Boot Choices

[Jim Callen]

I'm trying to decide what boots to get for next season. Any recommendations? I've been looking at UPS RCV Superlights and the Deeluxe AF700's. Anyone have any thoughts about these boots? I've currently got a pair of the SB 300 series, not quite sure which it is though. I need more stiffness in the boot though, my current boots just flex a little bit too much at the ankle.

[NateW]

The UPS boots are not currently available. I was planning to buy a set this spring so I was kind of bummed about that.

The Virus people are talking about selling a derivative of the UPS boot for next season... I don't know if or how this will affect Dan Yoja's importation of regular UPS boots (http://www.upsboots.com/) and I'm curious how this will play out.

I'm riding Raicle 324s now, had 124s for years, tried AF600s and went back to 324s. The main thing I didn't like about the AF boots was that I bought them a size too big. :-) There was also something quirky about the way the tongue and the shell came together near the toe. If I crouched low, the shell kinked in this area and the tongue kinda went under the shell a little bit. Everything always popped into place when I straightened up, though.

You might try asking about SB3XX race tongues in the Bomber classified section, I hear those will stiffen things up a bit.

[Jim Callen]

I think I do have a set of 324's, now that I think about it. I was under the impression that they didn't make tongues for the SB series, though. I have the 5 posiiton locking mechanism on my boots right now, and I think I have the same problem you did, only at the flex point on the ankle.

I've also been reading about these new virus boots coming out. I can't wait to see what they're all about.

Anyone every tried the AF700's?? I'm really curious as to how the spring mechanism in the back works.

[bobdea]

I think the shell if too soft I prefer the burton fire but those are out of production so no more of those
my bootfitter does not like the deeluxe boots either says the shell meterial is somthing you would see on a rental boot
the springs do not work properly all the time and so on
BUT I still think the fit on a thermoflex liner is the **** super comfy once its molded
the older models of the raichle/deeluxe boots SB series (who knows what they call them now) totaly sucked the damn cants would slip and strip
both models have cheesy heel and toe pads
the toe pads bother me the most at 255 lbs afterr about ten days they compress and with intec it makes for some boot slop
its late and I am tired so this comes out worse than it really is though

[NateW]

Originally posted by Jim Callen
I think I do have a set of 324's, now that I think about it. I was under the impression that they didn't make tongues for the SB series, though.

You're half right... They DID make race tongues for the SB series, back before they introduced the AFs. Now they only make race tongues for the AF series. So, the buy/sell/trade forum is your best bet if you want to try a set. There's no guarantees of course, but I suspect you'll be able to find some.

[Tim Tuthill]

Jim: You can get Burton Fires from Chris Klug. They are outstanding. Intec compatable for stepins. Go to links clik on Chris and away you go. I belive he is liqudating Alpine for burton. If you have a narrow foot all the better. He was a great help. I rode them at mammoth last week, wonderbar!!! I tried the R -af6oo too wide. The buckles on the Fires are much better. I know that they are running low on some sizes, so get on it.

[Jim Callen]

I've read a lot of mixed reviews about the Fire's. Heard stories of people cracking them. Also, I saw that there were some Burton Wind boots left. what's the deal with them? Are they similar to the fire?

[Tim Tuthill]

Don't Know. I think you should ask Chris. I have been on my Reactors for 5 years, I take care of my equipment. The reason that I changed is for stepins. All I know is that they may be gone. I'm thinking of another pair to back up. They fit the best that I have ever had in any boot. Been skiing since 59. I'm 61, don't know how lucky I will be to keep doing this for how long?? Good luck!!

[Randy S.]

I had a very similar experience to Nate W. Except even when I went back to the 423s I still had problems with the Burtons. My old 124s fit fine, but neither the AF600s nor the 423s fit exactly right. Plus I had problems with the overlap on both. That said, I know plenty of people who are happy with both boots. I ended up getting the UPS RSV Machs last season. I now have over 90 days on them and they are dying. I plan to replace them with Heads in the fall. A local bootfitter in Tahoe is going to stock them and I'm looking forward to supporting a shop with the guts to stock alpine gear. Plus the guys there really like the construction of the heads. The UPS boots have been good, but disappointing on a couple of minor fronts.

I don't like the walk/ride mechanism. It doesn't like to stay in walk mode which is a problem both in powder where I want it in walk mode, and in the parking lot where its a pain when it pops up. The other beef I have is with the front sole piece. The screws aren't recessed. So within weeks of getting them, I'd worn the x's off the screws so they'll never come out without drilling. Plus since the screws stick out a bit, they are slippery on hard surfaces. Also, the screws scratch up my TD2s a bit, but that's cosmetic. The last beef I had was that the buckles on my rear foot rub against eachother so I had to replace one recently (not bad after 90 days I suppose). The good news is that with the Raichle thermoflex liners in them, they fit me great. It helps that I had footbeds made at Surefoot and they custom fit the boots as well (added some padding around the ankle/shin). All in all, I like the UPS boots and think they are better for me than the Raichle/DeeLuxe. I'm looking forward to getting the Heads in the fall though.

My suggestion would be to see if Dan Yoja is going to get the Virus/UPS boots for next season. Try on a pair of those plus the Heads and Raichle and decide then which you like best.

[lonerider]

Originally posted by Randy S.
I had a very similar experience to Nate W. Except even when I went back to the 423s I still had problems with the Burtons. My old 124s fit fine, but neither the AF600s nor the 423s fit exactly right. Plus I had problems with the overlap on both. That said, I know plenty of people who are happy with both boots. I ended up getting the UPS RSV Machs last season. I now have over 90 days on them and they are dying. I plan to replace them with Heads in the fall. A local bootfitter in Tahoe is going to stock them and I'm looking forward to supporting a shop with the guts to stock alpine gear. Plus the guys there really like the construction of the heads. The UPS boots have been good, but disappointing on a couple of minor fronts.

