Alpine (hard-shell) snowboard boots

[CrazyBoy-1]

Ok people I'm looking for a little input here on boot choices. Last season I used a couple different pairs of ski boots for my skiboarding, and while they worked fairly well, they didn't fit as well as I'd like. I don't think it was a sizing matter, but more of a shape matter. So, this season I'm looking to get a new pair of boots, and I'm looking seriously at the alpine sb boots as an option. They seem to be better for people with odd-shaped feet, and they are easier to walk in etc. I absolutely love the look of the 225's that SBOL has, and I think that the thermo liner will really help, but I'm shy about spending that much money on boots.

So, what do others think? Are alpine boots any better? Is it definitely "you get what you pay for" in the boot world? If I want good boots for less is used a viable option or should I just take the hit and get new? Any input would be appreciated.


I guess I should also add that I'm an all-mountain boarder. I'd like to get better in the parks this season, but my first love is speed. I love few things more than ripping down the mountain as fast as I can, and I found that when I loosed the bindings on the boots I have now to relieve pressure, I lost the instant feedback I need for high-speed control.

[Mark]

I'll be frank with you here. The alpine boots are worth the extra cash. for the most part, they are somewhat stiff. most of us ski with them in walk mode, you can snap them into ski mode and they become very stiff, excellent for carving on hard pack.


as far as comfort, the ones i have came with heat moldable liners that you bake in the oven at home they fit perfectly.

then there are little details like the rounded souls that make it much easier to walk in then regular ski boots. Ive found then to just in general feel more "agile" I have some of the older raichles, they new ones Greco has look mint.

mine:


hope this helps.http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k150/whitedime/IMG_5724.jpg

[CrazyBoy-1]

Yes it does, and thanks for the input. Did you get yours new or used? I'm trying to keep tabs on what's available on bomberonline's classifieds, but I just don't know if the lower price is worth the risk of getting something that doesn't fit etc. If I buy from SBOL, I know that G and company will treat me right and work with me if I happen to pick the wrong size.

[Mark]

Greco stands behind everything he sells

I trust you'll have no issues ordering from SBOL. I beleive he will also exchange your boots for the next size up/down if they have not been ridden on.

I would get the new ones as they have a much better latching mechanism.

the " zip tie " system like on mine is tough to get a consistent tightness and they pop loose sometimes.

[Manlenium]

Your a speed hound like myself....with mild park use.

I was planning on upgrading to better boots next season, right now im on some salomon performa 4s. Great all around boot for mid 200.00 bucks. I did pre buy before i knew what skiboarding is about. It still has a skiing stance. Great for downhill bombing, not what i would like in a boot when i am in the park because of my forward set stance.

If i had to go back i would buy skiboard specific. With means low angle stance or highly adjustable. I say spend the extra cash and get those pimped boots.

[CrazyBoy-1]

Well, my job just made the decision easy for me. I found out I'm getting enough of a bonus this year to easily cover the cost of the boots, so I'm pretty sure I'll go that route. That's the way I really wanted to go anyway, but I just wanted to be sure it was worth it. Thanks for the input guys.

[tyberesk]

hey crazy...make your way to NE PA at all this year? If not we will def havta ride together at an SBOL meet. More the merrier

[CrazyBoy-1]

Yeah I'm hoping to get up to JF/BB and ride with you guys at least once this season. I'm not sure how long of a drive it would be for me, but I'm definitely up for it. I'm itching to actually ride with some other skiboarders.

[tyberesk]

its alot of fun throwin it with other skiboarders...especially us

[CrazyBoy-1]

That's what I'm hoping. According to Google Maps it should be about a 2 1/2 hour drive up from my area, so that's an easy day trip. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get up there before the holidays or not, but I'll definitely try to get up in January.