Gear assistance please..... [Archive] - Skiboardsonline.com | The Forum

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 02:46 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have been skiboarding since around 1998. Most of that time has been on a pair of Atomics ~62 cm. I bought some Salomon's a few years ago (before IU found this website) and as you know they are poop and I quickly went back to my old Atomics. I found this website a couple of seasons ago and am ready to buy new gear and would like some advice before plopping down 500 bucks.

I am not an aggressive skier and despite doing this for over a decade, I would not consider myself an expert. I go out and have my fun on the green and blue runs. My Atomics are plenty fast for me.

I am looking for 2 things...1) Enjoyment on groomed runs (no tricks) and 2) Less stress on my legs (not sure if this is gear or technique related). My legs ache like hell half way through the day. I realize I am not in optimal shape but was hoping a gear change would help here. So my friend recommended I try longer skiis as she thinks more length will relieve my legs of doing so much work. So last season I rented some skiis that were 150's and it was way too long for me.

I am female, 5'5", 175 lbs. I am interested in the Revel8's either the Samurai 75's or the Tansho 90's. Which do you think is best for what I want to do? Or do you think something else I have yet to consider would be better (and if so why please)?

I also am looking for advice about the bindings. I currently have non-release bindings. I don't mind them in terms of riding, things stay put on my feet but getting them on can be a pain sometimes. So I am leaning towards release bindings to make it easier to get my skiis on. Any advice/concern about going to release bindings? I don't wipe out a lot if that helps with anything.

Thanks for everyones time and advice.....Hope you all have a fantastic season. Crystal Mountain in WA state open tomorrow!

Greetings,
BattyChick

jjue

11-10-2009, 03:05 PM

Welcome Batty Chick ...
I have a Big foot 65 and Canon 75 , and while quite fun , they can tire you out if the snow is not perfectly groomed just to keep your balance... I think you will find a longer board more stable and more fun for what you want to do . I recommend the Tanshos , the 90 cm length of the Tanshos will offer signficant more stability over the 75cm length and yet still be plenty manuverable . Non release would be lighter on your foot , the Spruce riser /release set up is great , and offers convenience of step in and added safety .. have fun , whatever you pick out !

ElkCloner

11-10-2009, 03:27 PM

Jack, what do you think about Mary Janes for her?

Narrow=less work to get on edge

Not too long, not too short, and I don't think they are that stiff, or are they?

rgzip

11-10-2009, 03:39 PM

Hi BattyChick,

I have to agree with Jack (JJue) I think you would be happier with a little longer set of boards. My wife is slightly smaller then you and rides 99's and she is looking to go a little longer with her biggest complaint being that the shorter boards get to her legs to quick.
I would ask some of the people here about the BWP's or maybe even the Mary Janes. I haven tried either but they are the ones my wife is considering.

We're in Olympia and usally ride at white pass but will make it to crystal and snoquamie a couple of times this year. If we end up at the came place sometime, I have several sizes of skiboards and you are welcome to try any of them to see what you like.

jjue

11-10-2009, 03:47 PM

Jack, what do you think about Mary Janes for her?

Narrow=less work to get on edge

Not too long, not too short, and I don't think they are that stiff, or are they?

yes , that would be another good recommendation but the length is quite a jump from 65cm , and she didn't like the Salomon snow blades that are narrow 90 or 95 boards
the atomic 65 is a fat 65 , special kind of zippy feeling with those shoe like fat tiny boards... so maybe at first stick with the shorter R8's either Tanshos or Bantams .. to some of that same feel as the atomic 65's but with a bit more stability . anyway that is my 2 cents..
I have ridden Big foot 65 and Canon Easyrider 75 which are fat shorties , and enjoy them way better then my 90cm salomon snowblade, primarily because the short fat is better then the skinny narrow feel for me of the snowblade .. so in the R8 line up maybe a short fatty may be the way to go .. and I think Batty chick's idea of going for the Tanshos or the Bantams is probably right on .especially because she did not like the snowblade feel . .. the Bantams will feel most like her Atomics with a bit more stability ... the Tanshos , I think buy a lot more stability but still very manuverable with wide bodied shape ..

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks so much to all of you for great advice. And special thanks to rgzip for the kind offer!

I do prefer short and fat over long and slim but the achy legs is really getting old so I am going to seriously consider the Tansho 90's if that will help. Will also look into the other suggestions (Mary Janes and BWP's). Thanks again for everyones quick replies......

