This episode covers all the aspects of ski boot flex. Different ways to alter and what you need to look for when selecting a flex of ski boot. patriotfootbeds.com Beat by The Passion Hifi - itunes.apple.com/au/artist/th...
u're by far the most knowledgeable dude on all things ski boots related! keep up posting great vids! just wanted to share my appreciation) I have fischer ranger pro 13 and it's got 2 bolts on the rear of the cuff. which one should I remove first (top or bottom) to soften the flex a little bit?
Wow such a great video with a very good explanation of flex, thanks for making it! Last year I bought and was recommended the nordica speedmachine 3 115 w. It skied very good compared to ‘all the way too big’ rental shoes I have had in the past.... I’m 169 cm and 55kg (22 years old), so not tall and heavy, that’s why I worried if the flex of them may be too high. I have been skiing once a week a year for 12 years now, so I would consider myself to be an intermediate (/ advanced) skier and like to have controle but ski fast. Doing the flex test I would consider the flex as good, but regarding to my body features I would say that it is something too high. Since I only have comparision to the way too big rental boots, I don’t know if it is probably something too stiff. Or do you think that is a boot with which I can make more progress over the years?
I think you will be ok and be able to progress with this boot at your level. It is a performance flex, but since this video was made, boots have gotten much better in the reactivity and progressiveness of the flex the boots offer. So if you are skiing confidently, this boot should be good.
Hi Liam, No I wouldn't recommend drilling out the side rivets. You would have a hard time piecing your boots back together or even finding an appropriate replacement. This is quite an old video that was demonstrating how to soften a race boot if needed. This is really not done as much these days. I would recommend other tactics or look to a different boot option. Cheers
Ah, a vid that actually shows how flex is supposed to be, instead of just explaining what it is! I saw you showed the Nordica Fire Arrow F3 in your video, do you know if there are easy possibilities to reduce the flex even more in these 3 piece boots? Cutting a "V" is not an option on this one. I had bought the F1 for a great price, since the fit was perfect, but theoretically the flex of "135" is way too high for me (160 lbs, 6', intermediate-advanced skier) and the 'bootfitter' didn't warn me about that. If I don't buckle them too strong, I can flex them easily over my toes (at room temp), but that's probably since my legs are fairly long in comparison to my foot size (27.5 boot) so I'll have to see how they ski. Just a bit afraid that they'll be too stiff in the end. (but I think they're not as stiff as a 135 race boot, aight?) The switch doesn't seem to do much neither, maybe reducing it from 135 to 130 or sth.
Hi Thomas, I wouldnt be too worried about the F1. Although it is the top of the range in that series, it is not as stiff as a 130 race boot. I would say closer to about a 110-120. And you are right that there is no way to reduce the flex of this boot. But if you put in a footbed, heat mold the liner and turn the switch, you will notice the boot being a bit more forgiving. Hope this helps and look forward to hearing your thoughts once you ski them. Good boot! Cheers Craig :)
Hi! Is it possible to make the flex harder with bolts on the back... let's say make a 100 flex boot into 110, 120with 1 or 2 bolts?! Or maybe it's not so simple, depends also on the material?!
When you show the boot flex tests with the knee over the toes and the knee too far over the toes what temperature should that be achieved at? Room/store temperature? Is it the case that if you have your knees far past your toes in the shop they will be good once the boot gets cold or not? Should you be able to flex your knees over your toes in -20 Celsius or -10, -5 etc? I managed to get boots that were too stiff twice in a row. First 130 Lange RS wide and then 120 Atomic Hawx Prime which they cut some of the back out of to make it less stiff. Need to be 3rd time lucky!
Hey, Yeah these tests I do at winter room temperature >10C. Its a gauge and yes they will stiffen up obviously as they get outside on the man in sub zero temps. Sorry to hear you have had challenges with this, it definitely has an impact on your skiing. Have you tried to experiment with spoilers/wedges to alter stance and affect the flex? Also adjust bolts in the back to soften the boot a little.
Hey Craig I am an intermediate skier 5'6 210 pounds was looking at some rossignol boots with a flex of 110. Do you think that is too much?? The boot has a 104 last I have fat wide feet. This video was super informative thanks!!!
Hi Craig, this is a very informational video, thanks for putting it out there! Now I know a lot more about what Flex actually is and what affects it. 👍 I have not skied much for a long time and recently taken it up again. Bought new skies and boots (Head) and I still feel I get the basic technique right. However, I noticed that I get really strong fatigue in my upper legs forcing me to stop all the time. It just feels like I am very much balanced too much to the tail of the skies (sounds a lot like what you said regarding having a too high flex rating boot) and if I try to lean forward a bit I loose feel and control of the skies. I flipped the flex adjuster of the boots from 110 to 90, but it doesn't really seem to help much :( Just curious whether you know what problem I might be having? Talked to some people but not really got something that helped...
