Boots - Deeluxe VS Head VS UPS

[kiwanoron]

I just want to get a little more input from anyone who can help...I am looking at buying new boots for next season - just not sure of what to buy??? I looked at the Head - UPS - Deeluxe(Indy, Susuka, and the Lemans) I looked at the Gear Reviews but not too much posted under that section...I am leaning to toward the Head or the UPS boots. I want a boot that fits well with minimal problems and will last - I want the perfect boot - LOL :-)...Just looking for feedback to help me make my final decision...I am not racing at this point - just carving...Thanks in advance!!

~RON

[outsider]

UPS's shells are great, but the liners are a little weak (nothing a thermoflax cant fix). Also, they need a booster strap on the top, as they come without any strap.

[D-Sub]

keep in mind that UPS are not available new anymore unless you find a stash somewhere. the distro is completely out of them

[gdboytyler]

Ron,

I bought a (barely) used pair of Raichle 224's this season. They are similar to the Deeluxe Lemans. The boots had the thermoflex liners and the 5-position lean adjustment.

After I heat-formed the thermoflex liners, the boots are the most comfy snowboard boots I've owned.

I also modified the boots by replacing the 5-position lean adjustment with the RAB. I then replaced the stock RAB spring with a softer spring.

Now the boots have custom fitted liners and customized flex.

You have to be mighty lucky to get the perfect boot of the shelf. If you want the perfect boot, you'll need to put in some effort or extra money.

[Dave*]

One prob I have had with my UPS five buckles is the toe pieces as they wear will get to the screws holding them in place, making screw removal a bit of an issue.

The raichle deeluxe have much more recessed screw heads, so when heal n toe pad replacement time comes along its a bunch easier.

The UPS ankle pivot bolts are a bit weak as well.

Other than that the I have no complaints with the UPS, would probably stick with Raichle/deeluxe just for parts availability
if were to buy new boots in the future.

[Matt D]

I just finished my 1st season with my new Deeluxe Indy's and what a great boot they've been. The thermoflex liners are simply amazing. In combination with a pair of Superfeet insoles my Indy's are the best fitting, and most comfortable boots I've ever had, and thats including softboots.

I find the RAB mechanism to work well. I have the stiffer stock springs in and I find them to be very compatable with my weight and riding style (195lbs, Aggressive). The overall flex of the boot is great.

The only possible weakness I see, could be the buckles so I treat mine as gently as possible. I think you would enjoy them. The Suzuka is also very similar and quite popular with the only difference being a 5 position forward lean adjuster vs. RAB.

[gdboytyler]

Originally posted by spy45c
Hi gdboytyler,
Can you upload a couple of images of upgraded RAB spring system in your 224 boots? Can I get RAB parts from bomber and how much is it?

Thanks in advance!
Spy

Check out this link. It has videos and pictures. It should answer most of your questions on doing the mod, which is pretty easy.

RAB Mod (http://www.extremecarving.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732)

And yes, Bomber sells the RAB for $39/pair. It's not shown on the parts list, so email Bomber to request the part. When I bought my RAB from Bomber a few weeks ago, they them in stock.

[Randy S.]

I have the UPS boots. I had Raichles before, but the newer AF600's and SB423's just didn't work for me. I hated the ratchet buckles and I kept popping them open when I really flexed the boots. The UPS boots fit my wider foot better than the Raichles. Outsider above mentioned wearing out the toe pieces. There's no way I could get the toe screws out without drilling at this point. Also, the screws leave small scratches on my Bombers, but that's not a big deal. I also wore through a buckle on my rear foot recently (after probably 80-100 days on the boots). Yoja was out of buckles and I ended up jury-rigging something from the scrap pile at my bootfitters' shop. I used the Raichle Thermoflex liners out of my SB423s instead of the stock UPS liner. They've worked reasonably well but are near the end of their life.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy Heads next season. One of the local boot shops plans to stock them and I'm psyched to support any local shop that will stock Alpine gear (they also are thinking of selling Doneks and Bombers!). Also, the bootfitter there said he looked them over very carefully when fitting someone's and really liked the construction. His comment was that they are built much more like a high-end ski boot than Raichles or UPS boots. This means you have much more options for custom fitting them.

[jason_watkins]

Randy: mind passing along what shop that is? I'm very curious about the head boots... but I held and flexed pair of the Stratos Pro's recently and suspect I'll find them to stiff for my taste/weight. I'm hoping your shop guy might know something about the softer models or that I could put in an order with him.

[kiwanoron]

I just wanted to thank everyone...I am leaning toward the Head boots. I like the buckles on the heads(has anyone had problems with them) - I just need to try the boots on to know for sure...If anyone else has anything else to add I am all ears...


~RON

[Baka Dasai]

The buckles on the Heads have small springs in them that exert a small amount of closing force on the buckle. After a season or so those springs broke on most of the buckles of my pair. (Note - mine are a few years old, and the springs may have been upgraded in more recent models.)

That's not a major problem though - it just means that when the buckles are undone they tend to flop around and lose their "setting". 'Twas annoying for me 'cos I unbuckle for every lift ride.

I've read people here saying that the Raichle/Deeluxe buckles also lose their setting when unbuckled, but I haven't that problem with my Raichles.

[Randy S.]

Originally posted by jason_watkins
Randy: mind passing along what shop that is?

It is Elite Feet at Squaw Creek (Olympic Valley/Tahoe City). Brian is the guy to speak with. He's a carver. I don't have their number handy, but it shouldn't be hard to find. Area code 530.

[jason_watkins]

thanks