Boot Flex

I have a pair of Salomon X Wave 8 boots. I have heard the flex can be altered by cutting part of the cuff? Is this right? How else can the flex be altered?

Mutton,

All ski boots can have flex made "softer". This was discoverede by racers who wanted to "adapt" their ski boots.

I do not recommend that you do this since you are very near the "art" of ski modification.


If you take out linners. you will note that the ski boot shell is made of two sections. The lower section which is the lower part and the hinged part which makes up the cuff.

It is this section we will look at.

At the rear part of the cuff you will note that many boots have a center line with perhaps a notch.

Skiers wishing a more "flexible boot" woulf drill a small hole 10-15 cm. from top. Then cut a V from top to hole. The secret is in the angle of the V. Widder creates a more flexible forward feel ( anothe ski feel for Elliste) however it also "weakens" the boot as far as support.
That is why I do not suggest you do this yourself.

Most first time boot fitters go to much too fast!
All boots modifications must be do slowly and in increments!

Some rare boots have also an option at rear which allows "adjustments" for forward flex. They usually have three positions; soft....inter....hard!


Hope this helps you in your quest for a better ski feel!

Pavelski

Many thanks for your reply.

I note your advice re caution. I think I will have a go myself as I can't really use the boots at present and have nothing to lose.

Your detailed explanation is much appreciated.

Mutton,

May I suggestion another solution many skiers are not aware of as far as ski boot flex.

Before you do any "cutting" of the shell, put on boots and see how much FREE PLAY you have between leg at shin area and boot tongue. You should have no play! Boot tongue should fit cozy on shins. If you have play, ie you can insert two fingers between tongue and shins, then get some power straps at the upper section of boot. I know that your boots have a power strap already but if you look carefully many straps are too low on boot. You want the strap to be as high as possible on boot.

You probably are wondering with so high or why two power straps.

You want to transfer the slightest movement of the knee to the ski, thus free play at the boot cuff forces you to make MORE of a knee action to get same ski reaction. That is why ALL racers now wear power straps above the stock boot strap!

Try it!

Your skiing will improve!

Hope this helps you.

Cheers