Remedial boot questions....

[Pequenita]

I bought my boots years ago, just based on the advice of the bootfitter and with no outside research. Suffice to say, I have no idea whether the boots are actually stiff or not stiff, made for an intermediate or expert or what. They aren't manufactured under the same name anymore. All I know is that they fit, and that when I demoed the skis that I ultimately bought at the end of last season, everything felt great.

Anyway, the boots still fit and so on, but is there such thing as otherwise outgrowing one's boots, skill-wise? I assume so, if manufacturers actually call some boots beginner boots, etc. And if this is so, when does one actually figure out that she's outgrown the boots?

FWIW, mine are women's salomon x-wave 6.0 purchased in March 2003.

 

[tcarey]

I am confused here you bought the boots last year-but they were purchased in 2003? If I am reading this post wrong I apologize!

t

 

[IntheClouds]

I read it as demoed & purchased new skis last year. Has had the boots for 3 or 4 years. Was happy with performance of both last season.

 

[Pequenita]

I read it as demoed & purchased new skis last year. Has had the boots for 3 or 4 years. Was happy with performance of both last season.

Yep. Bought 02-03 boots in 02-03 season, bought 06-07 skis end of last season (I haven't actually skied the ones that I bought, but I demoed them with my boots during the season). Sorry if this was confusing. But now I'm wondering if it's possible the flex of the boot is too soft for the stiff-ish ski. Does this even matter? I'm sort of feeding off of Inthecloud's (I think) thread about how a bootfitter was telling her about how the stiffer flex boot would really affect how a stiffer ski skied. On the other hand, I'm small; so even if the flex is soft for someone with more height and weight than me, it's still hard (or at least, just right) for me.

How would I know whether I'm getting the most out of my boot, or need to get a stiffer one?

I've found Salomon's flex rating on the boot, and to the extent that the rating hasn't changed in the last 4 years or so, I've been able to compare it with flex ratings on Salomon's current line.

 

[IntheClouds]

The boots I had worn while demoeing the Burning Luv's were definately a lower end boot. I think Bud was really trying to tell me that the low end boots just may not help a person fairly evaluate a ski that is really in a different category than that boot was made for. And when you're skiing level is higher than the boot you get new boots. Like I just went and did. So he told me to try the ski again now that I have a better boot & to see what I think of the ski now.

 

[Bumblebee]

Yes, there are variations on stiffness etc., although I was reading here (or epic) just the other day that the stiffness is through forward flex, something you don't actually use.

But anyway, to answer your question, or at least give my two-penneths worth - if your boots feel great then you are LUCKY and don't knock it! ;)

You will know yourself when your boots aren't performing for you. I had to buy new boots last year because I lost weight and so my boots were bigger on my foot and I KNEW that I was turning my foot... and it was taking a split-second for my boot & ski to react so they were no good for me. I'll take good comfort and fit over "technical ability" any day of the week!

 

[Pequenita]

Cool. I will sit tight then with these boots until I feel they're packing out. Yay!

 

[volklgirl]

Anyway, the boots still fit and so on, but is there such thing as otherwise outgrowing one's boots, skill-wise? I assume so, if manufacturers actually call some boots beginner boots, etc. And if this is so, when does one actually figure out that she's outgrown the boots?

Yes, it's possible to "outgrow" your boots ability-wise. Beginner boots are made with soft plastic, a cushy liner and a larger feel. This allows the beginner to make frequent mistakes without having the skis react to every single movement. Intermediate boots are of slightly stiffer plastic and a bit smaller fit, but still cushy liner. It may also have more customizing features for better fit or performance as the intermediate progresses. These boots will react more quickly to input while still not punishing mistakes. The advanced boot will be significantly stiffer (particularly to the rear) and may sacrifice some comfort for performance. These boots will punish mistakes by reacting almost instantly to even smallish movements of the feet and legs - even the unintended ones. Lastly, race boots have the thinnest of liners and stiffest plastics to transfer the slightest twitch directly to the skis. A mistake in race boots may send you off to another trail .

So, if your skis feel hesitant or sluggish, look to your boots.

 

[Jilly]

X-wave is a men's line of boots. They were a more all mountain, recreational racer boot than a recreational skier boot. That said, the model 6 is the bottom and considered Intermediate. 10 is the top and I've a few friends on that model still. So, unless the boot is packed out, and it still feels good and reaction is fine, keep it. I wish I could still use my 4 year old boots. They're toast. And I hate buying boots!! Got a meeting with the Rossi rep next Tuesday about pro-deal on boots. The ones I most likely need are not on the ski instructor list!

 

[Pequenita]

X-wave is a men's line of boots.

I'm pretty sure these are women's boots, and that the women's line switched to another name after a season or two. There's definitely a "W" with a bar under the W on the "calf" side inside the boot (ie, opposite the tongue), and I've since found this link to what appears to be an internal Salomon site. But, yes, I'll keep these until it feels like my foot is sloshing around. One of the "benefits" of having picked up running in the past year is that my foot is flattening out.....



Hey....not fair! I just did another google search for the boots, and this thread came up as a result!

 

[altagirl]

There are both Women's X-Waves and Men's X-Waves.

 

[Lori_K]

I bought a pair of (women's) X-Wave 7.0 boots about that same year. From what I remember, they are an intermediate boot. I didn't use them very long, as they were just a bit too big and when they packed out a little bit they were too sloppy on me.
(Bought them on discount from a box store.)

 

[altagirl]

I bought a pair of (women's) X-Wave 7.0 boots about that same year. From what I remember, they are an intermediate boot. I didn't use them very long, as they were just a bit too big and when they packed out a little bit they were too sloppy on me.
(Bought them on discount from a box store.)

Yeah, the women's line used to top out at the X-Wave 9.0, the mens goes to a 10 I think. That may have changed - I haven't looked into them in a year or two.