Comments on: Backcountry Skiing News Roundup

By: Lou

Lou — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:12:49 +0000

I like the fit snug on both sides of forefoot, but enough room in front of toes to not bang liner while walking, and enough room above toes for a bit of toe curl if trying to keep feet warm.

By: Dean Wood

Dean Wood — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:22:02 +0000

Hi,
I know this isn’t entirely on topic but I am looking for some advice.
I used to be a ski instructor and used to race to a high level and am now looking to find some ski mountaineering boots.

I have slowly moved more and more into backcountry skiing and am now really planning any trips out I have as backcountry trips. So I am for the first time thinking about getting some proper ski mountaineering boots to make the uphills as friendly as the downhills. I am going to be going to a proper boot fitter, but would like to have as much knowledge as I can going in.

I have tried some on before, Scarpa Denali TT’s(really really really didn’t fit my foot and Scarpa Matrix. The question I have is how much room there should be around the forefoot. I am aware the fit is going to be a bit slacker than I am used too, but I was amazed at the amount of room around the forefoot, I could virtually wiggle my foot from side to side in the boot, although my ankle was held reasonably.

I apologise for being off topic and the length of this but I am looking to gather as much info as possible before my fitting so I don’t make a mistake.

Thanks in advance.

Dean

By: Lou

Lou — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:30:12 +0000

Hi Brian, good to hear from you. Thumb 100%?

Yeah, if you can pop the bindings open easily without a boot in them, then what makes more resistance is the boot “trigger point” above the binding arms that rise up when you’re out of the binding. Problem is, nearly that same trigger point is what snaps the binding shut on entry. My suspicion is that you could remove a bit of rubber in this area and end up with it easier to thumb out like Romeo. But if you remove too much rubber, the binding won’t close on entry. This would make a good blog, perhaps I’ll do it Tuesday.

By: brian harder

brian harder — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:57:03 +0000

Hey Lou,

I have a random, unrelated gear mod question for you pertaining to my Dynafit Ti race bindings. I was surfing the site this morning and read your F1 review and a mod you performed there got me thinking.

Last year at rally races I had a hard time getting out of my bindings at transitions. I’m sure you recall my flailing at the Powderkeg relay as Romeo flew in popping a ski off before he even stopped. Very slick. I really have to lean on mine with my pole and I thought it was a binding issue. I have seen many racers simply pick there ski up and pop the toe with their thumb. I want that! Your grinding of the toe in your review made me think that the issue is the rubber. Thoughts?

Thanks.

By: John C. Lamb

John C. Lamb — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:12:03 +0000

My friends and I very much enjoyed last night’s 14′r book signing and presentation at the Mountain Movie Theater in Steamboat. The theater was all but sold out with enthusiastic skiers of all ages, with at least 20 people in line for a book for quite a while. I enjoyed talking with Chris for several minutes at the Epilogue Bookstore in the afternoon. Chris and Lou are the inspiration for my first winter 14r attempt, the east route at Mt. Quandary (no couloirs for me yet).
PS – Lou, I’m looking forward for your ideas on how to stiffen the F3 a bit (new tongue, maybe?), while still retaining the unbelievable comfort of the boot. It is great for skinning and hut touring, but it doesn’t seem to drive the edges on my 188 Coombas too well on harder surfaces.
Thanks to Erica at the Epilogue Bookstore and, to Chris for the outstanding book and cinematography.