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New Boots Required

New Boots Required

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Started by Brucie in Ski Hardware - 6 Replies

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Brucie posted Dec-2013

Seem to have worn out the inners of my current Fischer Soma tec Racing boots. They've probably seen about 50 weeks skiing in last 7 years so don't owe me anything. I'm an aggressive instructor level skier and am currently skiing Fischer Watea 84's, 176cm.
Any gurus out there suggest a boot that would suit me? I would be looking for at least 110 flex.
Like the look of the Head Challenger 120's, anyone tried them?
Thanks in advance folks.
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"

Pavelski
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Dec-2013

Brucie,
I had the Head's for two years.
I just got the Salomon Xmax 120.
Hesitated getting the 120s,,but I must tell you how satisfied I am.
First I have two different size feet. One needs serious modifications.
The heat molding process did 90% of work.
Then I did my own inner liner work.
Like slippers.

That 120 flex index? Well they are softer front flex than my Heads 100 flex. Yet lateral rigidity is amazing.

I recommend these boots to any serious skier.
PS
get orthotic soles also.

SwingBeep
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Dec-2013

The Fischer Soma RC4 World Cup Pro 98 110 was built around a 98mm last and the RC4 Competition 110 around a 99mm last, both had low insteps and narrow heels. The Head Challenger 120 is a variable width 101-103mm, high volume boot. If the Fischer worked and you like the abducted stance why not get the RC4 110 vacuum, I'm pretty sure it's made in the same molds as the previous models. Falling that you should see a boot fitter as it's so easy to get fitted up with a boot that's the wrong size and shape for your feet.

The stated flex index just means that the boot is stiffer / softer than the next one in any manufacturers range. There is no standardised method for measuring it and the flex given is for one size, with the buckles set on one setting at a specific temperature. If you get a boot that's too big it will likely feel stiffer than one with the same index in the right size as you won't be able to flex it properly. A boot cuff that has to be tightened to the last notch will be stiffer than one that's on the first notch.

Trencher
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Dec-2013

FWIW, just to give you an idea of how the abucted stance thing has worked out for me. I've had a couple of pairs of Fischer race boots. One pair was of the vintage you have (I think), and one pair was the next model. When I went to Llange boots last season, I needed to post my footbeds to compensate for the lack of abduction in the boot, but the heel ended up being just too wide for me. This season I'm using Nordica 130 WC boots, and need less cant in the posting. I'm a discovery learner, so the Llange boots and the ankle hot spot were just par for the course with my learning style.

I found the flex of both Fischer race boots to be "comparatively" soft for the quoted 120, or maybe they didn't have a definitive stopping point to the flex. keep in mind, the newer camber/tip,tail rocker skis seem to respond better with a softer boot, and overpowered with a stiffer boot.
because I'm so inclined .....

Edited 1 time. Last update at 31-Dec-2013

Brucie
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Dec-2013

Thanks for the input folks. Will take it all on board. Off skiing in the old boots for the day, and if time permits, will have a look in the shops later.
I had actually researched the boots each of you have suggested, so we must be on the right lines!
Will let you know how my search goes.

Thanks again.
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"

Brucie
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Jan-2014

Decided to go with the Head challenger and after 3 days in them they are feeling really good. Power transfer through boot feels good and comfort fine.
Delighted so far and would recommend the Head Challenger to any serious aggressive skiers.
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"

Brucie
reply to 'New Boots Required'
posted Jan-2014

Even better today!
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"

Topic last updated on 11-January-2014 at 22:03