 Poster: A snowHead
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Heya all,
Having now skied four times (last year in Argentiere which I loved!), I am now tentatively considering buying my own boots. Obviously, everyone here would recommend bying from CEM in Bichester, as he is nearest to me (in West London). However, he seems to be fully booked up for the whole of November, & all weekends in Dec(!) which is a bit inconvenient for me  given that I'm going to Hemel on the 14th (see below).
Since this will be my first boots, I was thinking that perhaps a good approach (not the best, admittedly!) would be to buy boots from S&R very carefully - I know more or less what I need to be looking for with regards to tightness/size as have asked a mate & also seen advice w.r.t. checking boot fit without liner. Then take them to Hemel Hempsted (I've booked for the 14th Nov already  as have discounts through my company snow club) and see what problems I have. And at that point, I could go to CEM with a better idea of what problems I need sorting out on my new boots, instead of going 'cold' to him, not knowing what problems I'll be having.
Does this sound okay to you folks? I do realise that lot of people would advise against S&R
FWIW, the below is what I told CEM...
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I visited two separate S&R on different days. Both bootfitters immediately recommended Salomon Impact 10 CS. They measured my foot (usually UK size 11-ish), and ended up with 28.5 for my left feet and 29 for my right. Medium/wide forefoot, medium rear feet, & low/medium instep height. The first size I tried on was "nice & snug", which I thought was right - whoops! (Didn't get size) Later that week, my mate who skis was like "Hell, no! That's wrong!"  So I went to the 2nd S&R and ended up with a 28. In retrospective, should have tried 27.5, but the 28 was verging on the tight side in any case. Will have to go back and try 27.5 just to be sure.
At the 2nd store, I also tried on a Tecnica Phoenix 90 Ultrafit so I could compare a different brand, and it was a bit too uncomfortable in the bump on my right foot - what I believe is called the "fifth metatarsal bone" area, and since I had problems when I was little here I knew they were probably no good.
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As I remarked, he did mention trying without the liner which I'll do this weekend, as well as trying 1/2 size down
Thought?
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Wed 4-11-09 18:33; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Best to get a pair surely or is this some sort of HP scheme buy one today and one later.
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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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I,m also thinking of the impact 10,s, i was under the impression that they are an advanced boot being 120 rating.
I have around 25 to 30 weeks under the belt so to speak,and quite aggressive,hopefully someone will come along and give both of us some advice.
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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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I also tried the Impact 10 CS, but they are very stiff. I do think S&R are pushing them a little.
A 28 was snug for me and I am only a size 9-9.5, so I doubt a 27.5 will be good as it is a smaller shell.
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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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| anderoo wrote: |
Best to get a pair surely or is this some sort of HP scheme buy one today and one later. |
Hmm? What? Where?  *Whistles innocently*
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Mrdini, you could also try profeet, based in West London. They sorted out the OH's very problematic boot problem and are recommended by others here. There's also Ellis Brigham.
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Mrdini, you could see CEM midweek.
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I tried the Impact 8 and they were too stiff for my ability (red run skier) and 65kg weight, a pity as they were a decent fit with excellent heel hold. Unless you weigh a lot and are already confident on black runs I think the Impact 10 would be too stiff.
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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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| beequin wrote: |
I also tried the Impact 10 CS, but they are very stiff. I do think S&R are pushing them a little.
A 28 was snug for me and I am only a size 9-9.5, so I doubt a 27.5 will be good as it is a smaller shell. |
A shell check is essential, as is the shell last and shape. I'm a size 9 in shoes, but my ski boots are a 26.0. it all depends how thick and how much space the liner has in the shell.
MrDini If you can't get to CEM, try Martin at S & R Hemel. Also bear in mind that a 28.0 and a 28.5 etc is exactly the same shell size, it's quite often only a difference in the thickness of the inner sole between the sizes to remove some of the volume of the liner.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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If you can get over to Outdoor traders at Abingdon (only 20 miles from Bicester) then James the bootfitter there comes highly recommended (by me!)
James fitted my new boots a couple of weeks ago, a very thorough process that went on for a good 2.5 hours and saw several boots come and go off my feet, with 1 pair being heat moulded and then discarded becuase they "Still weren't quite perfect"!
Finally ended up with a pair of Salomon Falcon CS
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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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| Spyderman wrote: |
| MrDini, Also bear in mind that a 28.0 and a 28.5 etc is exactly the same shell size, it's quite often only a difference in the thickness of the inner sole between the sizes to remove some of the volume of the liner. |
The only exception IFAIK being the Atomic B-Tech range which go 27.5-28.0, 28.5-29.0 etc.
Mrdini, Try Bartletts in Hillingdon. Give them a call first to see the best time to go - they're not appointment only but like everyone else, will certainly be busy at this time of year.....
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| Jon.L wrote: |
Mrdini, Try Bartletts in Hillingdon. Give them a call first to see the best time to go - they're not appointment only but like everyone else, will certainly be busy at this time of year..... |
Oh hey! They're just down the road from me! (Have to get through Southall's horrendous traffic, but still - that's not far!).
Thanks! 
(BTW not going to Hemel on the 14th Nov after all - cocked up & forgot I had other things that day. Going in Dec instead so have a bit of breathing space now...).
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