Lange WC 160 (ZA-130) Flex

[Madroch]

Hi all, new to the board. Was hoping for any feedback on the Lange WC 160 in the ZA flex (130). Returned to the sport last year after many years (15+) away. Bought a pair of Krypton Rampage (25.5) for learning the new shaped skis and cruising with the young kids. They really packed out and were quite soft (probably one shell size too big to start also- a 24.5 would probably have worked better). Anyway, went on a boot fitting journey this fall-- tried every make and model out there (juniors and womens too) to find a boot that fit my VERY narrow and VERY low volume foot (and somewhat small foot-- a MM or two over 26.5). Had to try a pair of the Krypton Pros- but still quite wide for me and would require much padding.

At stop number 4- ended up being fitted for the Langes- which are snug- (92mm last) to say the least, but I sense will break in to fit very well after a day or two of discomfort (hopefully not agony). Love the fact that the boot hugs my foot everywhere so well (surprisingly enough, also a 25.5 shell, but a shorter BSL than the Dalbellos by a few MM-- the 24.5 Lange shell fit the toe a little better (would have needed a slight punch or grind probably) but could not be made to work with instep height (which is very low on this boot) and cuff position on leg. My concerns are: (1) too much boot- the flex range is much shorter than the Rampage (and stiffer)- and fear I will overski everything; and (2) the comfort of plug boots when just cruising with the kids (will it prove exhausting or cold). I am 5'9" and 150 lbs- athletic advanced skier who stays primarily on trail-- bumps and steeps are my favorite spots when not with the kids (but they are learning to love them as well).

The fitter, who appeared quite knowledgeable (not that I would know) didn't think either was an issue, and actually thought the ZB (140) flex may have been the ticket. Anyone skied these boots- from what I have read the flex range is much shorter than the WC 150 also?

 

[Greg]

I'm surprised you found the Krypton Pros too big. I have the lowest volume, flattest, narrowest and skinnies feet/ankle around and they fit great. Also realize that there is a lot of adustment on the Krypton. The critical middle buckle can be repositioned both at the clip and where the cable goes under the cuff to tighten it up. The top buckle clip too can be moved. The gold ID liner is very low volume as well. Also, don't form any misconception about how the boot feels prior to heating the liner. It's like night and day.

A 130 flex boot (I know flex ratings vary by manufacturer) sounds more like a race boot and probably overly stiff for bumps and free skiing. Only you know your foot though so if it seems like it will work for you, go for it.

And welcome to AZ! :beer:

 

[Madroch]

I think the Kryptons are generally 98mm last-- and the fitter (I think) had my foot at a 26.8 length and 90 MM width with no volume to speak of....While the Kryptons are narrower than many boots out there-- I am told they are not particularly narrow (contrast race boots). Yes, the Lange's are a race boot, full plug- thick shell for fitting, thin lace up liner... PITA to put on and take off- but fit like a second skin. I had zero interest in a race boot- and protested quite vehmently. However, it is my understanding that my narrow foot really limits the boots I will be able to fit into. It also appears that no one makes a high performance/performance boot that narrow, and that only the race models go much below 98mm, with only a very few at 92 mm-- and most, if not all of those save the Lange model I am in- are at a 150 flex- OUCH.

Your thoughts are my very concerns- re: stiff= no good in bumps, although I have read on other boards that many skiers don't mind stiff in bumps- may be a personal thing.

My kingdom for a truly narrow performance boot for mere mortals!

Thanks for your thougths and the welcome to the board-- I'll be the guy in the bumps on Temptor flailing wildly from the back seat in overly stiff baby blue boots!

 

[wa-loaf]

Definitely probably more boot than you need, but some selective cutting by a good boot fitter can ease up the stiffness if you find it to be too much.

 

[Madroch]

Yes- it is again my understanding (limited) that they can be softened-- either through notches (of limited effectiveness in this model due to the vertical cuff?????- or so I have read) or through removal of shell bolts in rear.

Haveing never been in a Lange- am wondering about how stiff the ZA plastic (130 flex) is as compared to other boots (I know all flexes vary by maker/model)- and having never been in a plug- am wondering how tiring/cold it may get after hour 7 at low to medium speeds with the kids in tow!

 

[Greg]

Thanks for your thougths and the welcome to the board-- I'll be the guy in the bumps on Temptor flailing wildly from the back seat in overly stiff baby blue boots!

:lol: Where are you from? Do you ski Sundown a lot?

 

[Mildcat]

I'd be nervous of a "boot fitter" that says that high of a flex rating isn't an issue. Sounds like he was just trying to make the sale. Where are you located? I'm sure people could recommend a good boot fitter.

 

[Madroch]

:lol: Where are you from? Do you ski Sundown a lot?

From central CT- proud first time owner of a season's pass at Sundown-- grew up there as a kid, left the sport- returned as a day ticket guy last year-- skied much more than anticipated- bit the bullet this year!

 

[Madroch]

I'd be nervous of a "boot fitter" that says that high of a flex rating isn't an issue. Sounds like he was just trying to make the sale. Where are you located? I'm sure people could recommend a good boot fitter.