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 04:11 PM

I think the BWP and Mary Janes are too long for me. It would be a big jump from what I am used to. I think jjue hit is on the head when he compared the 2I have to what I am considering. I really hate the narrowness of the Salomon. It doesn't feel like anything is under my feet with those. So now to decide between the 75's and the 90's. I want to go with the 90's to reduce the leg work but I want to go with the 75's for a length close to what I am used to. Oh the dilemma!

FightingForAir

11-10-2009, 04:19 PM

My wife went from Head 94s to trying out Tanshos and is now on Mary Janes. She likes the Mary Janes most. Less work on her legs - easier to get on edge, just enough length to give her some stability.

To each their own, but I think there are several SOWs (Skiboard Online Wives) :D ( like my joke? ) that ride and like the Mary Janes and BWPs. Pinkid on here loved the BWPs .. only about 3 inches longer than the Tansho so in reality not a whole lot of length difference.

Certainly worth considering.

slow

11-10-2009, 04:38 PM

....... but I think there are several SOWs (Skiboard Online Wives) :D ( like my joke? ) that ride and like the Mary Janes and BWPs. .......

I am not going there FightingForAir.

BattyChick, welcome to the forum.

My wife enjoys her Tanshos and MaryJanes, but has less fatigue with the MJs since they provide more stability front to back. Tanshos, BWP or MJs are the way to go for you. BWPs may be the comprimise.

rgzip

11-10-2009, 04:50 PM

I think there are several SOWs (Skiboard Online Wives) :D ( like my joke? ) that ride and like the Mary Janes and BWPs.

Certainly worth considering.

You're a braver man than I am Robert!!!

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 04:55 PM

Yes I liked your joke :)

Thanks for new inputs. I am seriously considering the longer length. It is nice to hear I am not the only one with fatigued legs.

cn06

11-10-2009, 05:19 PM

I say BWP.

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 05:21 PM

cn06

11-10-2009, 05:28 PM

I've been apart of many online hobbyist communities and it doesn't get much better than SBOL. :)

FightingForAir

11-10-2009, 05:39 PM

:D :D :D

I'z jus' funnin' and what not.

We'll see how my wife likes that one. I might be in the doghouse this evening.

You're a braver man than I am Robert!!!

FightingForAir

11-10-2009, 05:45 PM

That was only directed toward CAN's wife and my wife. The SOWs are quite snooty and exclusive. Maria is far too respectable to to be part of that club. :o :p

Am I just digging my hole deeper and deeper?

I am not going there FightingForAir.

BattyChick, welcome to the forum.

My wife enjoys her Tanshos and MaryJanes, but has less fatigue with the MJs since they provide more stability front to back. Tanshos, BWP or MJs are the way to go for you. BWPs may be the comprimise.

sempai

11-10-2009, 07:15 PM

To each their own, but I think there are several SOWs (Skiboard Online Wives) :D ( like my joke? )That's a good one! :)

BattyChick,

Both the Tanshos and the BWPs are nothing but fun, fun, fun!!!

slow

11-10-2009, 08:04 PM

Thanks.......I reviewed the specs with my husband and everyones advice here and we are leaning towards the BWP's at this moment :) I am so glad I asked for help before I ordered. Thanks again for everyones kind advice. Very nice community here.

Good choice BattyChick. I suspect you will try more difficult terrain with them. What bindings are you considering (sorry if I missed it)?
Please make sure to let us know how it goes and write a review.

Robert, some advice based on 27 years of marriage; Do Not Share the Joke with Your Wife! (BTW: I did get a chuckle out of it, thanks.)

mahatma

11-10-2009, 08:37 PM

I once pointed out my wife's age when we had a disagreement. She was arguing with one of our children which is something I refuse to do. I'll discuss things with my children and hear their side but I'll not argue with them. When it comes to that point they are simply dismissed. Anyway, I pointed out to my wife that she was having a peer to peer argument with a child and went on to say something to the effect of "what possesses you as a xx year old woman to have an actual argument with a child? Do you actually think they are going to be reasonable?" Well, at first I was confused by the look in her eyes. Then she told me to do something I'm not capable of doing and even if I were don't think I'd enjoy it and stomped away from me. If we had a couch and a dog house I'd have been enjoying the comforts of both. Since then I've learned to be more generic. "Act your age". FYI.

mahatma

11-10-2009, 08:40 PM

Oh, I should also say times like that are not the times humor can bring things back in line. When my wife told me to do what she told me to do I said, "But, that's your job". She said "I quit".

