Boot advice for a newbie.

[metrix4211]

Hi everyone. Got bit by the alpine bug and I cant wait to get started. I bought and old SIMS MFR (impulse buy) as my starter board. Some of you are probobly laughing but we all have to start somewhere :). Anyway, I was thinking of buying an Deeluxe Lemans. I'm not interested in racing at all, just the pure enjoyment of the perfect carve that I've heard so much about. Anyway, the Lemans that im looking at does not have a heat moldable liner, just the standard. Should i get it or spend the extra bucks and get and suzuka? By the way, I'm 5'4, 155 lbs

[vapor]

Youcould always buy heat moldable liners after the fact, very much worth the extra dollars. i'd go with the suzukas

[metrix4211]

thanks vapor. Anybody use stock liner that are not moldable?

[carvedog]

I have gone through about 10 pairs of boots in the last 20 years, at least half were new and I haven't found a stock liner that I would even take one run in.

Maybe they exist and I haven't ridden the ones you mention. ( Being old school mostly Burtons 8 pairs and a couple of pairs of Raichles. So take it FWIW.

Even if you do find a stock liner that you can tolerate, it will not fit as good as the molded ones. Annnnndddd if you are committed to the addiction of the carve, your quest will start with the best fitting boots you can get.

Everything else will follow from there.

God Luck.

(that started as a typo, but as I looked at it, that works too)

[b0ardski]

I've done a lot of boot fitting in SB & ski boots over 20+ yrs of snowbumming. I've found skiboots that fit me without issues, but never come across SB boots that did not require some tinkering to prevent heel lift or pressure on my boney ankles. snowboarding naturally has more ankle movement than skiing.
If your liners seem to fit well they'll do the job for now, but as they break in you may notice more hot spots or slop in the heel, this can be addressed with boot fitting pads or material removal but thats just a bandaid. The cure is moldable liners.

[metrix4211]

So i finally got my self sized by the local ski shop and it turns out I'm a mondo 24. I found a brand new Deeluxe Indy and a Head Stratus pro for about the same price, both on sale. I know these are very stiff boots which may not be appropriate for a newbie. Id love to find a suzuka but I cant find any within my budget. The first two are already $100 more than what i wanted to spend. OUCH!

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

So i finally got my self sized by the local ski shop and it turns out I'm a mondo 24. I found a brand new Deeluxe Indy and a Head Stratus pro for about the same price, both on sale. I know these are very stiff boots which may not be appropriate for a newbie. Id love to find a suzuka but I cant find any within my budget. The first two are already $100 more than what i wanted to spend. OUCH!

Hang tough Allan, they are out there, If you happen upon some of the older SB series I would not hesitate to use them. Check out the details at Carver'sAlmanac (http://www.alpinecarving.com/). I would not recommend stiffer boots to start with. BTS will help if you do end up with the stiffer boots, still better to find a more appropriate flex. Bryan

Caution: There are some of the real old boots that will not accept the Intec / Fintec heels. Eventually you may want to use those. Did you hook up with Bola and the local crew there yet? You are one lucky Dude!!

[metrix4211]

Thanks brian. Actually i've been talking to scott from carvers almanac and he's also been very helpful and generous with his time like yourself. However, his advice is to go to a stiffer boot to force proper technique. Haven't contacted Bola yet. Do you recommend I give his shop a call and talk to him directly?

[two_ravens]

So i finally got my self sized by the local ski shop and it turns out I'm a mondo 24. I found a brand new Deeluxe Indy and a Head Stratus pro for about the same price, both on sale. I know these are very stiff boots which may not be appropriate for a newbie. Id love to find a suzuka but I cant find any within my budget. The first two are already $100 more than what i wanted to spend. OUCH!