Hey Sebi, Yeah it could be the angles that your stance is currently at, or it could likely also be your skiing technique. I would recommend keeping your flex on the 90 setting and experimenting with your placement of a spoiler and increasing the forward lean. Also if you are kicked a bit in the backseat when you ski, it will put a lot of excess strain on your thighs. Focus on engaging your core and keeping pressure on your shins. Getting forwards with your skiing technique will help a great deal! Cheers
I just tried on a pair of Head Raptor 115 RS boots which were barely used and I noticed that when I flex the boot forward the plastic bends a bit on the area where the second buckle is, just above my arch. I could feel it bending and pressing into my arch a bit. Is that supposed to happen?
Hi alex, do you mean like 2:49? If so yes a little bit of shell deformation will be normal. Just as long as you dont overflex the boot too far you will be ok. Make sure it doesn't force too much pressure on to the top of your foot as you flex, have at least a finger width of space in the shell above your foot. Also keep in mind that when the boot is warm it will flex easier so it will be a bit less when it is cold.
Hi Mihas’, it’s always a pleasure to watch ur bootorials! Just a simple one: I have 2 pairs of 2pc boots 110-130 flex, and am prone to grab FT purposefully for Toppa’s bumps. Thus, will I be OK if I buy a 6/90 Drop Kick or Classic and put on 8 or 10 tongue (I am a 90 kg and 1.9m tall) or it is better to grab FT boots themselves with 8-10 index? (In mogul we don’t need shell’s torsional rigidity, thus, no point to grab a stiffer shell especially if I shred in Perisher with -3C and then in my place of origin with -33.)
Hi Roman, Yeah man, with skiing Perisher for moguls training, I think you would be fine to get the drop kick or classic and add the stiffer tongue. Now you can also even get a #12 tongue to really beef them up, but I would say the #10 would prob be your best bet! Yell out if out see me skiing past Toppas! :)
Hi Craig, I’ve been “on holidays” in Syd since 2005 getting a passport in 2008. A superb country with nice ppl, and contrary to stereotypes it is blessed with snowfalls plus the canons. In my native spot that is Vladivostok, Russia we, despite -15-33C have a lack of snow since all cyclones frm Siberia are chucked to Japan, bypassing us. In the result, we locally get a powder stash chiefly in the bush, or U can fly to nearby Kamchatka for a volcanoes chopper skiing. Both the regions are blessed with salmon, 1.5 meters crabs, etc. (V.sorry for confusing ur 1st name, 30% of our ppl in Vladivostok are of Ukranian descent where Mihas’ is a popular name, - thus jumped automatically in my mind).
Awesome Roman! Sounds crazy for helicopter Volcano skiing!!! Also its alright, I can see with my accent how "I am your host" may sound like "I am Mihas" :) Thanks for watching and be sure to say hi this winter. Cheers mate
Craig thank you! I'm 5'6" and 122 lb female intermediate skiier. ski fast and usually on groomed trails. Occasionally hit the moguls but they aren't my favorite. I occasionally fall but rarely feel SUPER confident. Looking at flex of 100 on Rossi alltrack pro 100 boots. Does that sound about right?
I want to increase my boot's flex. Where can I get the plates you are showing at 5:26 ? And also what are they called, becasue I couldn't find anything on the web :(
+Georgi Daskalov Hi Georgi. The plate is called a driver plate/shin plate. They are quite hard to find, your best bet would be to ask at any local ski shops. I couldnt find any online either, which prompts me into thinking I should get some made! :) Beyond this, maybe it will be easier to stiffen your boot by adding a bolt & Tnut through the back of the cuff. This is a great solution if your boot allows it. If you want some instruction or parts let me know- info@patriotfootbeds.com Cheers.
Hey man, appreciate the vids. Good stuff. Question, I'm 6'3" and a fit 235 lbs. I have 2017 Lange SX120s. When i flex them at room temp, I feel like I'm crushing them forward pretty easy. How can I tell if these are too soft for me? Thanks!
Hey Chad, yeah by your weight I would usually think that 120 flex should be pretty on point unless you are going super hard. Definitely you will notice the difference once the plastic is cold and you are on the mountain. If you ski in them again and they feel a bit dull, I would then look to beef them up or look into a stiffer boot.
