Best Boot for Newbie Carver

[TriRunner]

Hey all, after four years of freeriding, I am finally going to take the plunge and purchase my first set-up. I am of the belief that one should make their purchase of boots, bindings, and board in that order. What's the use of a great board if you can't control it while riding uncomfortable, improperly fit boots.

I am a size 11 (Mondo 29?). I would like something, I assume on the flexible side, as I am starting out. Would the Raichle SB 413's be a good first choice? I would like something that I won't necessarily grow out of too fast. Would upgrading to Thermo Flex liners be a sound investment? Welcome to all thoughts.

This is such a fantastic site. I have been lurking for quite some time and am amazed by the wealth of knowledge on this board.

Scott

[Carp]

I think the 413 is a good starter boot and definitely would invest in thermoflex liners (w/any boot). My only concern with the 413 is if you are a heavier guy that rides hard. It is very flexible and might not allow a lot of room for growth from a skill perspective.

Welcome to the great feeling of carving.

[Randy S.]

Where in Norcal are you? If you ride in tahoe, check out TahoeCarvers (http://www.tahoecarvers.com).

Any of the current boots would probably be fine for you. Fit is more important than stiffness, IMO. 413s are probably fine. If you have a wider foot, you might look at the Head or UPZ boots.

Welcome to the wonderful world of carving.

[TriRunner]

Thanks for the quick replies all. I am 5'-10" 175 lbs, relatively narrow foot. Would I be able to get away with softer boots for a while if I invest in a solid binding ala Bomber or Catek? I guess I'm debating whether the 413's are best for someone like myself or would I be better off upgrading to something higher end from the get go.

Thanks for the TahoeCarvers reference. I reside in Fairfield and regularly ride at Northstar.

Scott

[Gecko]

I'm 6-1 about 180 and have a narrow foot, I ride a 175RC with Catek Olympic standards and 413's...it's an awesome setup that I haven't even begun to exploit. I would go the route of stiff bindings (TD's Oly's) and 413's as for a board I lucked into the RC but in truth any carving/GS board should work fine with that control interface

[Carve234]

Tri Runner-
I have a pair of SB413's (size 30) that I'm looking to sell. Rode the shells one time, but I used some of my own liners, so the liners are still untouched. I found them to be a little soft for my liking, but then I am used to riding with some fairly stiff ski boots. In my personal opinion, I think you would be better off starting soft and working your way up to a harder boot. I say this for a couple of reasons- a softer boot is alot more forgiving, which will probably make learning easier, and I know of at least a couple fairly good carvers who prefer softer boots, so you might end up staying with them. Just my two cents...

Drop me an email if you have any interest in the boots. I paid $150 for them, and I just want to get my investment back.

-Jim

[TriRunner]

Thank you all for the replies thus far. I am starting to doubt that the Raichles may be the best boot for me. Although I have relatively narrow feet, I have fairly large toes and I wonder if the toe box area of the Raichles would be sufficient. I have read quite a few posts recommending the Head's. My current softboots are Salomon Dialogues and I find them fairly conformtable.

Don't know if there are any runners out there, but I kind of liken it to the fit of Saucony shoes. They are my standard, due to room in the forefoot.

Does anybody possibly know if I can find Head Snowboard boots in either the Bay Area or Tahoe? This is one area I think I want to buy new and have it properly fitted.

Thanks again.

[Randy S.]

Elite Feet at the Resort at Squaw Creek had them earlier in the season, but they sold out. They may have a few pairs at a place in Reno (do a search here and on Tahoecarvers for "head reno" and you'll find the post with the name of the place. Call first. Mine will be too small for you or I'd let you try them on. You might call Elite Feet to see if they were able to scare up some more pairs (I doubt it, but it wouldnt' hurt to call). Talk with Christian or Brian. You could also ask them if the Stratos boots fit similarly to any other Head boots. They might have some you could try on to determine size and then order the right size from Bomber.

If they don't have them, Bomber is pretty flexible on their boot returns. I'm pretty sure you can buy two pair and return the ones that don't fit. Call Michelle and ask her.

[Randy S.]

Elite Feet at the Resort at Squaw Creek had them earlier in the season, but they sold out. They may have a few pairs at a place in Reno (do a search here and on Tahoecarvers for "head reno" and you'll find the post with the name of the place. Call first. Mine will be too small for you or I'd let you try them on. You might call Elite Feet to see if they were able to scare up some more pairs (I doubt it, but it wouldnt' hurt to call). Talk with Christian or Brian. You could also ask them if the Stratos boots fit similarly to any other Head boots. They might have some you could try on to determine size and then order the right size from Bomber.

If they don't have them, Bomber is pretty flexible on their boot returns. I'm pretty sure you can buy two pair and return the ones that don't fit. Call Michelle and ask her.