I've got a nice nearly new pair of mondo 24 Raichles (Intec/Fintec compatible, 4 buckle - simlilar to the Track 225's) at home that I can't use. They have been used about 6 times that I know of. Regular liners (not the thermo-flex.) I paid $150 + shipping for them, but could part with them for less than that. How does $100 shipped sound? Thermo liners and a BTS kit would turn them into super boots for you! :) If you're interested pm me thru bomber or email me at two_ravens_ at hotmail dot com.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Thanks brian. Actually i've been talking to scott from carvers almanac and he's also been very helpful and generous with his time like yourself. However, his advice is to go to a stiffer boot to force proper technique. Haven't contacted Bola yet. Do you recommend I give his shop a call and talk to him directly? I would go directly to the shop and speak directly to Bola, understanding this is his busy time of year. He is wise and will be able to help you a great deal in person if time allows. You spell my name wrong one more time and I am not going to be so generous :eek::eplus2::biggthump;)

You have no idea how much fun you are headed for!! Enjoy!!

BRYAN

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Thanks brian. Actually i've been talking to scott from carvers almanac and he's also been very helpful and generous with his time like yourself. However, his advice is to go to a stiffer boot to force proper technique. Haven't contacted Bola yet. Do you recommend I give his shop a call and talk to him directly?


Scott has a point. YOU have to decide if that matches your style of learning. If it does, I hope I don't end up in your ICU!!! Know what I mean Vern?

Enjoy!! BRYAN

[metrix4211]

Thanks BRYAN. I think I'll go over to Boulder as soon as I can and talk to bola. I know, I cant wait to get on the snow

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Allen, Yep. I sense your enthusiasm and you are on the right track. BOL will definitely open the flood gates to both information and friendships. I am jealous of your position. You are literally sounded by Alpine Genious. Well, except for Thor, but he only slobbers like that when the sun is out and grooming machine drive by. Once he get on the run the ticks and the shaking stops. ;)

Keep us up to date on your progress!!

PHOTOS!!!


Bryan

[two_ravens]

Not to zap my potential sale or anything :smashfrea but did you notice that Fin has a super closeout deal on the Deeluxe Indy in your size?!?! :biggthump Thermo flex liners, spring loaded forward lean.... Click on Deeluxe boots (it doesn't come up if you click on "all boots") and check it out. Just sayin'......

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Not to zap my potential sale or anything :smashfrea but did you notice that Fin has a super closeout deal on the Deeluxe Indy in your size?!?! :biggthump Thermo flex liners, spring loaded forward lean.... Click on Deeluxe boots (it doesn't come up if you click on "all boots") and check it out. Just sayin'......


Link? I don't see any listings in the boots closeouts?
Perhaps they just sold?

Good tip, with BTS he could adjust the flex to meet his needs.

Another example of the spirit of BOL members.

Enjoy!! Bryan

[jjfarbs]

I have the Le mans - they are great - nice and flexible - I have used the stock liner for about three years (100 snow days or so) and they now need replacing but they will certainly last quite along time, and I found them to be very comfortable, fit well and warm. I am about the same height and weight as you.

[Steve Prokopiw]

do not force proper technique! Even with custom liners,a stiff boot will cause pain and be unforgiving to the unitiated.I have to wonder what context the advice was given in , to believe that the stiffest boots would force a new carver to adopt proper technique.Ankle flex and the ability to flex ones ankles have plenty to do with a positive impact on skill development.Beware stiff boots;if you go that route get BTS springs installed and start with yellow(softest) or blue springs or a combo thereof and you will have boots that are high performance,yet more forgiving.My 2cents:)

[Mike T]

I agree with Steve Prokopiw. Start with something softer than the Head Stratos Pro or Deeluxe Indy.

Softer boots are easier to start out on for most, not just because they're "easier" but also because they are more forgiving of stance issues. Start with something on the flexy side; you will no doubt spend some time fiddling with your stance; when you get your stance dialed the boots may feel too soft and then you can upgrade to stiffer boots.

At least that's how it went for me.