ElkCloner

11-10-2009, 09:17 PM

Battychick

pay the raving madman no mind

:p

BattyChick

11-10-2009, 09:26 PM

Hi Slow.....thanks for the reply. I am thinking the pro lite risers, what do you think?

Your wife has quite the selection. Which is her favorite?

Thanks!

slow

11-10-2009, 11:03 PM

Hi BattyChick,

If you want the convenience of step-in release bindings without the leash, then Pro Primes are the way to go (if $ is not an issue) since they come with brakes. If you are OK with leashes, the Pro Lites are a good choice.

My wife has yet to ride the BWP since we purchased them this fall. She likes the MJs on groomers because they are easy on the legs (not requiring as much attention to front to back balance) and she can last a full day on the slopes. But if terrain is steep or rough (enough to through the tips around), she prefers to use her Tanshos because their small turn radius that allows her to decent in a very controlled (read "slow") manner. I suspect the BWP will be a good balance between the two.

You mentioned that you experience sore legs in your first post. More skiboard length will help, but there may other contributors. Your comment reminded me of a thread started by a new rider named Aqua a couple of seasons ago. She was frustrated because of leg burn and with some help from the forum members; she was able to overcome the struggle. The following thread provides some solutions. In her case it came down to correct boot fit and using the edges of the skiboards (like a snowboard) versus trying to "ski" the skiboards on their flat bottoms like skis. http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=4431

You may also want to check out the carving section and videos in this thread if you have not done so already for carving technique: http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=6725

Do not forget to wax and tune your skiboards regularly to make it easier on your legs by being easier to control.

Hope this helps.

Bill

11-11-2009, 12:11 AM

Am I just digging my hole deeper and deeper?

Be careful, Robert, you'll end up here. It's a place I'm familiar with.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eyduncFpzl4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eyduncFpzl4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

BattyChick,

Carolyn also has an assortment to pick from and likes her Mary Janes a lot, but she started out on 94cm length, which are longer and skinnier than what you're used to. I think staying relatively close to what you're familiar with is probably a good idea, and any of the skiboards being mentioned would be a huge upgrade and an easier, less tiring ride for you, just allow for a bit of a learning period.

Bill

slow

11-11-2009, 07:39 AM

Be careful, Robert, you'll end up here. It's a place I'm familiar with.Bill

Been there, done that, and regretted it. Excellent video Bill.

CAN

11-11-2009, 08:23 AM

Hi all,

I just saw this thread . Don't worry Robert, Cindy probably won't see this. If she does I'll warn you ahead of time not to sleep in the condo during Shredfest, those SOWs can be pretty dangerous.

Chad

FightingForAir

11-11-2009, 11:47 AM

Oh my .... Bill, CAN .... I'm dying laughing over here. CAN, I was hoping you'd find your way to this thread. :D

I actually did tell the wife ... she's got a good sense of humor and is a good sport. She laughed. The only thing she didn't like was my recommendation that we get her a "SOW" patch for her ski jacket. She did not think that was a very good idea. :D

CAN, if Cindy does see this, just tell her I already have plans to make it up to her via a primo bottle of Oregon Pinot. Thus, any debt I incur to her should already be covered.

CAN

11-11-2009, 12:05 PM

Hi Robert,

Cindy saw it, then saw the Pinot comment. You can rest well.

Chad

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 12:36 PM

Thanks again slow......perhaps I need 2 new pairs :)

I will check out the thread for leg burn and see what it has to offer. I just got new boots last year and my husband and his brother are both boot fitters at REI so that shouldn't be my problem as I trust their knowledge. I do get some strain in my feet (did so with old boots and new boots) but I think that is my technique (or lack of). I know I don't use my edges enough so will focus on that and check out that video.

I don't mind using leashes so will go with the pro lite risers.

slow

11-11-2009, 01:02 PM

Thanks again slow......perhaps I need 2 new pairs :)

That time will come as it has for the rest of us. :D

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 01:04 PM

Just read the thread that slow recommended from Aqua. I have the EXACT same problem she does. I have to stop after every hill or 100 yards and I drop down and cry in pain. It sucks because my friends are always waiting for me to. I am having fun but boy does it hurt.

So I wanted to comment on some things from this thread......

I stop hockey style and always have. No issue stopping correctly and that is actually when I am not in pain is when I stop so stopping many times if my favorite thing to do as there is no pain. It is also nice to splash your friend who is waiting for you with snow :)

My boots are Nordica Olympia Beast X10. I use good wool socks, superfeet and they are generally tight (perhaps too tight as my toes have gone a bit numb at times).

