 Poster: A snowHead
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hello everyone my name is Alex Vindis I am a 3rd year design student at the University college of Falmouth in cornwall, I'm doing one of my major projects on redesigning some kind of skiing equipment. As you might guess I'm a kean skier and have been since I was two years old. So relating my project to one of my passions is an absolute must. My main attention towards my projects concern is at the moment alphine ski boots. Everyones experiences of ski-boots vary but for me personally and those who I go skiing that I know, its a problem:
too much bending down to adjust, tighten, loosen and getting the boot on or off. the boots are too heavy to walk very far without tiring, the boot becomes uncomfortable to ski at the end of day, new boots can be expensive, walking downstairs, upstairs or on bad surfaces is difficult with the boots on, etc......
I am attaching a questionnaire to this page about the issues specific to ski boots, there isn't any detail collection other than your age and gender, it is purely for research purposes and it will only take a very short amount of time.
Also if you experience anything else problematic with anything related to ski-products, please note it down as it is always helpful in the development of this project and I will be very greatful for your insights.
I look forward to the results and your oppinions, cheers.....
http://app.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/aceofspades/skiing-project-survey/
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Search on TGR for Eric Hjorleifson's 'Frankenboot' modifications - he did some pretty cool DIY mods that will be realised next season in the Dynafit Vulcan (?) production boot.
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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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Alexvindis, done. easiest survey i've done on here
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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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Learn to spell, you'll get better grades.
shoogly, not as easy as that one in snowsports... "Do you live in London? Yes/No". No. "Thanks for taking part in this survey!"
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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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Whats with the personal attacks, there's no need for it. This questionnaire is only the first as its the start of my project. So why do you need to say something like that, plsu if you must know I'm dyselxic given the slightly off grammer, please can you keep it on-topic, if there's a problem with skiing equipment (e.g. boots, ski's, safety, etc...) please let me know, anything else please keep to yourself.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Alexvindis, Don't think there are any personal attacks? Surely pointing out a spelling error is going to help if this is academic work?
There's no way threads will stay on topic here, hopefully you'll get some good answers anyway though.
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clarky999, I can appreciate that, but the words used is "Learn to spell" is very direct, not watch your spelling or pointing out an error.
But thank you for your point I am baring it in mind.....
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Alexvindis, welcome to snowheads!
you need tough skin round these parts 
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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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Tough thick skin, or fur might be useful. Survery completed.
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Done.
FWIW I'm holding out for rear-entry boots to come back into fashion. Comfier, lighter, easier to get on and off, exactly what your survey is getting at.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Alexvindis wrote: |
clarky999, I can appreciate that, but the words used is "Learn to spell" is very direct, not watch your spelling or pointing out an error.
But thank you for your point I am baring it in mind..... |
I'll be more direct if it helps. You've come here asking for help. You've been given it, along with some feedback.
Wind your neck in, or you won't get any more help. Without responses a survey is a bit pointless. A bit of kickback over some minor spelling mistakes is hardly earth-shattering is it? Give up using dyslexia as an excuse for not getting someone to proof read your work.
Your survey is perfectly reasonable by comparison to many of the others we are asked to complete on here. Don't spoil that by getting in a huff.
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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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Alexvindis, Done, best of luck with your project.
I appreciate your dyslexia is going to affect your spelling, but bobmcstuff's point is a fair one if you have access to a spell-checker. Dunno about your browser, but mine has a built-in spell checker for whenever you type stuff into a web page. It won't catch the difference between "your" and "you're" but should catch plenty of other spelling mistakes.
Anyway, to get back on-topic: possibly a patronising question for someone as keen as you sound, but have you seen the latest designs for AT or telemark boots? They are getting pretty amazing nowadays as far as stiffness-per-weight goes and have good walk-modes. You might be able to take some ideas from them. They probably aren't much of an improvement as far as actually putting on / taking off goes though. This link's two years old, lord knows what's been designed since then:
http://www.tetonat.com/2010/01/21/more-at-boot-offerings-from-scarpagarmont/
My tele boots are a few years old but are amazingly comfy, not just because of the tele "bellows" at the front, but because of the walk mode and the proper Vibram sole:
http://www.wildernesssports.com.au/shop/itemimages/Garmont%20genesis.jpg
Random thought: apart from expense of construction, what's stopping alpine boots from having a "bellows" at the front, just for comfort when walking? Once you've locked your heels down, it couldn't compress anyway...
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Hmm 3rd year design student thinks he can reinvent the ski boot. TBH you'd be better coming up with something a little less ambitious unless you've got very high level knowledge of plastics, physics and bio-mechanics. Just my 2p.
If you can invent a step in exoskeleton boot/binding that enables a softer custom boot to step out without any decrease in performance then you might be on to a winner though.
Why not just invent a better ski carrying handle or something?
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You know it makes sense.
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| Alexvindis wrote: |
clarky999, I can appreciate that, but the words used is "Learn to spell" is very direct, not watch your spelling or pointing out an error.
But thank you for your point I am baring it in mind..... |
Alex.... which bit are you baring? Are there any photographs of you baring it? Do you have a thesaurus? A phonetic Dictionary? Or do you rely on Word's Spellcheck?