I don't like the walk/ride mechanism. It doesn't like to stay in walk mode which is a problem both in powder where I want it in walk mode, and in the parking lot where its a pain when it pops up. The other beef I have is with the front sole piece. The screws aren't recessed. So within weeks of getting them, I'd worn the x's off the screws so they'll never come out without drilling. Plus since the screws stick out a bit, they are slippery on hard surfaces. Also, the screws scratch up my TD2s a bit, but that's cosmetic. The last beef I had was that the buckles on my rear foot rub against eachother so I had to replace one recently (not bad after 90 days I suppose). The good news is that with the Raichle thermoflex liners in them, they fit me great. It helps that I had footbeds made at Surefoot and they custom fit the boots as well (added some padding around the ankle/shin). All in all, I like the UPS boots and think they are better for me than the Raichle/DeeLuxe. I'm looking forward to getting the Heads in the fall though.

My suggestion would be to see if Dan Yoja is going to get the Virus/UPS boots for next season. Try on a pair of those plus the Heads and Raichle and decide then which you like best.

Hey Randy, I'm thinking about getting the HEAD boots from Surefoot as well so I can get them fitted. Is the fitting fee included if you buy the boot? Or do I also need to get the custom footbeds? How much are they? I have a oddly shaped foot and bowlegged so I think it might be worth it to have an expert look at my stance and stuff.

[Art]

Jim, I just got the Head Stratos from BOL but I have not ridden them yet. As far as I can tell the quality seems excellent. I plan to ride them this month un-molded with the stock liners (wont get em molded till june). I had ridden a pair of Raichle 124's with thermos for countless days untill they finally started to come apart this spring. They were about 9 years old w/o any problems if thats any indicator of quality. I tried a pair of the AF 600s last year but they were a little big both inside and out (the soles were longer so my riding angles suffered for it. The only beef I might have with the Heads is the forward lean adjustment. They are a spring type adjuster and you need to use a flat screw driver or special tool (included) to adjust both flex and forward lean so its not as easy as the Raichle's. That said, I dont mess with my boots once I find the right set up. They also have a walk/float lever similar to the Raichles on the rear of the boot. All of the buckles are metal but I have heard one complaint of the tension springs breaking after one season (he loosened the boots each run)..So far they pass the living room test even un molded. The liners have 2 booster type straps (one on the liner, one on the boot) so the fit is really positive. They are taller in the calf than my old boots too. Thats about all I can think of, I can let you know how they were after the 15th. Cheers Art:D

[Ghostrider]

I got a pair of Head stratos boots in February and had a chance to ride them for a month or so. I switched to them from a Burton and I love them!!! A few of the US riders pointed me to them and they were right!
the included interchangable tounge and 2 softnesses of heel and toe pieces are great and really help to soften or stiffen stuff up. The liners have great warmth although I didnt get to ride them in extreme cold. I didnt seem to have a problem with the lockout/walk mechanism at all. It could use one more click on the forward lean, but the lockout was strong.
I really like the metal buckles that the deelux/raichle boots dont offer. However, one weak point that I will keep my eyes on is that the outer toe insert is screwed into place with wood screws. I may replace that with a blind nut and a machine screw since that area was a major weakness of the burtons and ended up being the reason they were replaced halfway through the season when it fell off and no longer could be secured in the binding.
Anyway..they seem to be a great improvement/replacement for burtons spot in the industry...not to mention that with a sales slogan of "I ::heart:: Head." how can a guy go wrong?!

[Art]

Ghostrider, what is the "outer toe insert" that you are talking about? I forgot to mention the extra pieces that are included wit hthe boots, although Mine were missing an extra toe (sole) piece.

[Randy S.]

Lonerider (that's Arvin, right?),

Elite Feet at Squaw Creek is going to have the Heads. I'm almost positive that when you buy boots from them it includes custom fitting for the life of the boot. They'll probably want to sell you a custom footbed, and you'll probably want them with your legs anyway. I've heard good things about them and it can't hurt that one of the bootfitters is a carver.

[knoch]

i think i'll stick with my good old cheap ski boots, that way i can switch back and forth whenever i feel like it, can't get any snowboard specific boots good to ski in, what a bummer.

[NateW]

Has anyone tried skiing in the UPS boots with the DIN soles? Seems to me that a reasonably stiff carving boot would be an unreasonably soft ski boot, so I'm curious if anyone has actually tried it.

[LeeW]

In the old format, some guy said it was a bit too soft to be a ski boots, so he ejected the dial and replaced it with nut and bolt. Works alot better and got stiff enuf to ski with.

[knoch]

What boots are these now?

[Randy S.]

I wouldn't ski in my UPS boots, even if I could get the screws out to swap heel/toe pieces. They are way too soft for my skiing style (which is similar to my boarding style - fast). I did buy a pair of approach skis this season and used those with my snowboard boots on a ridge-top. That worked fine, but those approach skis are so short that its difficult to ski on them for very long.

[Ghostrider]

sorry...i meant the toe sole piece..haha..got a little carried away with my creative lingo.

[knoch]

you guys are fricken mericle workers, that last post was a new thread earlier hahaha, but yeah i want some boots that work for both, that are more specific for snowboarding though, help me out here...

[Zcarver]

Originally posted by Tim Tuthill
Been skiing since 59. I'm 61, don't know how lucky I will be to keep doing this for how long?? Good luck!!


It is good to see guys that are over 58 and rockin'! Keep it going Tim! "You're never old until you say you are!" A saying that my father once told me.