My stance is the problem for sure as I am kind of hunched over and when I try to stand up straighter to relieve the pain I feel unbalanced and suseptable to falling so I hunch over again so I have control but then the pain is so severe. I am not sure if my boots have a settings like was mentioned in the thread (to reduce forwardness). I will have my husband have a look at them for me. Let's pretend there is no setting and the boots naturally make you lean forward.......how do you stand up without falling (or feeling like you are going to fall)? I have yet to watch the video about using edges and will do so later today. And I do feel I ski the skiboards rather than use the edges like a snowboard (never snowboarded before). I am sure purchasing longer boarder is going to help but I expect my stance to still be an issue.

Thanks so much for listening everyone and referring me to that thread as she wrote the problem perfectly!

Greco

11-11-2009, 02:09 PM

If your boots put you in a very forward stance and you can't lean back or stand up straight your legs will KILL. I've told the story on here before where my boots got locked in a forward stance mode without me knowing it and after two runs I thought I was going to have to give up the sport. I could barely make it down the mountain. Once I put them back in walk mode it was all good.
You might have to consider a different pair of boots.

Is this them? http://www.rei.com/skuimage/758952/220

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 02:21 PM

Yes that is my boot. If I cannot adjust my boots....What boot do you recommend? I can return my boots and get fitted for new ones if that is most of my problem. Thanks!

Greco

11-11-2009, 02:25 PM

I don't know about all the different boots out there. I'll defer to the great people on this forum but I do know if you can't stand up straight you'll have problems.

DennisEvans

11-11-2009, 03:37 PM

I suggest any 3 piece boots. If you can fit them, and I bet you can, pick up some Full Tilt Sally's. And by the forum name I'm just assuming you are a woman.
http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=J09008/345.1.9682.0.0.0.0

get fitted somewhere of coarse though

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 03:53 PM

cn06

11-11-2009, 04:13 PM

thanks for the suggestion GodofMedia. So the key here seems to be a "3 piece boot".

I am looking at the full tilt sally and reading the specs and I don't see any mention of 3 piece boot or what implies that this is a 3 piece boot. How do I know if a boot is a 3 piece boot or not? Thanks!

All Full Tilts are 3 piece. They use the same molds as the original 3 piece Raichle Flexons.
:)

The only other 3 piece boots on the market are Dalbello Kryptons. Take a look at the similarities in boot design between the 3 piece Full Tilts and 3 piece Dalbello Kryptons.

http://www.untracked.com/mortarimgcat/large/3554.jpg

and

http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/DBL/DBL0011/GDBLI.jpg

DennisEvans

11-11-2009, 04:37 PM

Here is the best explanation of the different boots I have ever seen
right click the image and view image to read all the text.

Carbio is often referred to as 3 piece boots
<img src=http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq160/godofmedia/scan0005-1.jpg width=500>
(skiing mag gear guide 2010)

DennisEvans

11-11-2009, 04:38 PM

All Full Tilts are 3 piece. They use the same molds as the original 3 piece Raichle Flexons.
:)

The only other 3 piece boots on the market are Dalbello Kryptons. Take a look at the similarities in boot design between the 3 piece Full Tilts and 3 piece Dalbello Kryptons.

http://www.untracked.com/mortarimgcat/large/3554.jpg

and

http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/DBL/DBL0011/GDBLI.jpg

There are also solomon spks

hyperguy

11-11-2009, 04:38 PM

http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=6391
Check out my thread here.
Though its true you dont want a forward lean in your boots The trick is there is no perfect boot but rather the perfect boot for you. this thread should help you figure out how to fit yourself. which toes are going numb? which superfeet are you using? where is the pain when you skiboard? are you doing toetaps or squats?

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 05:11 PM

thanks hyperguy and godofmedia.......

I read the referred thread and the link. I do feel that I was fitted correctly as my toes are at the end untl I stand up and then they no longer touch the end. My foot doesn't move in the boot. So if there is a problem with my boots it is that I am too forward and this is causing my leg pain and affecting my technique (or lack of).

So a 3 piece will allow me to stand straighter is what I am gathering is this correct? The article recommends freestyle skiboots or hard snowboard (alpine) boots. I gather from what I have read that these types of boots will have more flexibility so I am not leaning forward so much? How many people here use these types of boots as opposed to a traditional skiboot?

Do these hardshell snowbaord boots fit in the bindings sold on this website?

To answer your questions hyperguy, my second and third toe go numb when my boots are cranked too tight. I use the green superfeet. The pain is in the arch of my foot and/or my quads, Mostly the quads just burn like hell. No toetaps or squats.

SkaFreak

11-11-2009, 05:34 PM

3-piece boots are generally a bit flexier than standard ski boots, but the only things you really need to focus on are getting a boot that fits and that will allow an upright stance. A lot of people on here swear by Full-Tilts, but they will not fit all feet. I use them, but they are a bit on the narrow side. They are still my favorite boots that I can use with releasables. If my feet were any wider, I would need something different. My favorite boots that I have ever used were hardshell snowboard boots. They will work with any of the non-releasable bindings, but do not come with the standard DIN soles needed for use with releasable bindings.

hyperguy

11-11-2009, 05:40 PM

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 05:42 PM

thank you very much skafreak. Very useful info and good to know know before I pick my bindings. I am leaning towards releasable. My husband just got home and said we should be able to make some adjustments to my existing boots. We will see if it is enough and if not start looking for new boots.

hyperguy

11-11-2009, 05:48 PM

toe taps are literaly just that. keep your heel on the floor and lift your toes and the ball of your foot of the ground all the way up and back down. tap repeatedly full extension as fast as you can this will strengthen your shin muscles (the antirior tibialis). squats are self explanitory, squat down bending the knees but dont stick your but out or rotate your hips you probly wont go down to far but thats fine youll get a good stretch and will strengthen your quads. That will reduce the burn and help your knees track better as well.

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 05:53 PM

My boots cannot adjust back any further than they already are :( Now to find some local shops that might carry some of the freestyles so I can try them on.

DennisEvans

11-11-2009, 07:11 PM

My boots cannot adjust back any further than they already are :( Now to find some local shops that might carry some of the freestyles so I can try them on.

There will be several in your area that sell the 3 piece style boots, some shops will love them and some will hate them, but someone in seattle will have full tilts which, and I know I keep saying it, but will be the best boots you will ever wear. Here is the order you should try boots on:
1.) 98 cm last
Dalbello Krypton Storm Boots
<img src=http://media.rei.com/media/vv/a7743b64-c587-44bf-943d-d81e1c68a634.jpg width=200>
or
Salomon SPK Poison Boots
<img src=http://www.untracked.com/mortarimgcat/large/3754.jpg width=200>

2.) Full-Tilt Sally Boots 101 cm last
<img src=http://www.theskibum.com/skibum/assets/product_images/PAOHIDIBIDIJJIGC.jpg width=200> <img src=http://www.bergsskishop.com/images_prod/999/9151.jpg width=233>

slow

11-11-2009, 07:22 PM

My boots cannot adjust back any further than they already are :( Now to find some local shops that might carry some of the freestyles so I can try them on.

There is another option if you like the way your current ski boots fit, except for the lean and flex.

Most wrap style ski boots can have material ground off the bottom rear of the cuff to allow the cuff to stand more upright. I have done it myself with a drumel tool on my current boots. I also increased the slot length of the boot shell that is covered by the cuff to provide more flex.

I will post some pictures when I get a chance.

slow

11-11-2009, 09:12 PM

Here are the pictures:

To get less forward lean (more upright boot cuff), put masking tape about 1/8 inch up from the bottom edge of the cuff as a guide when grinding, push the cuff forward and hold with a clamp. Then carefully grind away the cuff material (where the arrow is pointing, NOT the shell) without hitting the shell with the grinder. You can slide a piece of sheet metal from inside the boot between the cuff and the shell to act as a barrier to prevent grinding the shell.

http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr206/yaroslow/Lean.jpg

To get more flex, lengthen the slots in the shell (where the arrows are pointed) by grinding them longer. Use a piece of sheet metal to protect the cuff this time. Do not increase the slot length too much since the cuff should always be covering the ends of the slots.

http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr206/yaroslow/BootFlex.jpg

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the suggestion slow.

Ok I just got back from trying on the Fult Tilt Sally and the Dalbello Krypton Lotus. Of the 2 I like the Dalbello. The Sally was tight and the buckles were maxed out. I know it will pack down but too much of a gamble. The Dalbello feels like my Nordicas in terms of how the foot fits. I think I was standing up straighter but difference is very slight. I hope it is significant enough on the slopes. My husband took 2 photos of me. He can see a difference and that I am straighter in the Dalbello's. Can you? Thanks!

