To Flex or Not to Flex

[Kano]

Gotta admit, this is fun -- studying ski stuff, is a nice way to get ready for ski season, and this forum is a delightful place to learn!

So, as I mentioned elsewhere, I took my boots in today when I took the skis in for a tune up (there WILL be snow, there WILL be snow, there WILL be snow!) and had them re-fitted. While there, I asked the question, what the heck is this flex adjustment thing for?

Yeah, I've had the boots for five-six years now, and don't get that little adjustable widget. So, boot-guy explained that when it's on the softer end, there's more flex to the boot at the ankle, and of course, less at the other end.

He recommended the softer end of the spectrum, saying that when it's stiff, and you lean forward, the tips get pushed down?

So, is there some sort of benefit to this? When might I want less flex in my boots?

And the second part -- I'm seeing things about stiffness in skis, and again, I've got no idea what it's all about. I know my rossi cut 10 ski school skis were scary and I never want to take them out of the garage again, and can't imagine selling them to some poor unsuspecting soul. I know my K2 True Luv skis are much more fun to ski on, but I have NO idea why. When I bought them, I'd demo'd them once, liked them, and thought I might like them someday. Then when talking with a salesguy later, he recommended them based on the skiing I described. I have NO idea how right or wrong they may be for me, but I've enjoyed two seasons (or is it three now?) on them.

So, again, what's the point of flex and stiffness in skis, and when/where do I want what?

While the most important part of skiing for me is the pure enjoyment of it, I'm starting to wonder how I've gotten along thus far being clueless!

Kano

 

[Jilly]

A recreational skier wants softer flexing boots. Racers need stiff boots. You need to bend your ankles with the new ski technology. So keep your boots in the soft flex. If you don't like it, you can move it. He did show you??

As for skis, the same thing sort of. In order for the ski to turn properly you need to bend the ski in the turn. Watch some good skiers - or an instructional video and you'll see the ski arc. So I might find a ski soft, but you might not, based on weight and force that can be applied. A too soft ski will not hold an edge and you will overpower it in the turn.

 

[volklgirl]

A very, very, very basic generalization on stiffness:

The stiffer a thing is, the faster it will repsond.

In the case of boots, a stiff boot will respond to even the slightest twitch of the ankle, but it will take muscle and very disciplined movements from the skier to get the best performance from it. A softer boot will require more deliberate movements on the part of the skier, and will be more forgiving of mistakes.

In the case of skis, a stiff ski will be more stable and confidence inspiring at speed, but will again require deliberate and precise movements for best performance. A softer ski will again be more forgiving of mistakes and more willing to curl into a turn without having to bully it.

All this just skirts the edges of what makes a ski "feel" the way it does....that also involves flex pattern, sidecut, torsional rigidity, construction methods, core material.......etc, etc. Bott behavior is also dictated by fit, cuff height, plastics used, ....etc, etc. Then you have to add in ramp, delta, zeppa, system vs. flat, binding placement and effect,.....

Just buy skis and boots based on what feels great to you and forget the whole construction thing.....GO SKI instead!!!!

 

[w.ski]

And stiffness is all relative to the weight and strength of the skier. What may be stiff for one skier won't necessarily be stiff for another.

 

[sleddog]

And .... if you get a boot that's so stiff that you can't flex the boot - you'll tend to be a back seat driver - not a good thing. The amount of dorsiflexion you have will also dictate what kind of boot you should be in regarding stiffness.

 

[Kano]

Thank you ladies!

First, I'm good with not worrying overmuch about how skis are made, at least until it's time to think about my next pair! I agree, Volklgirl, much better to just enjoy!

Keeping the boots set toward soft works for me, they've been set that way all along -- but it's good to know about this feature that I've got, and what it might do for me, so I can maybe make use of it some. Perhaps, once I figure out how I ski this year, I'll spend some time on the bunny hill experimenting with this adjustable gizmo, to see what happens when I make changes.

From what it sounds like, maybe my skis (K2 True Luv) will feel stiffer and more responsive this year because of the weight change I've accomplished in the off season? So, in a way, it might feel like a new pair that ski a new way? Am I understanding that correctly? And I could feel "safer" going faster?

Holy moly, a more responsive body, and potentially more responsive skis too? Sounds like an exciting season ahead! I'm going to be a better and better skier!

So are there any questions I should be asking about ski poles? They come down the hill with me too...

Kano