Boot Flex index

[highpeaksdrifter]

I know different boot manufactures use different flex indexes band that many people think they are too arbitrary, but I think they are useful dor most skiers so here are my questions:

What’s your boot flex and why?

Mine are 130. I consider myself a fairly strong aggressive skier so I want a high performance boot. However, I don’t want to go stiffer because I want a boot that cuts me enough slack to ski bumps and soft snow.

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

I know different boot manufactures use different flex indexes band that many people think they are too arbitrary, but I think they are useful dor most skiers so here are my questions:

What’s your boot flex and why?

Mine are 130. I consider myself a fairly strong aggressive skier so I want a high performance boot. However, I don’t want to go stiffer because I want a boot that cuts me enough slack to ski bumps and soft snow.

Same here...we seem to ski much alike.

Flex is VERY important to all skiers and everyone should be familiar with how their boots flex and how to adjust it. The ankle joint is the key joint for good skiing.

[awf170]

4.6 to 5.6 on heads scale. I have no idea what that means. All I know is that its not stiff. I think the mega-rides I just got are stiffer. I don't lean forward when I ski so I was okay...

[kidrice]

A couple of months ago I bought the Salomon 1080 Gun boots on ebay. It is similar to the 1080 Foil, but has a higher flex index at 95 and a Low Volume Last (tighter fitting boot liner). Salomon's highest index is 120 (I think). Since there is no standard these numbers are arbitrary thus vary from each manufacturer. For this reason I would not put much into these numbers. The only way to determine if the boot works for you is to put your foot in it. BUT NOTE; boots will flex much differently at room temperature then on the hill (stiffer). The colder the boots are the harder the plastics will get and you will get a stiffer flex. On the flip side, on a spring day boots will get soft. I have problems with boots that bottom out skiing bumps, so I would pack snow on the boot to cool them down (little tip).

Highpeaks, I am much like you and want an all around boot and that is why I picked up the 1080 Gun. I am not sure how big (height and weight) of a person you are, but I am 5' 6" 165lb and an expert skier. Height and weight are the biggest factors in determining how stiff a boot you need for obvious reasons. I have skied in Salomon boots for many years (7th pair) and their boots fit my feet. But each person has different preferences and feet, I like a softer boot and have narrow feet, so again you need to put your foot in the boot.

It is very rare to fine a shop that will allow you to demo performance boots, but if you can find one I would suggest that you demo. It really sucks to spend the type of money for a good pair of boots, then get on the hill and have your dogs barking all day long. It's no fun for the feet or the wallet. For those that live in Cali, Footloose in Mammoth has a great program for demoing boots and they KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. For those who live elsewhere and for some reason you decided to ski Mammoth, not sure why the hill sucks and only had 668" of snow fall this season . I would suggest checking them out if you have boot problems.

One other thing which is for another tread but FOOT BEDS.

Kid

[highpeaksdrifter]

Originally Posted by kidrice

A couple of months ago I bought the Salomon 1080 Gun boots on ebay. It is similar to the 1080 Foil, but has a higher flex index at 95 and a Low Volume Last (tighter fitting boot liner). Salomon's highest index is 120 (I think). Since there is no standard these numbers are arbitrary thus vary from each manufacturer. For this reason I would not put much into these numbers. The only way to determine if the boot works for you is to put your foot in it. BUT NOTE; boots will flex much differently at room temperature then on the hill (stiffer). The colder the boots are the harder the plastics will get and you will get a stiffer flex. On the flip side, on a spring day boots will get soft. I have problems with boots that bottom out skiing bumps, so I would pack snow on the boot to cool them down (little tip).

Good post Kid, your first paragraph has some good basic advice, kinda a Boot Fit 101

Originally Posted by kidrice

Highpeaks, I am much like you and want an all around boot and that is why I picked up the 1080 Gun. I am not sure how big (height and weight) of a person you are, but I am 5' 6" 165lb and an expert skier. Height and weight are the biggest factors in determining how stiff a boot you need for obvious reasons. I have skied in Salomon boots for many years (7th pair) and their boots fit my feet. But each person has different preferences and feet, I like a softer boot and have narrow feet, so again you need to put your foot in the boot.

Lots of factors in determing proper stiffness. I agree that cuff height dramatically affects stance and skiers weight is a big determiner of how much leverage a person will have on the boot. However, to me the most important factors are the skiers skill set and conditions they ski the majority of the time.

For those who live elsewhere and for some reason you decided to ski Mammoth, not sure why the hill sucks and only had 668" of snow fall this season . I would suggest checking them out if you have boot problems.

Never been to Mammoth, but would love to. 688" is a whole lot of snow.

[Skiiboot]

Highpeaksdrifter,

You are right about boot flex being different to each company. Boot flex is important for several reasons. Flex is important for what you are skiing, bumps, groomed, glades, and big pow. Flex is also important for anatomical reasons, and depends on range of motion of the ankle. Most company's boot flex range can start as low as 25dm and as high as 180or190. From kids to race so there is something for any skiier.
If you have any other questions please ask

Thanks

Jeff

[bigbog]

....A fflex zone that works for me (right now) seems to fall into the 80-100 in-the-shop-temperature fflex range
My limited dorsiflexion and 5'8"/170lb stature works really well and stays in balance easily with that area...

Steve

[Skiiboot]

Bigdog, That sounds good. Sounds like your on the money

Jeff

[NYDrew]

hey, jeff, you've left you own little personal forum, welcome to the "other threads"

just for curiosity, you know the flex on lange comp 120's?

[highpeaksdrifter]

Originally Posted by NYDrew

hey, jeff, you've left you own little personal forum, welcome to the "other threads"

just for curiosity, you know the flex on lange comp 120's?

The flex index on a comp 120 would be 120 wouldn't it?