Boot FAQ
What boot is right for my application?
Raichle vs Deeluxe: What's the story?
Frequently Asked Questions about Snowboard Hard Boots are below:
NOTE: This information is based on our experience and the information we get from our customers. We have been fitting boots for approximately 6 years in our office using these methods, and they have worked very well. We are not experts! If you would like expert advice, please see a professional boot fitter. We only have experience, and a liner-molding oven.
Comparison Chart of boots
1.How do Moldable
Liners work?
Moldable Liners work with a technologically
advanced foam that softens when you heat it. When heated properly
and then cooled, the liner will then take the shape of whatever it
was cooled around. Usually this consists of your foot and the boot
you will be using the liner in. More Info...
2. Which boots come
with Moldable liners?
The Track 700, Track
325T, Track 225T all come
with Moldable liners. Stratus Pro comes
with a partially moldable liner.
3. What are the major
differences in boots?
This is a big one. Remember, there is no "best boot". Each
boot was designed for a specific purpose.
In the Deeluxe line, you have 2 different types of boots. The AF (or Asymmetrical Flex) and the SB (standard Snowboard Boot). The traditional boot that most companies have been running for years is the SB type. The biggest difference is the flex. The SB boot will flex forward and back, like a ski boot. The AF boot has a built-in cant, so it will have an Asymmetrical flex. The boot will appear to flex a bit off-kilter. However, Deeluxe believes that since this is the way you are flexing when on a board (towards the inside of the board) they went ahead and built it in to the boot. For some people, it is fantastic and for others it is not. In our experience, people who buy the AF series boot likes it, and people who buy the SB boot are also content. It is, bottom line, personal preference. To our knowledge, Deeluxe is the only company that makes an Asymmetrical Flex boot.
The other difference is stiffness. In the boots that we sell, the order goes: SB 413(discontinued) , Track 225T, Suzuka (discontinued), Head, Track 325T, Indy (discontinued) , Track 700T (softest to hardest). If you want to ride the park, and don't want a stiff boot, than the Track 700T is not for you (even though it is the most expensive). If you are a racer and don't have a lot of money, we still would not recommend the SB413 because you will collapse it (unless you weigh less than 100 pounds). The plastic is actually stiffer or softer on these boots, which in turn makes them flex stiffer or softer.
Another difference is liners. The Track 700T, Track 325T and Track 225T come with a fully moldable Thermo Flex liner. The Head Stratus Pro comes with a moldable liner only in the base (foot part) of the boot. This makes a huge difference in fit, comfort, and warmth.
If you still have questions, please email us.
4. I hear about Raichle
boots all the time. Are they still in business?
Please go here for more information.
5. How do I get replacement
parts for my boots?
Replacement parts can be purchased here.
6.Does having a 5
position forward lean make a big difference?
For some people, yes, and for others, no. The benefit of the 5 position
forward lean is being able to lock the boot in a range of positions,
not only one like the Single position forward lean adjuster. Most
riders want to use a different position than the third position that
the Single gives you, so the 5 position adjuster is helpful. However,
beginners and backcountry riders may only use one position, so to
them it may not make a difference.
7.How do I determine
size for my boots?
See the Sizing Chart for more information.
8.What is the weight
of the boots?
For shipping purposes, the boots weigh approximately 14 pounds per
pair.
9.What bindings do
these boots work with?
These boots will work with any DIN standard binding. You will have
to check with the binding manufacturer to see if the bindings are
DIN standard or not. All the boots on our web site are Intec compatible,
so if the Step In binding of choice uses the Intec system, you can
use the boot with that particular binding. All of these boots are
compatible with the TD2 Step
in and Standard.
10.I'm not a racer,
but I weigh 250 pounds and ride aggressively. Which boot do you recommend?
If you are looking for the stiffer boot, I would suggest the Track
700T. With your weight and strength you will be able to compress
that boot with no problem. If you want something a bit softer, try
either the Track 325T or the
Head Stratus Pro. However, if you are aggressive with that much
weight and decide to go with the softer boot, we are not responsible
for any problems the boot may encounter.
11.Are the Deeluxe
AF and SB boot parts interchangeable?
No. The manufacturer has made these parts specific to each model boot.
12. I wanted to see
how the boots would work on snow, but now I don't like them. Can I
return them?
Unfortunately, we can't sell boots that have already been used. Once
you use the boots (liners molded or unmolded), they are yours. If
you have this problem, you can always try selling them on our classified
section here.
See our return policy here.
13. My boots don't
fit. Should I send them back?
NO! Please read the information
about determining the correct size, as
well as our Return Policy.
14. Which boots are
most comfortable?
Bottom line is: If it has a moldable liner, it will be comfortable!
No boots in the Deeluxe liner is less or more comfortable than the
other. The whole point of a moldable liner is it molds to YOUR foot
as well as to the shell of the boot.
15. What happened
to the Lemans Boot? And what is the Track?
Deeluxe decided to upgrade the long-time favorite, the SB design.
In doing so, they have discontinued the Lemans boots to make room
for the Track 325 and 225, and the Indy and Suzuka boots for the Track
700T. The new TRACK line is the result of a development supporting
the new riding culture. A new closing system takes into consideration
racing sport demands as well as customer requests for functionality
and user-friendliness.
The Track 325 boot is made of the same density plastic as the Indy and Track 700T boot, so it is a stiffer flex than the 225. However, these boots will always feel stiffer because of the Asymmetrical design. The 225 is made of the same density plastic as the Suzuka (as was the Lemans), but the Suzuka boot will feel stiffer than the 225 because of the Asymmetrical design.
16. Where do I find
the Size on my boots? Is it the number on the outside?
The size on your boots is written down in the sole part of the boot,
where your foot goes. It is NOT the size written on the cuff of the
boot (think about it, how can a boot fit a range of sizes? It's not
possible). The size should say something like 25 - 25.9, 26 - 26.9
etc. and you may have to use a flashlight to see it.
The number on the outside of the boot has to do with the sole length
of the boot, and not the size that we use in ordering or in replacing
liners. It has more to do with fitting in certain bindings, and is
a number you don't really have to worry about.
If you have questions that are not answered here, please email us.

