They say once you go to the Dynafit TLT series boots you never go back to other backcountry skiing boots. That could mean several things. Indeed, this ‘disruptive” product is a fine (some say revolutionary) shoe. On the other hand, the forward cuff lean of the TLT-5 is a bit much for some skiers, meaning yes you never go back — even when you want your legs to ‘go back’ and give your knees and quads a rest.
The problem with too much forward cuff angle is twofold. Perhaps most importantly, skiers with certain types of knee problems require a more upright stance that places less continuous stress on the knee’s supporting structures (patella, quadriceps tendon, quadriceps muscle, etc.) Secondly, modern ski technique (riding the ski rather than pressuring it) is thought by some to require a more neutral stance.
Note that one reason cuff lean is an issue with Dynafit boots is they tend to be used with Dynafit bindings that in turn have major ramp angle (heel higher than toe). Thus the problem is exacerbated. More, the TLT 5 liner cuff is thin. Using aftermarket liners with thicker cuffs can compound the problem.
It is relatively easy to reduce the lean angle on some AT boots. Yet models such as TLT 5 require major fabrication skills for a change to the lean-lock.
Or, perhaps there exists an add-on part that takes the TLT-5 cuff lean down a notch? The parts described below for Dynafit TLT 5 model boots will begin retail in late 2012. They lower the cuff lock position by about 3 millimeters, resulting in a minimal yet noticeable reduction in forward lean (a few degrees, difficult to measure exactly.)
Lisa (WildSnow Girl) has knee problems. Her day goes much better when she can relax into a more upright stance. I made this mod on her boots before our last big European ski touring day, and it seemed to help. Worth a try if you have issues, or just want to tune your stance for your turn style. Only gripe is we’d like to see this sort of thing provide even less forward lean than it does. For example, they could have made the aluminum swap plate longer, and provided two plates with several choices as to position of the hole. More cost to make of course, but then, these are the Ferrari of backcountry skiing boots, so bring on the option package.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.