Nervous I am-- but I did flex them full range quite effortlessly (albeit at 70 degrees in the shop). The guy was recomended by a couple of other shops in the central CT area who coulnd't fit my foot with anything they carried in shop.

 

[Greg]

From central CT- proud first time owner of a season's pass at Sundown-- grew up there as a kid, left the sport- returned as a day ticket guy last year-- skied much more than anticipated- bit the bullet this year!

Excellent! Be sure to join us on [thread="28164"]Wednesday nights[/thread] at Sundown. You'll find most of us endlessly lapping the bumps on Temptor and in the spring on Gunbarrel!

 

[bvibert]

Nervous I am-- but I did flex them full range quite effortlessly (albeit at 70 degrees in the shop). The guy was recomended by a couple of other shops in the central CT area who coulnd't fit my foot with anything they carried in shop.

There's only a couple of guys in CT (that I know of) who I would let fit my boots, and several that I wouldn't let anywhere near my feet again. If you haven't been to Dave Newman at Ski Market in Avon and/or to Peter at Suburban Sports in Berlin then I suggest you do so before making any decisions.

Definitely come to some of our Wednesday nights of bump fun. We'll be easy to spot...

 

[migs 01]

that is probably as stiff as I would go for general free skiing. You'll definitely need to be aggressive when skiing with it. if it feels like you skiing sucks then your probably not workin the boot. Personally i would have went with a softer boot for the type of skiing that you'll be doing. I think it's easier to stiffen a boot than soften it. If it's a true plug then you're feet may feel slightly colder than you're used to. As long as you don't wear cotton on you're feet you should be fine. I've been skiing lange boots for 15 years and they always feel really tight at first but break in nicely. What shop did you go to?

 

[migs 01]

Nervous I am-- but I did flex them full range quite effortlessly (albeit at 70 degrees in the shop).

flexing the boot while standing still in the shop and while in motion on skis are completely different. also, flexing should come from the ankles and not the knees. You can flex any boot completely by bending you kness and putting you body weight on it. when u use your ankles it's a different story.

In the end as long as your happy with them then that's all that counts.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

plug boots like that are somewhat of a blank canvas in the hands of a skilled bootfitter...they can be ground to fit where needed, soles can be lifted, canted, etc. Its very easy to soften the flex on those boots...the guys at suburban sports seem to know what they're doing and skidmarks who posts in here a fair amount could take care of you. Don't fret...easy enough to fix.

 

[Madroch]

As to the Wed. nights at Sundown, a couple of other elder bumpers and I are currently discussing what night to make our weekly "sans kids" outing. Is Wed. otherwise okay crowds wise, etc? If so, we will make it our night. We will also be there with the rug rats every Sat/Sun (except when the scheduling gods permit an outing to Snow or Sugurbush).

Visited Ski Market- not Dave, and it was upon the suggestion of the gentlemen who helped me there (after going through every men's, women's and junior boot in stock) that I saw John Rush at Ski Tunes in Simsbury. I liked him, but I wouldn't know a good fitter if he bit me in the back side. He did all the basic stuff I am aware of- measurement, shell fit, stance, alignment, etc.- and was tinkering an awful lot with the boots (buckles, cant (maybe) etc.

Thoughts on John at Ski Tunes?

 

[Madroch]

As to going with a softer boot- I would have preferred that, but couldn't find one narrow enough. This is the softest boot I could find in a 92mm last. If this boot can be effectively softened- than the only issue will be the plug fit- which I am sure I will love most times if it does not get me too cold/tired when cruising with the kids.

 

[Greg]

As to the Wed. nights at Sundown, a couple of other elder bumpers and I are currently discussing what night to make our weekly "sans kids" outing. Is Wed. otherwise okay crowds wise, etc? If so, we will make it our night. We will also be there with the rug rats every Sat/Sun (except when the scheduling gods permit an outing to Snow or Sugurbush).

First of all, it's not always a Wednesday, but that's usually the night we shoot for. Tuesday they hold the CISC racing. I think they did Nastar on Thursday last year, but I don't see any mention of it on their site this year. But as you probably know, most weeknights the place empties out after 7:30 pm. We meet at the sun deck on Nor'easter at 7:30. Once Gunbarrel is seeded at the end of Febriary, we'll probably have to move the meet-up spot to the top of Gunny. No sense in wasting a bump run!

 

[Madroch]

I did not know the place empties out after 7:30-- good to know. I only hit a few nights last year-- including the Friday night with the storm-- that was a good bump night-- went nonstop.

 

[Greg]

I did not know the place empties out after 7:30-- good to know. I only hit a few nights last year-- including the Friday night with the storm-- that was a good bump night-- went nonstop.

Oh God. That was my best night ever at Sundown. Skied from 3 pm to closing. I pray we get a few of those this season:





Sorry for the hijack. I'm a little stoked for Sundown bumps...

 

[bvibert]

Weeknights all all pretty similar crowds wise, except Friday nights. Friday nights typically have the highest number of school groups overall and also the highest number that stay later because of it not being a school night.

I don't know anything about John at Ski Tunes, never been.