 Poster: A snowHead
|
| V3CE wrote: |
| All the Captains Cabin fitters have done the MasterFit training in Kitzbuhel for what it's worth - the same as Profeet |
Useful insight 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @EricTheRed, you might wonder why some people recommend Profeet and not S4F...some have tried both |
You make a good point holidayloverxx!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@Fridge03, do you recommend a specific fitter at captains cabin? Or does anyone else?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Fridge03, do you recommend a specific fitter at captains cabin? Or does anyone else?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Cacciatore wrote: |
| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @EricTheRed, you might wonder why some people recommend Profeet and not S4F...some have tried both |
You make a good point holidayloverxx! |
we can't please all the people, simple
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Joehdhchdhd wrote: |
| @Fridge03, do you recommend a specific fitter at captains cabin? Or does anyone else? |
| Joehdhchdhd wrote: |
| @Fridge03, I was looking for a more specialist place as I want to buy the best ones for me. But, I may have a look as you’re the second suggestion now for them. |
You'll find that most ski shops or boot fitters in this country would have had similar training. Pasq and the team there have been boot fitting for 25 years. You'll be in good hands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I know but training and experience are two different things. The latter being more important, in my opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Is it not better to get boots in a resort then you are literally right there if they need adjusted and can immediately test the effect of any changes that need to be made?
When I got my boots fitted in the UK I was in agony in the resort, got them adjusted there but still not a-ok so got another adjustment back at original fitter in UK, still not right (but you don't know that till you ski whole days again - couple of hours on the Snozone not enough to tell) I think I saw two more "in resort" fitters before they were ok. They had to be blown at big toe and the small toe, and the ankle area and the inner was shaved, not to mention very expensive Conformable insoles.
When they eventually died I decided before I buy again I'd try hiring to see what suited, so I bought a cheap Decathlon pair in the sale to take with me just to make sure that if I couldn't find a hire pair I at least had something that was ok - then I decided I might as well try them before hiring and they fit well except a little bit big on the ankle which I sorted last year with some sticky foam and as I only ski 1 or 2 weeks a year they are "good enough". I have "off the shelf" Sidas insoles in them bought in resort last year - might upgrade those if after the next holiday we decide to continue but I don't think they are holding me back 
I think people can get over-sold when it comes to ski boots, especially if they are a once a year recreational skier. I know people who have spent literally £00s on boots and they are in pain despite several fittings, hence why I can't see what the draw to a UK fitter where you can't test them out as it seems to me most people can't just buy them off the shelf and need more than one adjustment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Buying in resort vs in the UK is a lottery. The worst alterations I have had done to boots have all been in ski resorts. Obviously there are some really good places but you need a local recommendation. It can be a lot worse than the UK chains.
Re S4F vs profeet. I have had boots fitted at both, as has mrs gorilla. Quality of shell choice from profeet was good for me, less good so for my wife. CEM took her down a shell size.
Neither of us got on with the footbeds profeet made. I vastly prefer the unweighted ones CEM made for me and the quality of the alignment work done subsequently was very good
What I take from this is that both places are good. I have a strong preference but that's mainly because what CEM is selling suits me better and S4F offers some expertise you don't really see elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This may get a whole load of you going, but Scott at Skiers Lounge near Horsham. Just about everyone I know that has bought boots elsewhere has had some issue however small and most have gone back for an adjustment. I have awkward feet, about 3/4 of a size in between them and differing widths too with very narrow achilles.
Scott spent over 2 hours with me finding the right boot and then modifying it to fit both feet. I have never had any problems, they are as comfy as a (very stiff) pair of slippers, albeit much harder to get on & off!
Not sure he does fitting himself anymore but if you can persuade him I'd go to him.
My only issue is now the boots are getting on a bit (like me) so I may need a new pair and I have no idea where to go to get the same level of service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Joehdhchdhd wrote: |
| I know but training and experience are two different things. The latter being more important, in my opinion. |
They have 25 years experience.
I think you are over thinking it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Fridge03 wrote: |
| Joehdhchdhd wrote: |
| Im looking for some new boots and would like to buy in England preferably. I have wide feet but skinny ankles so some adjustments will need to be made when fitting. I’m in Kent but do not mind travelling for a good fitter. |
Captains Cabin in Sevenoaks is your answer. Not only local to you, but the guys and girls there are excellent. Both me and my OH have had our boots fitted there (and I have really awkward feet) and on our recommendation 4 of our skiing friends have as well. All very, very happy. They will also adjust your boots free of charge if after fitting you need a few further tweaks. |
Another recommendation for Captains Cabin - got my boots from there in 2022 and they have been great. Needed one minor tweak after trip one and all sorted no problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@gixxerniknik, yes Scott still does fit boots.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
profeet.co.uk
I went to see them after suffering with bleeding and infected shins from using poorly fitting rental boots. I have wide feet but skinny ankles and slightly pronated knees. Wide feet were accommodated by boots with a wide enough last shape, pronated knees by custom footbeds, skinny ankles by a custom fit injected race liner.
I was amazed by the difference properly fitted boots made to my skiing. My skiing ability improved rapidly and my enjoyment of skiing reached new heights. You just need to accept that a good boot fitter will offer you a small number of boots that fit your anatomy properly, meaning that you won't necessarily be able to choose the colour or brand.
I have also been given very helpful advice about shin protection by CEM on this forum.
In the mountains, ask the ski instructors which boot fitter they use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Fridge03 wrote: |
| Joehdhchdhd wrote: |
| I know but training and experience are two different things. The latter being more important, in my opinion. |
They have 25 years experience.
I think you are over thinking it. |
This. Go to Captains Cabin, unless you believe that travelling farther will mean that your greater effort will somehow magically be rewarded by better-fitting boots.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
I never quite understand the sentiment that more years of experience will equate to a better service. I've worked with plenty of guys who have essentially been doing a sh*t job for 25 years... Obviously a good experienced guy will have more knowledge than a less experienced one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| tomb wrote: |
| I never quite understand the sentiment that more years of experience will equate to a better service. I've worked with plenty of guys who have essentially been doing a sh*t job for 25 years... Obviously a good experienced guy will have more knowledge than a less experienced one. |
amen to that, i know numerous people doing a bad job for a lot of years, you don't know what you don't know, every day is a school day and unfortunately the ski industry doesn't like paying for training so people do 1 course (if you are lucky) and that's it technology changes and i see very few places who actively seek out knowledge, or interact with their peers to learn from each other
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
This is a funny thread. Perhaps re-title it, who fitted your boots satisfactorily and met your expectations? No bootfitter gets it right 100% of the time, it's guesswork, and so many variables mean you'll always find discontented clients from any fitter. That said, i'd like to add my vote, if you really must buy your boots in the uk, and avoiding time spent during your holidays in the boot shop is a valid reason, then you have to see Colin at Solutions 4 feet, why? Because we see work from all over the uk, even though you want to avoid time in the boot shop on holidays, hundreds of you finally end up in one as the level of fitting in the uk is really really poor, all the above shops mentioned we've seen their work, regularly repeatedly and Colin is the only one making functional footbeds, working on ankle geometry and getting close to the right shape and size.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| CH2O wrote: |
| This is a funny thread. Perhaps re-title it, who fitted your boots satisfactorily and met your expectations? No bootfitter gets it right 100% of the time, it's guesswork, and so many variables mean you'll always find discontented clients from any fitter. That said, i'd like to add my vote, if you really must buy your boots in the uk, and avoiding time spent during your holidays in the boot shop is a valid reason, then you have to see Colin at Solutions 4 feet, why? Because we see work from all over the uk, even though you want to avoid time in the boot shop on holidays, hundreds of you finally end up in one as the level of fitting in the uk is really really poor, all the above shops mentioned we've seen their work, regularly repeatedly and Colin is the only one making functional footbeds, working on ankle geometry and getting close to the right shape and size. |
Always good to see another opinion. And there are plenty, mostly anecdotal.
Snow & Rock, for, example, get their fair share of grief on here from disgruntled clients from time to time. My experience, when purchasing my first pair of boots was outstanding. The boot fitter (Chertsey) clearly knew his stuff. My son had his first pair of boots fitted at S&R at Hemel - they (S&R) weren’t the first port of call….the first place, beloved of many sH’s was disappointing. S&R were, once again, outstanding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@Cacciatore, i'm not sure how accurate your results will be, Charlie polices this site and inturn gets a fair amount of business, it would be pretty normal if his name came up most, many happy, many satisfied, many just following the rest. silly post IMO.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@Cacciatore, in fairness, @CH2O, does rather know of what he speaks ... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Richard_Sideways, I wasn't sure that with his dodgy old knees he'd be able to kneel down that long now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential problem with S&R is you have no idea who you are going to get, and how good the fitter is. This might not be a big problem if you have pretty regular feet. My first boots that I bought from S&R were a full size bigger than the next pair that I purchased from S4F. I am now on my 2nd pair from S4F mainly because the liner was very compressed … maybe too many chalet boot warmers!
I have a theory that as we get more experienced the tighter fit we want and are prepared to accept, my S&R boots were very comfortable, but had very little control of the front of my skis.
Sounds like any of the three heavily tipped boot fitters on here will do a good job.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@DavidYacht, “I have a theory that as we get more experienced the tighter fit we want”
Well, errr, yes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CH2O wrote: |
| @Cacciatore, i'm not sure how accurate your results will be, Charlie polices this site and inturn gets a fair amount of business, it would be pretty normal if his name came up most, many happy, many satisfied, many just following the rest. silly post IMO. |
Well, you’ve got me…why, exactly, do you seem to be of the opinion that I am looking for accuracy of result? And of what? And because I merely stated that we (as in all of us) offer our opinion, often based upon our experience, that is somehow a “silly post”. Of course, you’re entitled to your “opinion”, I suppose. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
@Cacciatore, Indeed - and who is "Charlie" the policies man/person ??!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
@Hurtle, although if your personal experience is professional?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I'm another for Colin at Solutions4feet - I struggled in great pain for quite a few years, some days not able to ski. Colin was found by my wife and she booked me an appointment and a voucher, Colin spent over three hours with me and another three hours in a second fitting and my boots are custom in every way and custom footbeds wedges etc. His advice and workmanship have allowed me to ski pain free ever since.... I love my boots they always go with me as hand luggage - I can replace any other piece of kit but not my boots!!!
@CEM if you ever intend on retiring please give us plenty of notice I'll be along for some new boots!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| under a new name wrote: |
| @Hurtle, although if your personal experience is professional? |
? Professionals too can only speak to their own personal knowledge and experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@Hurtle, fair point. Although if you're seeing ? 300-400? pairs of feet a season, doesn't that move from anecdote towards data?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@under a new name, yes, but I'm not sure I understand the point you're making. Sorry. I was just saying that most of us punters can do no more than relate a good experience with Bootfitter A or a bad experience with Bootfitter B
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
I’m another vote for Colin, though in fairness I’ve not tried Profeet. Mainly because I live 30 mins max from Bicester (I can cycle it in under an hour…) so it’s actually aside from Ellis Brigham in the Xscape, my local boot fitter. I had a pair from the aforementioned EB which were in their defence the correct box size, just nearly a full 1cm too wide. If I noodled around on big wide blues they would probably have been OK/id not have noticed, like many 3-4 week skiers who are happy in rentals but I could rotate my ankles so much in the boots I broke one rather than doing a knee much to the suprise of every member of staff I saw in the hospital. I’m going for new boots for next season in the autumn, after 10 years (probably 15-17weeks equivalent) in the current incumbents which are a bit triggers broom now on straps and buckles. I have challenging feet and some foot related health considerations so I’m happy to see a proper fitter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Echoing lots of the positive comments above, between us Colin @ S4F has fitted at least 6 pairs for my family and all have been very pleased with the results 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Quote: |
I think people can get over-sold when it comes to ski boots, especially if they are a once a year recreational skier.
|
The best quote I've read is that "you date your skis but you marry your boots." I'm a once a year skier and I would not wear a rental boot if you paid me. Even the stiffest rental is like wearing towels on your feet.
Solutions4feet in Bicester will size you up and bring you your boot. My friend and I went, they brought him a Lang for £500 and gave me Atomic for £300. It's not about selling you the most expensive boot. They seem to know which boot will fit your particular anatomy. Of course, there was a £200 charge on top for the fitting and custom insoles. Worth every penny if you've got the money and, let's face it, compared to the cost of your next 10 ski holidays, it's a very minor expense for the most important piece of equipment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
They also offer free adjustments for the perfect experience.. See you next Monday Colin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Padster wrote: |
@CEM if you ever intend on retiring please give us plenty of notice I'll be along for some new boots! |
well about that......... not quite yet
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@Hurtle, sorry, my point was only that (while it's not always clear if you don't read every thread  ) that CH2O is a pro bootfitter, rather than one of us punters getting boots fitted every few years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@under a new name, that was, I think, clear from his post of 10 Feb. I just thought that was a good, clear post. Credit where due!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
