (trendy red/green flashes)" - I had some of those! The whole front section from the last buckle to the tip of the toes tore off after a particularly spectacular crash on my first ever attempt at a black run.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Hi CEM
I'm amazed at how well the 3Fs have worn, but understandable given the time the average Brit spends on the slopes. Even so they've probably had more use than the usual recreational average. I've generally skied at least two weeks a year for the last 20 years, sometimes three. Up until 10 years ago I regularly skied throughout the year on dry, raced at Gloucester for a few years and trained for 5 as an ASSI. I've always dried them each night and before putting away in a bag at the top of the wardrobe, out of daylight at a stable temperature. The inner is still flexible and returns to shape. I've had a few of the buckles replaced over the years but that's all. Being diabetic good fit is essential to avoid any risk of breaks in the skin through blisters that could cause infection. CCC are currently having a sale of all stock at the Touchwoods old shop on the Abingdon Rd, I don't think they intend to sell ski gear in the future.
It looks like you'd be a good choice should I decide to update.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