As regards the survey................ Boots are fidly, always have been (save for the Salomon SX92 Equipe). Takes a while for heat moulded systems to conform to an individual's shape. Perhaps a survey on which type of foot suits which type (or make) of boot. Also asking questions regarding foot width, instep height, calf circumference, boot flex, buckle micro-adjustments, strap width, ski ability, type of skiing prefered, etc, etc.... 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Quote: |
...but for me personally and those who I go skiing that I know, its a problem:
too much bending down to adjust, tighten, loosen and getting the boot on or off. the boots are too heavy to walk very far without tiring, the boot becomes uncomfortable to ski at the end of day, new boots can be expensive, walking downstairs, upstairs or on bad surfaces is difficult with the boots on, etc......
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Not done the survey because these aren't (or rather shouldn't be) "problems" - For starters, most adjustments are done by merely reaching down when sat down... ie on a chairlift, in a bubble, in a restaurant. There's not much you can do about your feet and hands being in different places on your body and if you find yourself bending down all the time while standing, it's more likely an overall fit issue. Boot on/off, even with difficult boots, is just a process you get good at. And boots are designed for skiing not walking so no surprise that walking is a bit compromised. People are no good walking in snorkel & flippers either.
Alexvindis, I'd say you got a bit of light joshing, which is a sign they really like you. I think you should scrap this and redesign the ski helmet.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Survey done - but just a few thoughts...
It might be better to have a scale (e.g. 1-10) for comfort when walking, and ease of putiing on/off. I personally found the Yes/No a little restrictive.
i.e. my ski boots are not as comfortable as a pair of trainers for walking around, but I certainly wouldn't say they are uncomfortable.
Likewise for putting on/off - I still have to bend over for tying up trainers, zipping up my normal town-boots etc. It is harder and takes longer when putting on my ski boots, but I dont find it a chore, as I already know where the clips go etc, and like to know my feet are secure 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Alex judging by your intro-post and your excellent use of polysyllabic words your dyslexia is non-obstructive in your use of compound sentences, descriptive prose, and pleasant presentation.
Pointers............... check out Strolz ski boots, Raichle/Full Tilt, and particularly the history of Salomon ski boots.
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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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Alexvindis,
Good luck with your studies, I hope your project goes well. Survey completed.
Remember us when you have developed your boot range and you are a multimillionaire. Free boots to all snowheads (at least those that haven't dissed you)! 
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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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Alexvindis, done and best of luck with your research.
A few points
My boot liners smell really bad. Any solution for this would be great! The problem is that I end up skiing on dryslopes in warm weather and end up doing lots and lots of hiking. Ski boots I presume are not intended for summer weather.
My current boots are really easy to get on and off because they are the right shape for my foot. My old boots which were 2 full boot sizes larger were much much harder to get on and off. Boots should fit your feet like a firm handshake.
For the first few days ski boots can be very uncomfortable. But ski boots liners pack out over time and either the liner need replacing or its time for some new boots.
Lots of people have poor ankle/calf flexibility and this will affect how well they get on with ski boots. My dad struggles a lot with his boots.
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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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| Alexvindis wrote: |
clarky999, I can appreciate that, but the words used is "Learn to spell" is very direct, not watch your spelling or pointing out an error.
But thank you for your point I am bearing it in mind..... |
I have actually completed the survey for you, it was fine and pretty easy.
Proper spelling and grammar will make it look more professional, and personally I think it comes across as a bit lazy if the person asking you to complete a survey hasn't bothered to at least run a spell checker over it. I am pretty pedantic though.
I apparently have ski boot shaped feet because I've never had any real problems apart from a bit of ankle bruising on some rentals once.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Alexvindis, I agree with the others - overall very little is being found wrong with your survey - you are getting a very easy ride - try putting the word 'survey' into the search engine on the top Left hand screen and see the rough ride others have had.
Anyhow, I've also done the survey, good luck with it. I'd like boots that were easier to get my foot into when they are cold! I got crippled in a carpark this year when mine were cold one morning.
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Done.
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Alexvindis, done
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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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Alexvindis, Done
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Alexvindis, Done and good luck with your project.
I need new boots so am very willing to test prototypes
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Alexvindis, done
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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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I did your survey, by most standards of student surveys it was concise and a model of clarity, well done. Please post back with your resultant design so we can critique it A bit clue for you to think about is it isn't the weight of the boot when it's clipped in that's really an issue it's the weight/inflexibility when walking around that could be improved. This is peripheral at best (except for tourers/mountaineers) so needs to be achieved with no performance compromise.
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done,
still not quite sure what you are trying to design..... BTW it is very VERY expensive to make ski boots
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You know it makes sense.
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Done
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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fatbob, Hmm I answered basing the weight of my boots as I drag them around the airport....
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Poster: A snowHead
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ap96, actually the bellows will compress a bit, unless there is a shim under the sole in alpine bindings (or if that part of the boot is flat onto the binding at that point). Not sure it's that noticeable but they will for sure flex a bit
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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FAQ