@@PatriotFootbeds I go pretty hard but take them all over the mountain and back country. Love to ski tight trees as well as go heli in the Whistler backcountry each year. Just found my spilers again and wedged them in but haven't had a chance to try them yet since then. I did add a Booster strap and it seemed to help some so that lead me to think it was a flex issue due to my weight and strength. I'll give 'em a ride again this winter and pay super attention to the flex. I've got friends that weigh a lot less than me and they're on 130's and roll all over the mountain as well. The sweet journey continues...
i've got the Tecnica Ten.2 90 Ski Boots and I have very mild shin bangs around the shin area rather than the middle of the shin on my left leg, and since my right leg is noticeably bigger than my left , i have very bad lower shin bangs on the right leg. What do you suggest I should do?
Hi Cantona, the first thing I would suggest is looking at the socks you are wearing. Also I would recommend a footbed to secure your foot and leg alignment. Then you can maybe flatten the tongue of the liner to even out the pressure across the whole shin. Also consider how much buckle pressure you are tightening with. Try doing up your power strap directly on the liner, rather than the cuff and finally a tongue shim on the skinnier leg to remove excess space and snug it up well. :) Cheers!
@@PatriotFootbeds thank you for the response. i will certainly look for those adjustments. Im a new skier(2nd season) and absolutely fell in love with the sport last year. only i know if i can get my boots to fit a little better i could keep going for days.it seems like your are an Aussie , im from Nepal and moving downunder from the states next year , around april/may, cant wait to ski the slopes there. Cheers mate!
dude!!! grear videos! are you just good with boots or gear in general? if so, would you mind doning videos on other topics as well? Think you might become a great star on youtube!
Hello! I hace received as a gift a pair of Nordica Speedmachine 130 Carbon 2020 boots. The problem is that I weight 145 lbs at 180cm height. Can I make the flex even softer? Thanks!
Yes, you should be able to adjust the flex softer with the toggle on the back. You likely should ahve an allen key in the box. And you can undo and flip the adjustment toggle.
Can you explain further how to adjust the flex on a hybrid touring binding? I have the atomic prime xtd atomic claims it can go +or- 10 points but i dont see how and taking out a screw wouldnt keep the walk lever mechanism secure (at least i think) i tried asking atomic they told me to go to a shop basically no help
@PatriotFootbeds trying to soften I'm coming from mindbenders with 100 flex that I over flex no problem but I ordered the 120 atomic xtd and it's a huge difference. I can flex them to what I think is the correct spot but takes a bit too much effort, didn't think they'd be that different.
@@Jarequis2 Yeah unfortunately that wont be able to be adjusted flex wise. It is the annoying thing with flex ratings of them not being related across boot lines.
To clarify - I'm starting to think that my ski boots (salomon xmax 100) don't allow me to angle my shin forward enough to get out of the back seat (though the issue may lie somewhere else in my movement mechanics) do you think that a higher flex boot would help with this? I don't really want to start chopping up my boots just yet
Yeah I think a little more forward lean could help in your body position and mechanics. If you get a chance to play with a spoiler to get you more forward you might like the result. The Xmax is quite upright. No need to chop boots though. :)
@@saml5073 So a spoiler is a removable wedge that you can install on the back of the liner at the top. It sits just under your calf muscle and will increase the amount of forward lean you have. This can really help in your body position for skiing and keep your balance much more centered. Some will screw in to place, others can be attached with velcro. If you need to find some, try your local ski shop, hopefully they will have some floating around the workshop. I hope to have some Patriot brand ones made soon!
I'm 6'3 about 200 pounds. If i use your video guidelines i would have to use 100+ flex, because i flex 100 below mine toes line. If i understood good, i need the boot that doesn't allow my knees to flex over toes? Thanks for video, it feels great that someone so informed like you spared time to help others :)
Hi Marin, Yes for someone of your size, I would recommend over 100 flex. Also these days most boots are quite good for forward flexion and the real power comes from the lateral rigidity of the boot and torsional strength through the sole. I plan to do a follow up video on this subject to help explain that a bit better. :) Thanks for watching!
Thank you for reply :) Will my skiing be afected with bigger flex rating? On every page flex rating is a measurment for skiing ability, and thats what makes me confused.