[two_ravens]

Link? I don't see any listings in the boots closeouts?
Perhaps they just sold?

Good tip, with BTS he could adjust the flex to meet his needs.

Another example of the spirit of BOL members.

Enjoy!! Bryan

You're right, it doesn't show up in "Closeouts" - you have to click on "Deeluxe" in the boots section and it shows up mixed in with all the other Deeluxe boots. They don't have the BTS, but come with some other spring loaded device installed - not sure how it compares to the super silky feel of the BTS. :1luvu: Still there one minute ago, only size left is mondo 24.......

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

You're right, it doesn't show up in "Closeouts" - you have to click on "Deeluxe" in the boots section and it shows up mixed in with all the other Deeluxe boots. They don't have the BTS, but come with some other spring loaded device installed - not sure how it compares to the super silky feel of the BTS. :1luvu: Still there one minute ago, only size left is mondo 24.......



Here is the direct LINK (http://www.bomberonline.com/store/boots/deeluxe_indy_04_05.cfm)345$

The "RAB" is good, but doesn't compare to the BTS for sure.

Good call.

The deal on the M30 Suzuka Demos for 150$ is a good deal too!!

[metrix4211]

Thanks two raven. It's very classy of you to point out the sale even though you're trying to sell something.

[metrix4211]

Hey bryan. Youre right I'm very enthusiastic about trying out carving. Unfortunately, i'm also getting very inpatient and just dying to try it out :(. Anyway, where did you see the suzuka demos for $150. Seems like the only thing i see right now are the indys and stratus pro on sale.

[inkaholic]

Go see Bola at All Boards Sports in Boulder then schedule a session with Larry's Boot Fitting, also in Boulder, to get it all set up correctly. Even if you don't get boots from Bola, go to Larry with whatever you end up with for finishing touches.

Ink

[metrix4211]

Thanks Inkaholic. I definitely will. Thanks everyone for the valuable advice. Seems like the consensus right now is a softer boot. What about the Indy with BTS? I know this will cost me even more money but will it be helpful for me in the beginning and in the long run. Its funny, my boots will cost about 4x more than my board (Sims MFR) :smashfrea

[KingCrimson]

I don't know how the shell stiffness affects BTS, but I'd imagine that the smallest amount of shell flex makes BTS the most effective, in the same sense that a full suspension mountain bike performs best with a stiff frame. If this holds any ground, the Indy/Track 700 would be an excellent choice if you're going to use BTS.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Hey bryan. Youre right I'm very enthusiastic about trying out carving. Unfortunately, i'm also getting very inpatient and just dying to try it out :(. Anyway, where did you see the suzuka demos for $150. Seems like the only thing i see right now are the indys and stratus pro on sale.


They are size M30, (size 12 men's) so they are not for you (http://www.bomberonline.com/store/boots/deeluxe_susuka_04_05.cfm).

I did find a really nice pair of SB413s that are close to your size, I need to look inside the shell to verify the size. They have conformable liners too!!
They would be the SH!T if they are the right size.
I will call you in a bit.

Bryan

[Jim Callen]

Metrix man, you need to get yourself out here for the SES.

It will help your riding a ton.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Allan, found the size M24 413s and some Burton race plates for you.
With intuition liners, I'll mount some 5 position lean adjusters instead of the 2 position and you should be good to go.

Photos on the way.

Bryan

[metrix4211]

Thanks Bryan! Cant wait to see the pics. Let me know a good time to contact you tomorrow.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Sent 4 photos to your email. With the Grand total.

I think this is a great set up that will allow the flex you need, custom fit and solid connection.

Bryan

The boot shells look like new, hardly a scratch on them. Bindings have two sets of elastomers and area some
of the best Race Plates in the series.

[Petrol]

Sent 4 photos to your email. With the Grand total.

I think this is a great set up that will allow the flex you need, custom fit and solid connection.