The image on the left is the Nordica and the one on the right is the Dalbello

slow

11-11-2009, 09:46 PM

BattyChick,

The difference in the forward lean is very small as you said.

It may be best to get the new boards and bindings and try them out with your current boots with a focus on developing your carving technique by staying on edge.

Are any of the resorts open in your area yet?

BattyChick

11-11-2009, 10:01 PM

Yes one opened today. I am hoping to go before the end of the month. Not sure if I will have new boards by then or not. I think I will for sure have new boards by xmas time when I hope to make it up to the mountain a couple of times. Will ponder everything and see what hubby thinks. Might still get new boots as it would be a clean swap. He would prefer I swap things rather than grind my existing boots.

slow

11-11-2009, 10:04 PM

Let us know what you decide and how it all works out.

SkaFreak

11-11-2009, 11:29 PM

Were you trying to flex the boots as far upright as they would go in both pictures, or did you let them just relax to the most natural position? Also, did you notice if the Lotuses had any of the shims in the back where the cuff flexes? I doubt most stores would bother to put them in just for trying on in the store (so if you aren't sure, we can pretty safely assume they weren't), but they affect the forward lean.

BattyChick

11-12-2009, 10:56 AM

I was in a fairly relaxed upright position. The sales guy removed the shims when I told him I am looking for the most upright position so they were for sure removed. When I walked in them (the Dalbello) it did feel like a more natural gate than my Nordicas. I would say was the biggest noticable difference without having taken them on the slopes. I hope the slight change is more helpful to the problem at hand (leg pain) then it appears from a single try on.

FightingForAir

11-12-2009, 06:26 PM

I don't know if the Dalbello's are the same or not ... but on my Full Tilts, I was able to stand them up even more than just by removing the shims in the back.

The inserts surrounding the cam mechanisms on the side of the cuff could be popped out, flipped upside down, then reinserted. This raised the cuff up more and allowed it to stand even more upright (front to back).

As well, I know a lot of the talk on this thread has been about forward lean, etc ... but it is possible that part of your problem may be lateral cuff alignment ... not just the forward lean. If the cuff is canted too far to the outside for the shape of your leg, that could be messing you up and causing you pain as well. That same cuff alignment cam on the Full Tilts that I manipulated to stand up straighter front to back ... I also used to take out as much out the outward cant as possible. Huge difference in comfort. The significant outward cant of the cuff forced my knees to the outside when I would ride straight and run my boards flat. Any time I was not on edge, thighs would just kill. Not fun. For my quads and shins and feet to not hurt, I'd have to pull my knees in a bit and kind of ride the inside edges of my boards - which created a whole new set of problems. Straightened the cuffs up and no more problems.

I was also able to give my feet some more room by going inside the boot and moving the base of the cables to the widest possible position. They were set in the tightest slot when I purchased them and I didn't think I was going to be able to wear them because they were so tight on my feet. Again ... this is not the adjustment on the buckles on the outside of the boot ... it is inside the boot. There are three settings to chose from. That gives you significantly more room wherever you need it beyond just adjusting the buckles on the outside.

BattyChick

11-13-2009, 12:46 PM

Thanks so much for the info FightingForAir. I am working on getting the Dalbello's and we will deduct problems as well go until I am pain free (along with new boards and trying to use my edges more).

Manlenium

11-14-2009, 12:36 AM

Jack, what do you think about Mary Janes for her?

Narrow=less work to get on edge

Not too long, not too short, and I don't think they are that stiff, or are they?

I think its more technique based......I really need to get a basics lesson video up and running. I wanted to do that the first year, but I need a shooting partner.

I would go with the tanshos. You will increase your skill quickly and want more.

cmbruin

11-14-2009, 03:09 AM

As Greco said, using the walk mode on the boots helps a lot.

BattyChick

11-15-2009, 03:11 PM

Update: Just went and bought the Dabello Lotus'. I got the same sales guy who said we could also remove the plate the rests at the top back of the calf and that did it. I was way more upgright than with it in. Then I tried on my old pair of boots along side the new pair and you could now see the difference in my legs I was expecting. No more perma-squat going on :) I feel confident this will now help me further.

So now to order my new boards and I am thinking the Tanshos is best for me at this time then next year order up if my ability improves that much.

Huge thank you for everyones time to chime in with advice/info/opinions. If all goes well I will get my new skis in time for this coming Saturday. :) Very excited to have more fun than pain......