Hi Marin, Yeah flex ratings are guides to skier ability. But you will most certainly have leverage on a boot because of your height and weight. You could consider 80-100 intermediate flexes and 110-130 to be advanced flexes. But you also need to consider where the best balance is flex wise for your skiing. If you are crushing a boot, it will actually make it harder to ski as your legs will be overworking to drive your skis. So I am unsure of where your skiing ability is, but I would recommend a higher flex even if you are beginner, because it will allow you to grow with the boot. Especially if the boot has an adjustment option to soften it. Then you could beef it up a bit more as you progress.. Cheers
Thank you for reply :) I bought Salomon X Pro 100, they suit me best out of box, firm but no rubbing. I should try them on skiing in few days. Again thank you for your time, i appriciate it :)
if you want a proper flexing boot, the only real option is Full Tilt, which are based on design of old raichle flexon comp. only design that does not distort the shell as it flex's. note most of the flex you see in these boots is not really flexing the boot itself, its mostly just mashing around the soft innards of the boot. full tilt actually can flex the entire boot quite a bit. this is why they were and are so popular with bump skiiers and freestylers. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Qz71YQMaG_0.html
Soft flex 60 -80 is for beginners, 90 is for intermediate, 100-110 is for advance, 120-130 is for the experts, this is for the average weight and height people. If you are a heavy dude or skinny kid, you add or subtract the flex.
Hey! Great vid! I have a pair of Lange SX 120 and want to try to soften them a bit. There are two skrews on the back. If I remove the top one, do I have to put in a clip or am I good without one? Also, can I just put the skrew back if I think they become too soft? I’m 6.1 and 200lb. Advanced but not an expert skier. Ski a Black Crows Navis.
Hi Daniel, Yeah that is exactly how to approach it. Take the top one out and see how they feel. You can easily install back in to beef them back up or for spring skiing. Usually in the box (if you still have it) Lange throws in a couple of plugs you can use once you remove the screws. If you can't find them, let me know I can prob send you out some. At worst you could also take out the liner and add some duct tape to the inside to seal the snow out. All the best with it! Cheers, Craig
So i have Technica Mach 1 110 with 2 bolts removed (new) and a pair of Salomon Xmax 130 with 2 bolts in ( very lightly used - maybe 30 hours). At shop or room temp , ~23 / 24 c with one of each on my feet, boots have an EXACT amount of flex ! Yeah, i get it about no universal standard but this disparity is beyond a joke !
and, at approx 0c ( standing around for 1 hour in a ski indoor dome) , the Tecnica Mach 1 110 LV 16/17 season ( forgot to state LV before - sorry) with 2 bolts out is STIFFER than the Salomon Xmax 130 with 2 bolts IN ! I estimate my Mach 1 knee was behind my Xmax by about 5mm on a skier weight plus a small knee forward push ( as in a gentle transition forward push ). With both Mach 1bolts in, with just a gentle push forward my feet were off the ground with ski contact about 40cm infront of my boots ! Highly amusing and both shocking at the same time ! Yesterday, in shop, Mach 1 110 MV with 2 bolts in is less stiff than my LV's with 2 bolts out on a L /R simultaneous comparison ! This is NUTS - lol...
There is a Mach 1 'R' LV 110 version of the same boot which has identical spec materials...I suspect it's the same boot as i have read a similar situation between for the 130 Mach 1 LV and the 'R' model. Anyways, i have adapted and 'maned up' - whoa, it's like dancing on carbon blades ! - Cheers fella, great reviews, comments and active help.
Affirmative, I have done this with both AT and race boots with much success. I suggest using a clear liquor at least 100 proof or higher, and soak both liners and shells for 24-48 hours. When removed, there should be a distinct odor emanating from the boots. You can get rid of this odor by "smoking them out", that is, light up a fat j (2g or larger) and smoke either directly under the boots, or continuously blow marijuana smoke on them for 15-20 minutes straight. If you have ever used salt to remove a stain, this has a similar result; the smoke will remove the alcohol odor and itself disappear in around 4-7 days depending on the strain of weed. Next, pop boots in oven at a temperature of 370 degrees Fahrenheit (I recommend 385 or higher for a K2 brand boot) until you heard a small explosion. When the fire department arrives, stick their largest hose inside the boot and turn on; this will solidify the flex. Make sure the boot-hose combination is not pointed up at your face before your turn the hose on. This doesn't work with boots compatible with tech bindings
Yeah there is different levels of what people will check when bootfitting. The main thing will be matching this flex to your skiing ability along with weight and height. If you are skiing agressively, you would want to be in 110-130 flex, if you are skiing more casually, 90-110, if you are very new and timid, 80-90 flex. Here is a great video of the process in buying boots if youd like to check it out! :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fQnnAt0qqbw.html
@@PatriotFootbeds Hey thanks! I did just do a casual check myself on this and I think I have about the right amount of flex (as well I checked the cuff alignment as best I could, which seemed fine). But I'll definitely be paying more attention now. Thanks for the vid recommendation - going to check that out!
please, Please, PLEASE re-introduce the cheeky intro. Watching a video with a funny intro is like the surprise of opening a great gift on your birthday.
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