Bryan

The boot shells look like new, hardly a scratch on them. Bindings have two sets of elastomers and area some
of the best Race Plates in the series.
:1luvu::1luvu::1luvu:

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Shipped today!! Enjoy!!

[Buell]

I think this is a great set up that will allow the flex you need, custom fit and solid connection.


That is a great place to start for a lightweight new carver on a budget. Try to get some yellow spring BTS for the boots as soon as possible.

Zoom and myself are both light weight riders and we have found that if others consider something stiff, it is usually too stiff for us. Heavier riders can get the flex they need out of equipment that just beats us up. Softer boots, softer bindings, BTS, and proper flexing boards have helped our riding immensely!

Enjoy, Buell

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Hi Buell and Rebecca!!

Agree!

Allan would have some BTS with yellow springs in the box if I could have found the springs, I either loaned or traded them to someone:(

I did change out the two position forward lean mechanism with a 5 position.
That will provide Allan a chance to tune the system a bit more. He will hopefully hook up with some locals that can help him "Dial" it in.

Hope your snow is DEEP!!

Bryan

[two_ravens]

Shipped today!! Enjoy!!

Dang, that's some quick service, oldsnowboards! :biggthump

Metrix4211, looks like you're set up! Enjoy! :D

[metrix4211]

I AM set up, two ravens! Cant wait to go for my first run! Thanks again bryan for setting me up with the right gear. Saved me not only tons of money, but frustration and headaches that comes along with being a newbie. Quick question though for zoom and buell or any lightweight riders out there. I understand the purpose of bts but how exactly does it "feel" or how does it affects ones riding if it is attached to a softer flexing boot?

[two_ravens]

I AM set up, two ravens! Cant wait to go for my first run! Thanks again bryan for setting me up with the right gear. Saved me not only tons of money, but frustration and headaches that comes along with being a newbie. Quick question though for zoom and buell or any lightweight riders out there. I understand the purpose of bts but how exactly does it "feel" or how does it affects ones riding if it is attached to a softer flexing boot?

Hmmm.... I'm thinking about this... I'm 126 lbs and after 20 years of kayaking, pretty much have the leg strength of soggy kleenex (I doubt you have that problem!) so without BTS it was difficult for me to get enough flex even in a soft boot. BTS really evened out the flex pattern so I don't have to lean on the boot a whole lot more or less at different points in the range of motion to keep the flex going. It just feels really silky and predictable the whole way. The boots seem to flex more without deforming as much (which makes them more comfortable) and I haven't had any shin bang since I got the BTS installed. I also have to say that the flex pattern of my boot seems less affected by temperature now. The boots are still a little stiffer when it's cold of course (I ride at below zero temps somewhat often) but not rock hard like before since now flex is not dependent solely on plastic deformation.

I can't really say exactly how my riding changed as a result of getting the BTS because I got them at SES last year at the same time that I took lessons and I got to ride with other hardbooters for only about the second or third time, so a whole bunch of things changed at once - all good! :)

So... you can certainly ride and learn and have fun without the BTS, but I felt it was a great investment. :biggthump

[Buell]

metrix, I have not ridden the 413 boots, but I have not found any hardboot to be that soft in forward flex for me. The BTS will offer you a tunable stiffness that increases as you bend the boot farther and compress the spring more. You can adjust the spring tension, or if needed, you can change to stiffer springs to get the flex that is right for your riding. I would start with yellow.

The hardboot flex without the BTS is based on the deformation of the boot and / or the tongue. The BTS will allow your boot to flex farther and smoother than the locked 5 position lean adjuster. That added flex really allows you to bend at the ankles which allows you to bend at the knees without getting your center of mass far beyond the edge of the board (it will help you carve better). Bent ankles and knees also really help absorb bumps and grooming imperfections making it much easier to run right over them.

Enjoy, Buell

Edit: Ha, two ravens beat me to it.

[two_ravens]

Edit: Ha, two ravens beat me to it.

Synchronized posting! :rolleyes: